Zayed City

Authentic Sustainable Modern Capital

The Zayed City is a key project of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, a monumental planning initiative envisaged by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan to guide and promote the ongoing evolution of Abu Dhabi as a global capital city.

Vision, Site, Location

In creating this new city, the Master Plan has capitalized on the site’s physical assets – its centrality within the region and accessibility to both Abu Dhabi Island and emerging developments on the mainland; its proximity to a well-connected highway network; coastal climate and breezes; and its adjacencies to existing residential neighborhoods. The site’s triangular shape provided strong cues for organizing development around the proposed high-capacity transit lines and creating a series of symbolic and visual axes that link important civic spaces and landmarks, terminating at a central civic space that will represent the nation.

Urban Design Layers

Explore the City

Radial Streets

The city structure links national government, city life and Emirati culture through creation of distinct districts and national institutions connected by grand boulevards, walkable streets, monumental spaces and a world-class public transit system.
At the city’s center, a radial pattern of streets surrounds a central monumental space. This radial pattern of streets is the primary framework for identity and place-making and provides the structure for neighborhoods and connectivity within the District.

Grand Boulevards and Institutions

A series of seven, tree-lined grand boulevards, representing the seven emirates, connect the symbolic centre with surrounding districts, large civic institutions, and regional access routes. The monumental Capital Boulevard provides a beautiful and dramatic connection between the Presidential Palace and the Grand Mosque on Abu Dhabi Island.

Precinct Identity

The Plan strives to create a coherent sense of place that provides precinct and neighborhood identity through land use mix, block structure, streetscape design, architectural expression, district amenities, vibrant civic spaces and landscape expression.
Within each of the Plan’s six precincts are several smaller and neighborhoods formed around retail and transit streets, community facilities, schools and local parks.

Transit

The location of the public transport network has significant impacts on land use, density, pedestrian access and overall district character, and was a fundamental urban design device in the Master Plan.

Regional Rail

The regional rail will connect the Capital District with Al Ain, Dubai, the Airport and downtown Abu Dhabi. A multi- modal transportation hub will provide a world-class interchange for metro, fast train, trams, buses and taxis and be a focal point for high density retail and office development in the CBD.

Metro

Metro stations will be conveniently located within walking distance of the highest density areas in order to serve the largest population and reduce reliance on driving. Transit-oriented development at each station will provide a range of housing, shopping, employment and community services.

Trams

An extensive and interconnected network of trams throughout the majority of the city will ensure that no resident is less than a five minute walk from transit.