Back to the Future: Reflections from Abu Dhabi
From May to August 2024, I had the opportunity to return to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, to contribute to the 10-year update of the Capital Urban Plan, a long-term strategic blueprint guiding development across the Emirate to 2040.
It was a unique and surreal experience. The Capital Urban Plan was the final project I worked on before leaving the Middle East almost a decade ago. Walking back into the same office, catching up with former colleagues, and picking up threads from years past brought a strong sense of déjà vu along with a renewed appreciation for the long-term impact of the work we do.
Revisiting a Vision
Being on the ground in Abu Dhabi allowed me to see the tangible outcomes of a vision we helped shape through earlier 2007 and 2014 urban plans. So much has changed, but the core structure and intent of the original urban framework remains visible. There’s something powerful about being able to see the legacy of that work now coming to life.
Some of the most rewarding moments during my stay have included:
Experiencing the revitalised public realm — well-shaded pedestrian environments, improved coastal access, and generous green spaces that make the city far more liveable, even in the heat of summer.
Seeing the activation of the outer islands, particularly Saadiyat Island, now home to the Louvre and other cultural institutions. One morning, I watched gazelles grazing near the highway not far from the museum quarter. That moment really captured the unique interplay of nature and culture that defines Abu Dhabi.
Being immersed in Emirati culture, witnessing a deep connection to the desert and marine environment that informs planning decisions aimed at delivering long-term benefits with the courage to test, adapt, and endure.
Visiting the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island
Frank Gehry-designed Guggenheim Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island
Old Friends, New Perspectives
One of the unexpected joys of this trip has been reconnecting with former colleagues—some of whom were also involved in the 2007 and 2014 urban plans. The warm welcome, long catch-ups over Arabic coffee (which I’ve definitely missed), and a shared sense of pride in what’s been achieved made returning feel even more meaningful.
Stepping back into the same workspace, now buzzing with a new cohort of planners and designers, reminded me how enduring these professional communities can be, and how valuable it is to maintain long-term relationships in a field that moves both fast and slow.
A night out with colleagues at Qasr Al Hosn
Reflections for New Zealand
Working in Abu Dhabi again has sharpened my perspective on planning back home in New Zealand, especially as the Ministry for the Environment prepares to introduce the Planning Act and Natural Environment Act.
There are a few stand-out lessons from the Abu Dhabi experience, including:
Deliverability is everything: The Capital Urban Plan isn’t just a document, it’s backed by implementation frameworks, cross-agency coordination, and regular performance monitoring. It’s an execution-focused model that keeps the plan alive.
Integration at every level: The Emirate’s ability to align infrastructure, transport, land use, environment, and economic strategy into a single spatial vision is something we could really benefit from replicating at a regional level.
Design matters: Abu Dhabi’s commitment to quality urban design, whether in transport hubs, civic spaces, or the public realm, reinforces the importance of planning that pays attention to human experience.
Modern design for waterfront living
Looking Ahead
Working on this update has reminded me how impactful good planning can be when it’s resourced, supported, and sustained over time. It has also reinforced why I’m drawn to this work. Planning isn’t just about maps and policies, it’s about places, people, and potential.
As I head back to New Zealand, I’ll be bringing home renewed inspiration, a taste for strong Arabic coffee, enduring friendships, and a deeper belief in the value of long-term, spatial planning to guide development effectively and achieve the outcomes we want to see for future generations.
Sunset from Rabdan