Launched in May 2008, Estidama, which means ‘sustainability’ in Arabic is Abu Dhabi’s sustainable buildings and communities program and aims to ensure sustainable design, operation and maintenance of all types of buildings and communities in the Emirate. The first program of its kind that is tailored to the region, Estidama aims to promote a new “sustainability at large” mindset among the government, developers, operators and individuals. Conceived to support the realisation of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, Estidama is initiated under the direction of Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council in collaboration with a number of government agencies and developers who share the vision to transform Abu Dhabi into the sustainable Arab capital.

Plan Abu Dhabi 2030

Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, which aims for Sustainable Development as the driving force behind any new development efforts for the Capital’s future urban development, led the Government through its the Urban Planning Council (UPC) in the creation of the Estidama Buildings and Communities Program in late 2007.

Formally launched in May 2008, Estidama, which means ‘sustainability’ in Arabic aims to ensure sustainable design, operation and maintenance of all types of buildings and communities. It is a reflection of the values and ideals of the nation.

With Estidama, Abu Dhabi – as a sustainable community – is promoting economic growth while enhancing the overall quality of life and protecting environmental resources. Estidama is the first program of its kind that is tailored to the region, promoting a new mindset between government, developers, operators and individuals.

The program was initiated by the UPC alongside a number of different government agencies and developers who share the vision to transform Abu Dhabi into a sustainable Arab Capital.

The symbol of a clear political vision that is intended to balance citizen “sustainable” interest through a planning process of visionary scope, the Estidama program addresses sustainability concerns at large through environmental, economic, cultural and social angles. It includes a set of guidelines and regulations that will be introduced through a smooth and incremental process to ensure the dynamic development of Abu Dhabi; and positions the City as a worldwide hub for sustainable research and development. The Estidama Sustainable Buildings and Communities Program consists of three key elements that are being carried out simultaneously: New Building Guidelines, Existing Building Guidelines and Community Design Guidelines.

The program will establish a specialized panel of government bodies that will carry out market studies and technical research, train assessors, and issue formal certifications that guarantees the proper development and implementation of the guidelines and regulations. The program will also include feedback and consulting with different stakeholders such as government agencies, utility providers, developers and planning consultants to draft sustainability guidelines for public facilities such as sidewalks and parks. The Estidama program will help save energy and water consumption by up to 30%.

With this solid foundation, the Capital’s government will adopt the “Estidama Pearl rating” system which will be used to certify all sustainable buildings and communities accordingly. This innovative rating system will help identify sustainability elements and criteria that will define Abu Dhabi’s future needs. This clearly positions Estidama as a driving element of cohesion that gives an “edge” to Plan Abu Dhabi 2030.

About Urban Planning Council

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council was created by Emiri Decree number 23 of the year 2007 and is the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi’s urban environments, and the expert authority behind the visionary Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan published September 2007.  Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council defines the shape of the Emirate, ensuring factors such as sustainability, infrastructure capacity, community planning and quality of life, by overseeing development across the city and the Emirate as a whole.  The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council ensures best practice in planning for both new and existing urban areas.

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council’s primary purpose is to deliver upon the vision of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Ruler of Abu Dhabi for the continued fulfilment of the grand design envisaged by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and the ongoing evolution of Abu Dhabi as a global capital city.  By drawing on urban planning expertise locally, throughout the GCC and around the world, the UPC strives to be a global authority on the future of urban planning and design.