Al Ain City - Geography and Urban Planning - Case Study Example

The Running Head: Al Ain City   Your name:   Course name:             Professors’ name: Date: Outline Introduction Purpose of Planning Alternative Land usages Growth in population City Description Importance of Planning Ways of Planning Feasibility study of the city Recommendation Introduction “Since early 60s, most of Middle East countries have experience radical change in economic and social changes” (Hoshino 2009). This not as a result of income generated from oil since early days, but these governments have embraced political changes and economic modernization in their respective countries. The effects of these changes that have happened inside most of Middle East countries have been felt since early 90s by an unconditioned, quick and even opening of the external world to these Middle East countries, especially adopting western way of living in urbanization and social relationship. Most of these countries in Middle East have adopted western pattern from the feeling of backwardness as compared to the rest of other continents and from an aspiration for progress in those countries. In most of these countries, the presence of worker force from other countries has heightened the process and influence the content of these major cities that are found in Middle East. Majority of these cities were modest in size and functions because the water availability was scarce and had poor soil, while the environment was harsh with limited opportunities. “The population was mostly found in oases or near harbors’ because limited opportunities were mostly found in these areas such as farming and trading” (Hoshino 2009). Planning and implementation plan for Al Ain is divided into 3 interrelated forms of plans. They are mainly: Structure Plan, it gives details on the future of both urban and rural areas of Abu Dhabi. Local Plan, “this is part of structure plan which is part of the urban or rural area. Lastly, action area plans, which is for short term implementation, but it is belongs to structure plan” (Hoshino 2009). Purpose of Planning There are many reasons why cities or towns will plan for their well being, most of these reasons are being influenced by the geographical and cultural situation found in that city or town, but there are some common aspects which must be considered during a planning of a city or a town. The purpose of planning of Al Ain is stated in Urban Structure Plan policy, the main reason is to plan from 2015 and beyond. “The planning of Al Ain’s city is based on various sectors such as; tourism and leisure, financial industry, land, manufacturing, environment, housing, healthcare services and education” (King 2010). The city is able to predict the number of its citizen at various times within the plan period, but the number of non citizens coming into the city cannot be predicted because they entirely depend on the direction of the economy of the city, in particular the policy which touches on the future of agricultural sector in the country. For example, in agricultural sector between the year 1985 to 2001, the city forecast was from 11,000 to 8,000, but after 15 years the population in this industry was approximated to be 57,000, and this was 25 per cent of the total employment in that city. In the year 2015, the number of citizens in that city is predicted to reach 212,930 and this will be an increase of 60 per cent over population that was in 2001. “While the non citizens coming into the city have been predicted to increase by 72 per cent and this will be 466,810 people over the same period” (King 2010). Land availability within the city is already committed for housing or other uses, within the control policies set by the city. Therefore, “the household growth for both citizen and non citizens will be higher in the near future, the city will be forced to acquire land outside its boundary so that to cope with the growth of the population” (King 2010). At the moment the traffic to and from the city is relatively low with traffic volumes, this only mean one thing i.e. the road user within the city enjoy high standard of services that are available within the city. According to the transportation plan that is available in the city, the aim of this policy is to make sure that road users enjoy the same high level of road services that they have now in the city and its environs. “In the future the traffic in this city will increase, in the policy the city will upgrade public transport services, at same time roads to meet this demand that will be experienced by the city” (King 2010). Alternative Land usages The current demographic trends that are being experienced in the city will lead to a future crisis in food shortage. The building constructions in Al Ain are eating on arable land that was being used in food production. The rural areas contribute to the city agricultural economies, but farming in the region has been affected negatively by the effect of urban development that is experienced in Al Ain City. This has been a dilemma for the authority that is responsible for planning of this city; to continue producing food for it growing population at same time addressing the issue of urban growth in the city. For this dilemma to be addressed it must be two fold, either to limit the land used for agriculture to be used for development, or the land used for the expansion of the Al Ain City should be away from prime agricultural lands. Al Ain City can protect its land which used in agriculture by only formulating a proper planning that will balance development pattern in this city. The planning authority in the city has many options at their disposal to address this dilemma of planning; such as: The state should enter into agreement with farmers so that to ensure farmers that agricultural land should not be developed in the next 10 years, and in return the farms should be given incentives; such as tax benefits: another option for the state is to put permanent restrictions on the agricultural land not to be used for urban development; as long as the land is used for agriculture the farmers should be given cash payment: Lastly, The city should create an agricultural board. There are tools which can be used to protect land used in farming, and should be given high priority; should be part of the city masters plan. The city resident will play an important role during implementation of these plans. Various zoning techniques can be adapted in the city of Al Ain so that the arable land could be protected. Zoning techniques includes the following: Sliding scale zoning; including allowing some parts of land used for farming to be used for other purposes and this usually depends on the size of the land; when the land is big, means large allocation of land for other uses. Quarter zoning; these whereby for every 40 acres of land used in farming, only one resident is allowed and once the lot has been allocated, non farming development in that piece of land is not allowed. This will guide the city in attaining food security in the near future. Exclusive Agricultural zoning; in these areas non-farm activities are not allowed including construction of residents, The areas is only allowing permits for family of people owing the land and workers employed on a farm. Agriculture buffer zoning; this is used to protect the integrity of land used in agriculture. Both resident and land used in farming are strictly created; land which is used in farming will be strictly used for farming and vice versa. Improve Transportation Network In many cities in Europe rail transport is inclusive of the local population and it is well organized, and the inhabitants in those countries are making use of that mode of transportation. A good example of these cities is London in United Kingdom and New York in United States. If the Al Ain city constructs rail transport it will supplement the already existing road transportation and this will also have a significant development of trade, industry and commerce of Al Ain city. There are many advantages that will come as result of implementation of rail transportation in the city. For example; bulky goods produced in the city and which are not easily transported through the road, will be easily transported through rail transport and for a long distance. The second reason is that rail transport it will provide the city with a quick mode of transport to industries because products coming in or outside the city will be transported with speed. The third reason is that it will help in the industrialization of the city because many investors are attracted in a place where there is a good railway system and cheap energy can be transported in and outside the city, for example oil which is found abundantly in the surrounding cities. The fourth reason is that rail transport will encourage mobility of labor force for citizen and non citizens that are found in the city and this in return will increase employment. Lastly rail transport is the safest form of transport as compared to other mode of transport and the chances of breakdown are minimal and this will increase the investor confidence for the city. Growth in population Construction in cities is a recent phenomenon, but it comes with its challenges when land is taken away to pave way for construction of housing or hotel. Al Ain city is raphidly urbanizing, but it not clear if the city has the resources to cope with this trend of urbanization. The city authority should try and solve the problem of overpopulation by constructing more houses. It is known that the environment in which we are living in usually affects person health and well-being, although access to health and social support facilities such as recreational facilities will make a difference in person’s life. By constructing houses; first of all it will create the much needed jobs in the city, secondly housing problem in the city will be addressed, This in return will increase constructions of hotels in the city to try and catch up on the demand that come up with the growth of tourism sector in the city. Other programs that will encourage hotel industry growth in the city are: the marketing and promotional tools of the city should be improved, people working in hotel industry should be well trained on how to handle different kind of visitors, the city should initiate programs that involves the private sector that acts as a catalyst to investment on this sector and lastly the city should develop infrastructure that will make possible for growth of tourism, for example building of new stadiums that will encourage participation of international sports such as Olympic games and Fifa World cup. There are many industries which are closely associated with hotel industry such as real estate, banking, retail market and food and beverage markets, therefore these industries should be strengthen. City Description Al Ain is a historical city which dates back in the 4th millennium BC and this city is the second largest in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, but the fourth largest in U.A.E. The city is considered to be an agricultural center of the Emirates and also educational town because many universities are found in this city. In the year 2009 the city had the population of over 374,000 people, the location of the city is approximately 165 km east of the Abu Dhabi and is also found south of Dubai approximately 120 km. the city is believed to be approximately 13,100 square kilometer and borders Oman to the east, Sharjan to the north, and Saudi Arabia to the south. The major land monument is Hafeet Mountain and is found southeast of the city, while sand dunes are found to the north and east of Al Ain city. At the moment the city is developing as a favorite tourist destination, because of it dry desert air it makes the city a favorable place for retreat from people in other big cities, these is because many citizens from other cities have houses in Al Ain city which makes the city a favorite weekend destinations. The city has many attractions such as Al Ain and National Museum and Al Ain Palace Museum, many restored forts and several Oases that are found all over the city. Although the city is smaller as compared to Dubai, the city has a large track of land. The policy of the city concerning the housing is that non citizens are not allowed to buy property, so renting is the only option that they have. There are four types of housings which are available in the city, and these options are apartments, semi-detached, villas and freestanding villas. Most of semi-detached villas are built in traditional Arabic styles and they vary from one bed roomed houses to four bed roomed houses, while freestanding villas have are usually big in nature and have a front courtyard. It has been noted that the cost of renting new houses within the city is rising, but the prices are much cheaper than in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, because of these a new trend has emerged whereby workers from Dubai or Abu Dhabi usually rent housed in Al Ain but during the day they will drive to work in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, in return they might save between 50 per cent to 60 per cent of their rent allowance. Importance of Planning City planning is an important part of economic and social development and establishment of a character unique to the city. “Lack of planning of a city leaves development of that city and in return market forces will start to control a city identity, and these forces will not be in tandem to the desires and values of that city” (Hellyer 2008). A city without proper planning and management may or will become faceless and in return the members of community in that city will suffer negatively, these effects will be felts in the economy, the local environment, in the infrastructure and most important the quality of life of people in that city will deteriorate. It not possible to plan effectively and control some aspects that affects the city, but effort must be applied by all means to prepare the city for the future. “For example, tourism industry in the city cannot develop a plan for economy based on fishing. Although fishing industry can influence the future health of its present economy and encourage the building of new industries in that city” (Hellyer 2008). In any country many people tend to prefer life in urban areas because of the availability of many opportunities that are found in these areas, such as: housing, employment, quality education, better infrastructure, and healthcare services. But sometimes life in many cities including Al Ain can be problematic; “people will start competing for these services for their survival. As a result of people moving from rural areas to urban areas will bring over population of cities and this in return creates social problems in that urban area” (Hellyer 2008). The major problems that should always be tackle in Al Ain City is unemployment, and this is brought about when those people in Al Ain looking for employment is high than jobs which are there in that city. People will lack jobs and the effect of this is, they will not afford the basic human things such as food, shelter and education. In order for these jobless people in a city to try and afford these basic things they will seek other means such as stealing and opium addiction or peddling, these negative consequences will have negative effect to the City. Another problem which the authority in Al Ain must address is dense population, over population in a city will bring other negative social effects such as: air and water pollution, because there will be many cars which are concentrated in one particular place and at same time garbage’s if remain unchecked will litter the streets and water points in that area. In addition straining of sewer system in the city will make it too bust and this will cause health problems to people in that city. Lastly, when the city authority lack to plan on healthcare, people will be killed from diseases and mortality rate of the city will increase significantly. Ways of Planning Land transformation: this is the modern way of using land, machines, and technology with the aim of producing sufficient food for the people leaving in a particular place or town. There are many ways in which land can be transformed to meet the demand for food in Al Ain city. The first way is the city authority can do is the use of greenhouses for farming. As you know the Al Ain is located in semi arid area where rainfall is not sufficient. “With the introduction of greenhouse food sufficient of the city will be met and in return the city will save water because the amount of water used in greenhouses is little when compared to open land farming” (Brunn 2008). Hotel Planning: there are some places which are highly popular among tourists coming into the city, such places are near the museum, along the beach and lastly in the game park. “For an investor wanting to construct should consider those places, but the city should encourage investors to construct hotels along the national park to prevent congestion of people in the city centre” (Brunn 2008). Residential development: the city authority should concentrate on developing rural area and giving tax incentive to those companies which open up shop in those areas. These will help in rural to urban migration which is being experienced in most cities in the world at same time job opportunities will be found in rural areas, and this will have positive effect on social economic of the city such as employment and healthcare services will be distributed equally. Feasibility study of the city “On environment, the government should decide to plants trees, imagine if the entire resident are in Al Ain plant trees within the city” (Page 2008), it will amount to afforestration in the city and return this will make our environment healthier. The people within the city should be encouraged to use bicycle when they are moving over a shorter distance. The aim of this will create a physically fit city and at same time it will minimize the pollution in the city. “Water which is a major part of environment should be used well and all those people who are found misusing it should be fined. While the government should put in place measures that can prevent water pollution” (Page 2008). Apart from depending on oil and tourism industry for generation of income for the city, the city authority should invest in other places in the economy. For example Japan has no oil or other major resources as compared to other developed countries such as United States, but Japan is the first in wealth creation in Asian Continent because it has invested in manpower and technology. “For every ten new technology that is produced every year, the country of Japan produces six of them. The city should follow Japan and start to invest in education and modern technology that are available in the world” (Page 2008). Data Collection In any research, data collection is an important part. When you have inaccurate data it will impact negatively in any planning of any city. “There are some basic requirements that must be used to collect reliable and impartial data that will be used in planning of Al Ain city. It is not possible for planning to be 100 per cent perfect” (Freestone 1998), but there are methods that I will use to minimize the errors during planning. Some of these methods are: “I will interview the relevant authority, search for already existing materials and this will include official statistic records of the city, observation and lastly, I will use questionnaire and schedule if need arise” (Freestone 1998). Recommendation The city of Al Ain has been traditionally known to be historic heart of UAE, the city is growing at alarming rate and measure need to taken so that the city can catch up with this changes. Measures should be taken to control pollution in the city and this can only be done when industries should be relocated to places which population is not high, this will reduce the hazards of pollutions that come with these industries, while those chemical companies should be constructed away from food industries. The city authority should put in place proper and efficiency waste management policy, this should target medical and industrial wastes which if they are not properly disposed can have negative impact on the people such as contraction of HIV. Those bars which serve “shisha” should be relocated from residential areas to remote areas so that to minimize pollution in residential areas. Lastly, in 1998 there were only 19 cafes but as in 2010 there are more than 1000 outlets, Laws should be formulated to control these cafes. References Brunn, S. (2008). Cities of the world: world regional urban development. London: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. Freestone, R. (1998). The twentieth century urban planning experience. London: Faculty of the Built Environment, University of New South Wales Hellyer, P. (2008). United Arab Emirates: a new perspective. Houston: Gulf Publishing. Hoshino, T. (2009). Urban flotsam: stirring the city. New York: Association Press. King,D. (2010). United Arab Emirates. Englewood Cliffs. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Regents. Page, K. (2008). Middle East Review. Hampshire: Macmillan Publisher.   Read More