ABU DHABI, 21 September 2007 — By 2030 Abu Dhabi’s gross population is projected to surge to 3.1 million from the current baseline figure of 930,000 in 2007, while annual tourist visits and residential units are set to rise to 7.9 million and 686,000 from 1.8 million and 180,000 respectively.
The population of Abu Dhabi is expected to increase from 930,000 in 2007 to 1.3 million in 2013, 2 million in 2020 and to 3.1 million in 2030, according to estimates made by the Plan Abu Dhabi 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan which was launched in the capital on Wednesday.
The Urban Structure Framework Plan, ‘Plan Abu Dhabi 2030’, presents a coherent picture for the future of the City of Abu Dhabi as an environmentally, socially and economically sustainable community and as an increasingly important national capital.
It provides for a way to grow and take advantage of the economic opportunities at hand without sacrificing the best of the city while adding new elements to make it a great world metropolis.
Abu Dhabi will see strong demand for residential units across all sectors of the market as the population grows. Strong governmental and service sectors will lead to a gradual increase in the proportion of white-collar workers.
According to the plan, the number of residential units will jump to 686,000 by 2030 from 180,000 in 2007, 251,000 in 2013 and 411,000 in 2020.
Increases in hotel rooms supply will be essential to accommodate the anticipated growth in both business and leisure guests to Abu Dhabi. The islands will be the primary location for leisure hotel development, while new business hotels will be needed close to the business centers and the airport.
Hotel rooms are projected to rise from 10,000 in 2007 to 21,000, 49,000 and 74,000 by 2013, 2020 and 2030 respectively. Annual tourist visits are set to go up to 7.9 million by 2030 from 1.8 million, 3.3 million and 4.9 million in 2007, 2013, 2020 and 2030 respectively. While Abu Dhabi’s economy will remain strongly influenced by the energy sector, growth in government, institution and service sector employment will lead to increasing demand for office space as the market matures.
