SEOUL // Abu Dhabi's ambitious Economic Vision 2030 has been held up as a pioneering example of planning that should be a bedrock for development in the Arab and Asian world.
Its scale, and the way it is expected to change the urban setting and use of infrastructure and the environment, was roundly praised at the 10th annual Korea-Middle East Cooperation Forum on Wednesday.
Kim Jong-young, a former Korean ambassador to Saudi Arabia, described Vision 2030 as "a design force to be reckoned with".
"The development of the UAE will transform it into a state-of-the-art nation," Mr Kim said.
Prof Sherif Heikal, from Hankuk University of Foreign Studies in Seoul, was also full of praise.
"I am very proud to find a policymaker in the Middle East who has such a comprehensive vision for the future generation," Prof Heikal said. "I would like to see this vision generalised for other Middle Eastern countries."
Vision 2030 is Abu Dhabi's plan to diversify its economy away from sole reliance on hydrocarbons.
Its projects include Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (Kizad), Abu Dhabi Airport Business Park, Al Maryah Island, Paris-Sorbonne University on Reem Island, Saadiyat Island's Cultural District, Yas Island, the newly opened Dh44 billion Khalifa Port and the multibillion-dollar national Etihad Rail programme.
Mohammed Al Khadar, executive director at the capital's Urban Planning Council (UPC), was invited to speak on the masterplan at the gathering in Seoul.
At a panel session on New Frontiers of Economic Co-operation, Mr Al Khadar said Vision 2030 was a "courageous plan" inspired by the late President Sheikh Zayed.
"The vision is to create a confident, secure society and to develop a sustainable, global and competitive economy," he said.
Mr Al Khadar said the Abu Dhabi infrastructure and urban planning model was one from which South Korea and Middle East countries could benefit.
"We are so proud to say we are role models," he said. "Planning is everything. You base everything on indicators and it all comes back to urban planning, to build up regions, to secure growth."
The UPC has split Vision 2030 into four key masterplans, for Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Gharbia and the maritime industry.
"These are the heavyweight projects the UPC are so proud of in terms of the community return," Mr Al Khadar said.
Last year the UPC and the South Korean ministry of land, transport and maritime affairs signed an agreement to share experiences in urban planning strategies, methods and best practices.
Mr Al Khadar said the relationship between the two nations was complementary, with both sides benefiting.
"Abu Dhabi has very ambitious plans with Vision 2030," said Aidha Al Breiki, head of international relations at the Department of Economic Development.
"Most of these projects are productive and the vision itself is to move away from depending on oil, and we hope by 2030 that 65 per cent of the economy will be non-oil."
In June, the Statistics Centre Abu Dhabi said non-oil business and industry contributed almost 10 per cent to the economy last year.
Mr Al Breiki highlighted the growing economic partnership between Korea and the Middle East.
"The relationship between the Arab world and Korea has increased tremendously over the years in terms of energy, petroleum, technology and now medical services," he said.
Trade between South Korea and the GCC had almost doubled over the past two years, from US$61.5 billion (Dh225.8bn) to $112bn.
The forum, at the Millennium Seoul Hilton on Wednesday, was co-hosted by the Jeju Peace Institute, the Korea-Arab Society and the Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research.
It was sponsored by Korea's ministry of foreign affairs and trade.
jbell@thenational.ae
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Essentials
The flights: You can fly from the UAE to Iceland with one stop in Europe with a variety of airlines. Return flights with Emirates from Dubai to Stockholm, then Icelandair to Reykjavik, cost from Dh4,153 return. The whole trip takes 11 hours. British Airways flies from Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Reykjavik, via London, with return flights taking 12 hours and costing from Dh2,490 return, including taxes.
The activities: A half-day Silfra snorkelling trip costs 14,990 Icelandic kronur (Dh544) with Dive.is. Inside the Volcano also takes half a day and costs 42,000 kronur (Dh1,524). The Jokulsarlon small-boat cruise lasts about an hour and costs 9,800 kronur (Dh356). Into the Glacier costs 19,500 kronur (Dh708). It lasts three to four hours.
The tours: It’s often better to book a tailor-made trip through a specialist operator. UK-based Discover the World offers seven nights, self-driving, across the island from £892 (Dh4,505) per person. This includes three nights’ accommodation at Hotel Husafell near Into the Glacier, two nights at Hotel Ranga and two nights at the Icelandair Hotel Klaustur. It includes car rental, plus an iPad with itinerary and tourist information pre-loaded onto it, while activities can be booked as optional extras. More information inspiredbyiceland.com
The specs
Engine: Four electric motors, one at each wheel
Power: 579hp
Torque: 859Nm
Transmission: Single-speed automatic
Price: From Dh825,900
On sale: Now
Credits
Produced by: Colour Yellow Productions and Eros Now
Director: Mudassar Aziz
Cast: Sonakshi Sinha, Jimmy Sheirgill, Jassi Gill, Piyush Mishra, Diana Penty, Aparshakti Khurrana
Star rating: 2.5/5
David Haye record
Total fights: 32
Wins: 28
Wins by KO: 26
Losses: 4
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs: 2018 Maxus T60
Price, base / as tested: Dh48,000
Engine: 2.4-litre four-cylinder
Power: 136hp @ 1,600rpm
Torque: 360Nm @ 1,600 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel consumption, combined: 9.1L / 100km
Real estate tokenisation project
Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.
The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.
Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.
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Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
