More than 40 abandoned buildings deemed a blight on the Abu Dhabi landscape - and a potential health hazard - have been earmarked for demolition.
Abu Dhabi City Municipality has already started the process of tearing down the 44 eyesore properties, with work underway to remove the rest.
The municipality has said that they are among a total of 90 buildings across the capital, including 10 multi-level buildings, 66 villas, 10 government buildings and 4 private buildings in Al Mina, Al Karama, Al Mushrif and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Road, which have been identified as abandoned as part of an ongoing campaign to enhance the look of the emirate.
The municipality is calling on owners of abandoned buildings to seek permits for the demolition or rehabilitation of the problem properties as soon as possible.
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An Abu Dhabi City Municipality statement said: “The abandoned buildings do not reflect the aesthetic view of Abu Dhabi city, and fall short of the security, safety and public health standards.
“They also constitute a risk to the lives and safety of community members and occupants and have a negative impact from a social perspective on the district and other surrounding homes.”
The Municipality has warned owners they could face prosecution if they don't comply with orders to improve or demolish buildings.
33 offences were issued under the abandoned property article law and a further 11 under the failure to carry out necessary maintenance to maintain the safety of the building and public view this year.
Buildings targeted under the removal campaign include those abandoned for prolonged periods and which constitute an eyesore and have become a public burden due to issues such as accumulated dust and waste, growth of weeds and the breeding of insects and rodents.