Planning Means Performance as Abu Dhabi Looks to Manage Urban Growth

ABU DHABI, UAE, April 19, 2010 - Rapid urban growth in emerging nations has rarely been accompanied by
foresight and planning. As economies expand, sucking more and more people
into towns and cities in search of jobs and prosperity, the up-shot has too
often been uncontrolled development, scant regard for building standards and
an ugly urban sprawl.

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But in Abu Dhabi, one of the seven emirates that comprise the United Arab
Emirates and home to its capital city, municipal authorities are showcasing
their vision for a future marked by structure and enlightened regulation
underpinned by quality municipal services.

Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipal Affairs and the emirate's three
municipal authorities at Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Western Region will be
unveiling 30 projects at Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010.

Primary among these are new building codes demanding improved
construction standards across the emirate, creating more cost effective
structures of greater longevity and higher energy efficiency.

The codes are supported by a new addressing system for the city of Abu
Dhabi, providing new, clear and concise street signage for the expanding
capital while a new Municipal Spatial Solutions Infrastructure (MSSI) has
been commissioned to collate geospatial data.

Municipal services focused on enjoying enhanced urban living include the
addition of a further 12 parks in Abu Dhabi during 2010 as well as the
Corniche water front development offering public beaches and leisure
facilities.

In Al Ain, Abu Dhabi's second city, new roads, parks, city centre
landscaping and the addition of 132 public toilets conforming to the highest
international hygiene standards are planned.

In the country's Western Region, new designs for a full range of family
facilities at Delma Beach join plans for new public parks including the Zayed
Park at Liwa, a landmark development aimed at giving this desert area a
sustainable high quality green space.

The new projects and services will be exhibited at a state-of the art
stand. Themed on a membrane allowing external influence through while
protecting the culture and well-

being of those the municipality system serves, the stand includes a 4D
virtual theatre allowing visitors to swoop across the region gaining a
panoramic view of Abu Dhabi's future.

"We are tremendously proud of our achievements so far in establishing Abu
Dhabi as a great emirate in which to live and work", said H.E. Rashid Mubarak
Al Hajeri, Chairman of Department of Municipal Affairs. "Cityscape and the
high-tech stand we have created, will allow visitors from across the region
and the world come and see what we have done and what we intend to do in the
most exciting way possible." He added.

About Department of Municipal Affairs:

The Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) commenced operations in May
2007, following the Abu Dhabi Executive Council's decision to integrate the
Emirate's municipal system. As a new government entity, the Department of
Municipal Affairs was created to lead, coordinate and oversee three
municipalities in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and the Western Region. The DMA has a
regulatory role while the service delivery and operations are at the
municipality level.

On the 5th of May 2008, the Department of Municipal Affairs
along with the Abu Dhabi Municipality, Al Ain Municipality and Western Region
Municipality embarked upon a new municipal services journey, with the signing
of the historic Municipal Charter which aligns the DMA and three
municipalities towards greater collaboration and cooperation.

    For further information, please contact:
    Department of Municipal Affairs
    Mrs. Amal Al Jarwan
    Tel: +971-2-4030311
    Email: media@dma.abudhabi.ae

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For further information, please contact: Department of Municipal Affairs, Mrs. Amal Al Jarwan, Tel: +971-2-4030311, Email: media at dma.abudhabi.ae