Fujairah Hosts First Forum in Urban Planning, Diversity and Integration

The first Fujairah Forum was held at the Concorde Fujairah Hotel on 23-24 November 2011 in the presence and with the patronage of His Highness, Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi (pictured at the forum).

Mohammed Saif Al Afkham, Director of the Fujairah Municipality welcomed delegates to the First Fujairah Forum and he explained the reason for the gathering in his opening remarks:

Unity in Planning

“This is why we, Fujairah Municipality, thought of organizing this event that is inspired by the directives of His Highness, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammad Al Sharqi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Fujairah, to highlight in it the concept of unity between the seven emirates and the urban and developmental wealth and diversity of projects to create an integrated environment that meets the leadership that is rightfully ours.”

Realizing the Emirati Dream

Mr. Afkham told attendees of the Forum that, “it is our ambition to leave the doors wide open for the participation of minds and the exchange of experiences. Our aim is to realize the beautiful Emirati dream in creating a base that will be a safety valve for future generations to continue this country’s journey of greatness.”

Exchange of Experiences

Afkham (pictured below) invited delegates to “exchange experiences with the aim of integration and sustainability.”

He stressed that the ambition of the designers of the Fujairah Forum is to create an interactive environment where ideas mature and objectives and proposals are established as we address the five pillars: urbanization and sustainability, the use of technology and its role in planning, urban expansion and integration, the role of transport and its role in urban planning and the role of geographic information systems (GIS) in the field of urban planning.

Speakers and Topics

A diverse range of speakers addressed the Forum. Here is a list of some of the keynote speakers and their topics:

Day One Wednesday 23 November 2011

Hassan Radoine ‘Territorial & Urban Planning Quest: UAE.’

Ghada Mahmoud Hafez, ‘The Application of Strategic Thinking in the Planning of Urban Development.’

Dr. Khaled Galal Ahmed, ‘’Investigating Social Sustainability in Public Neighborhoods in the UAE: The Case of Al Ain.’

Eng. Jean-Luc Wagner, ‘Technology in City Planning.’

Eng. Sara Ishaq A Mohammad, ‘Mechanism Projects, Transportation Systems and Transportation Projects Within the New Development in Dubai.’

Day Two Thursday 24 November 2011

Eng. Nadia Al Nakabi, ‘Development frameworks and sustainability in the planning and urban design in the Northern Emirates.’

Eng. Humaid Abdalla Mohammed bin Awash Al Yamahi, ‘Urban Expansion and Integration and its Role in advancing the overall development in the UAE.’

Dr. Mohammad Arar, ‘Metro Dubai and its Impact in Sheikh Zayed Road.’

Eng. Hadeel Amer Al Khateeb, ‘A Study of the Lines, Stations and the Positions of Mass Transport for the Emirate of Ajman.’

Naemma Al Hosani/Miss Farah Saeed, ‘Use of Technology in Planning.’

Eng. Mustafa Abdulla Almusawa, ‘The Experience of the City of Abu Dhabi in the Use of GIS in the Field of Urban Planning.’

Khaula Al Kaabi, ‘Importance of Transportation and its Role in Urban Planning.’

Carolina (Vectuel), ‘3D Presentation for the Emirate of Fujairah.’

Conclusion of the Forum and a Recording of Recommendations.

A book of conference papers in Arabic and English is expected to be published in the future.

Geoff Pound

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