The world’s leading architectural and landscape architectural firms, planners, contractors and developers are set to share their visions and expertise at an upcoming landscaping event in Abu Dhabi.

Gulf Landscaping 2010 will be hosted at Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Centre (Adnec) from March 29 to 31.

With high profile multi-billion dollar developments in Abu Dhabi currently including Reem Island, Al Raha Beach and Building Materials City, Gulf Landscaping will engage the sector in the region at all levels, a statement said.

Co-located with the region’s premier interior design event Interiors UAE 2010, the Gulf Landscaping exhibition will showcase innovative products, services and solutions for the brand new and ongoing developments taking place across the Middle East in the commercial, retail, leisure and residential sectors, as well as city parks and highways.

“Abu Dhabi is a rich fusion of both culture and heritage, combined with contemporary design excellence,” said Cathy Oates, event director for Gulf Landscaping 2010.

“At the heart of the region’s development is Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, which is driving an increased demand for high standard green and outdoor spaces within the UAE. Gulf Landscaping 2010 aims to provide the next step in both theory and shared best practice for those involved in this vision, helping to construct the Middle Eastern Lifestyle of the future,” she added.

The Urban Development Gallery at Gulf Landscaping 2010 will profile many regional cutting edge developments either completed, planned or underway in delivering Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, the statement added.

The event will also hold a high-level seminar programme will include many of these leading architects as well as other examples of strategic design best practice.

There will also be more practical sessions on how the UAE’s landscapes will adapt and respond to the water availability in the region. – TradeArabia News Service

WAM Abu Dhabi, March 28, 2010 (WAM)– HE Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC), visited today The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy, KG-12 American curriculum co-educational private school, to meet with students and view facilities.

Accompanying HE Dr. Al Khaili was HE Mohammed Salem Al Dhaheri, Executive Director of School Operations at ADEC.

During his visit, Dr. Al Khaili briefed the faculty, staff and students of the schools about ADEC’s strategy; its four main areas: provision of world-class education to all Abu Dhabi students; ensuring academic achievements and learning outcomes meet international standards; providing quality private education; and enhancing national identity and heritage.

“ADEC’s 10 Year Strategic Plan looks closely at private schools to ensure the school is providing its students the skills needed for creating a knowledge based economy. The Sheikh Zayed Private Academy and its curriculum is a great example of Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 and meets ADEC’s educational target for schools,” said HE Dr. Al Khaili.

Dr. Mugheer also pointed out that ADEC is currently implementing a comprehensive inspection process to identify the needs of Abu Dhabi private schools, provide them with the appropriate support, achieve the targeted educational standards and ensure compliance with security and safety standards.

Established in 2000, The Sheikh Zayed Academy is accredited by the Council of International School (CIS) and The New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The academy has also been a part of the GEMS network since 2005. It has also adopted an e-school system through the application of a laptop programme for G8-G12 student for which it received the UAE Educational IT Challenge Award in 2002 WAM/MN

Oil-rich Abu Dhabi is on a strong growth trajectory and the emirate will remain in a strong economic position in the future, too, after having weathered the economic downturn considerably well.

The figures quoted in a new report by Isthmus Partners ‘Abu Dhabi Investment Environment’, shows that with 33 per cent of the country’s population, the emirate contributes around 60 per cent to the UAE’s GDP and has a GDP per capita of 1.8 times the national average.

“Abu Dhabi has one of the highest GDP per capita in the world. Even on a standalone basis, Abu Dhabi would be the second-largest economy in the GCC after Saudi Arabia,” said the authors of the report stressing the economic clout of the capital city.

The emirate is blessed with 95 per cent of the UAE’s proven oil reserves and 92 per cent of UAE’s gas reserves. Based on current utilisation rates and no additional discoveries, Abu Dhabi’s oil reserves will last for 150 years, said the report.

According to the IMF estimates, the UAE produced 2.62 million barrels of crude oil per day on average in H1 2008, 97 per cent of which was produced in Abu Dhabi.

As a result, oil exports generate significant income for the emirate.

In 2008, export revenue from oil and gas was Dh376.9 billion, but in 2009 this figure was reduced to Dh208.5bn due to the drop in the price of oil and the global economic recession.

With good revenues coming from the hydrocarbons, Abu Dhabi is also trying to diversify its economy.

“The government has intensified the diversification efforts in recent years capitalising on the 2000s oil boom and the increased inflows of foreign investment,” said the report, adding that the “emirate’s strategy is to capitalise on the strong hydrocarbon sector and grow into other industrial sectors as well as tourism and aviation”.

The emirate is also home to one of the world’s leading sovereign wealth funds, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, which is a strategic international investor.

The report said: “Although official figures on assets under management are not forthcoming, it is considered that the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (Adia) and Abu Dhabi Investment Council (Adic) hold hundreds of billions of dollars of investments. According to the IMF, the UAE held an international investment position (IIP) with net assets of $305 billion (Dh1.1 trillion) of international assets in 2009 and the great majority of them are owned by Abu Dhabi entities.

The ratio of IIP net assets over UAE’s GDP is 132 per cent, compared to 105 per cent for Singapore and 52 per cent for Norway.”

Abu Dhabi has traditionally invested a considerable amount of its oil revenues abroad and such international investments provide a significant source of income to the Abu Dhabi Government and reduce the volatility of the emirate’s GDP and dependence on oil prices, said the authors of the report.

Exports of oil and gas brought $102.7bn to the UAE in 2008 and a projected $56.8bn and $71.8bn in 2009 and 2010 respectively, according to the IMF, as quoted in the report. The year 2008, which was probably one of the best in terms of economic growth, saw the UAE’s consolidated fiscal surplus reach a record high of Dh127bn due to strong oil and non-oil revenue, even though consolidated government expenditure increased to a record of Dh198bn, as per the data in the report.

“The UAE reported fiscal surpluses for four consecutive years from 2005-2008 (while previously it had several years of fiscal deficits due to low oil prices and a steady growth in public spending and infrastructure).

“A small fiscal deficit of 0.3 per cent of GDP is predicted for 2009 due to lower oil prices and an expansionary fiscal policy by Abu Dhabi to counteract the economic slowdown. The IMF forecasts that the UAE will report a surplus in 2010.”

Given the economic growth, Abu Dhabi’s population has increased rapidly in recent years, primarily through immigration of expatriates. “Resident population grew by a compounded average of 4.6 per cent annually between 2001 and 2006. Between 2005 and 2008, the emirate grew at a faster annual rate of six to seven per cent. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the population increased mildly in 2009 and 2010, as Abu Dhabi remains a net employer.”

In recent developments, Abu Dhabi was also hit by the global credit crunch.

“The oil growth engine (centred in Abu Dhabi) and the non-oil growth engine (centred in Dubai) were hit at the same time driving the country into mild negative real GDP growth in 2009, forecast at –0.7 per cent by the IMF.”

However, it was a softer landing. “Though at the beginning of the financial crisis many participants expected that Abu Dhabi could be immune to shocks, the reality is that the crisis has affected Abu Dhabi though to a smaller degree.

“In the real estate sector, Abu Dhabi has expanded more conservatively and has a better match of demand with supply. In many segments of the property market, Abu Dhabi is still undersupplied. Yet the UAE’s capital experienced a reduction in real estate prices in 2009. Prices in prime residential properties have fallen 40 per cent between Q3 2008 and Q3 2009,” said Colliers.

Rental levels have fallen by an average 18 per cent in the first three months of 2009, but had previously increased by 14 per cent in Q4 2008.

“Occupancy rates in Abu Dhabi are almost 100 per cent and supply of completed property (rather than off-plan) cannot satisfy demand. Yet rental prices have been dropping since Southern Dubai has emerged as a substitute to Abu Dhabi.”

As far as the banking sector is concerned, the central government has moved proactively in easing the liquidity problem and restoring confidence in the system.

Other sectors of Abu Dhabi’s economy are performing well. The return of oil prices to the $70-$80 a barrel level has boosted oil revenues. “Industrial demand and revenues have fallen due to the slowdown in global activity and local construction, but investments in this sector continue.

“Abu Dhabi will capitalise by increased industrial export revenues once the global economy resumes expansion. In the meanwhile, the emirate benefits from carrying out its infrastructure investments at reduced cost due to the drop in the price of construction materials and labour costs.”

Abu Dhabi has also indicated that the government and the emirate will continue supporting troubled government-related entities given that they are sustainable businesses, the report points out.

With a GDP of Dh520bn in 2008, the emirate is a strong economy. Yet, Abu Dhabi is one of the most concentrated economies in the GCC, as the oil sector dominates economic output and any major fluctuations in oil price can impact it.

Thus, diversification is in a major way and the emirate has invested large amounts of capital in broadening the economic base.

“Abu Dhabi has intensified efforts embracing the two pillars of diversification and privatisation, introducing strategic measures and undertaking substantial new investments in industry, real estate, tourism, aviation and other sectors.

“Abu Dhabi targets an annual growth of 7.5 per cent. The emirate published in 2009 the ‘Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030′ outlining its economic priorities for the coming years and its policies over the next two decades to achieve its goals.

“The plan envisages a population of 3.1 million by 2030, an 80 per cent increase from an estimated 1.7 million people in 2009,” it said.

“Abu Dhabi’s aim is to stimulate non-oil sectors rather than to reduce activity in the oil sector. It is increasing its industrial base [petrochemicals, plastics, metals] capitalising on the availability of resources.

In addition, it is looking to boost tourism and aviation sectors amongst others.

Abu Dhabi aims to become industrial and manufacturing hub

On sector analysis of the Abu Dhabi economy, the Abu Dhabi Investment Environment report highlights that Abu Dhabi aims to become the Middle East hub for industrial and manufacturing companies seeking to capitalise on the numerous opportunities that the emerging economies of the region offer.

“The government envisages exploiting the emirate’s competitive advantage in the energy sector and command a larger share of the hydrocarbons value chain.

“According to the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, investments in industrial projects reached Dh39.8 billion in 2008.”

The construction sector is another important one to watch out for. It contributed Dh21bn to Abu Dhabi’s GDP in 2008. Construction activity is still strong as there are massive infrastructure projects under development. Growth in real estate construction has slowed down but fundamentals are good, said the report.

“There are massive government or government-related investments in shipyard, seaport, airport expansions, healthcare, education, major road upgrades and transportation.

“Infrastructure investment makes up a significant and growing proportion of construction activity for Abu Dhabi and the GCC,” it said.

Developments in transport are also commendable. Abu Dhabi’s new port is under construction and will include one of the world’s largest industrial zones.

The emirate has also undertaken a massive expansion project for its main airport.

Aerospace and defence are also important pillars for Abu Dhabi’s diversification plans.

“In the third quarter of 2009, Mubadala announced that it had signed a long-term strategic aerospace agreement with Boeing to develop mutually beneficial initiatives in various areas including composite manufacturing, engineering, R&D, commercial maintenance, repair and overhaul, military maintenance and sustainment, and pilot training.

“In the first quarter of 2009, Mubadala had announced that it is in the initial stages of forming a joint venture with the United States company Sikorsky Aerospace Services in order to develop a military-aviation maintenance centre,” the report said. Abu Dhabi is also investing considerably in the tourism sector as a means of diversification.

The city has been developing specialised economic zones in strategic locations to attract investments.

The emirate has launched huge projects to diversify its economy.

I remember my first evening in Abu Dhabi as if it were yesterday. It was a hot, humid Ramadan night and as I stepped from the plane I had only the very vaguest idea of the place I would soon call home. As I was driven to my hotel along deceptively hushed and deserted roads my gardener’s eye was immediately caught by the immaculate lawns, stately palms and drifts of uncannily perfect petunias.

Ghaf trees grow slowly but their shade is unmatched. Alia Jeiroudi for the National

As I began to settle in, it wasn’t very long before my surprise at the city’s fecundity was overtaken by an uneasy awe at the effort expended on maintaining its plenitude. Here was a lesson in what’s possible when the will, water, money and manpower are all incalculable. The improbable result is a desert in bloom. The cost: the world’s largest, heaviest ecological footprint according to the WWF’s Living Planet Report 2008.

Happily, the last few years have also seen a quiet revolution take place in Abu Dhabi’s corridors of power with the introduction of Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, Estidama and new guidelines for the design of Abu Dhabi’s streets and public spaces and it shouldn’t be long before we see the city’s characteristic greenness take a decidedly environmental turn. As somebody with a professional commitment to sustainable development, I’m pleased to work in a city that’s taking green issues so seriously. As a gardener, I’m excited by the potentially radical horticultural and aesthetic changes these wider shifts might bring, changes that might best be summed up by the term ‘xeriscaping’.

Xeriscaping is very much in fashion with politicians, planners and landscape architects alike. It involves gardening in a way that reduces the need for irrigation while conserving water, and its principles affect everything from the choices we make in planning, designing and maintaining our gardens to preparing our soils and selecting our plants.

As always, the key to choosing the right plant is a matter of working with nature and of taking the lesson of ‘right plant, right place’ to its logical conclusion. Rather than using water-hungry plants or those that remind us of home, we should look for species that are well-suited to the UAE’s harsh climate. Not only will this save water and maintenance in the long-run, it should also mean that the plants we choose for our gardens will stand a far higher chance of survival and success.

Ideally, my garden would be populated entirely by plants native to the UAE. The result would be an environment that encouraged and supported local wildlife while being entirely unique, as evocative and as much a product of this place as any wadi or oasis. Unfortunately, of the 400 or so plant species native to the Emirates, I’ve found less than 20 that are readily available from commercial nurseries. Luckily, this small list includes such gems as the Fountain Grass (Pennisetum divisum), Miswak or Toothbrush tree (Salvadora persica), ubiquitous and highly poisonous Oleander (Nerium oleander) as well as such evocative trees as the Arabian Acacia (Acacia arabica), Sidr (Zizyphus spina-christi) and Samr (Acacia tortilis) and evergreen Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria).

Commonly planted as a street tree in Abu Dhabi, the Ghaf will also be familiar to anybody who has driven the roads to Al Ain where majestic specimens can be seen growing straight from the desert sand which, in order to survive such harsh conditions, the Ghaf can send its roots down over 30 metres to reach available groundwater. Despite its centrality to the local environment and culture, wild Ghaf trees are actually under threat and there has recently been a campaign to have them protected and officially recognised as the UAE’s national emblem (
(www.savetheghaftree.org/index.html). From a distance, the canopies of Ghaf look dusty and heavy but once sat under you soon realise that the gentle, dappled shade they cast simply cannot be bettered. I would recommend planting Ghaf in any garden that had space. Unfortunately, Ghaf are very slow growing so a tree planted now might best be considered as a gift to posterity.

Although the market for native plants is still in its infancy, gardeners can play a powerful role as consumers in changing the landscape by demanding new plants when we visit the garden centre. Desert Group, the growers behind the Dubai Garden Centre, have already started to introduce new, non-native drought tolerant species like the Desert Broom (Baccharis sarothroides) and a wider palette of non-native, low-water species are also widely readily available. These include such garden favourites as the Desert Rose (Adenium obesum), Bougainvillaea, Aloe vera, Olive tree (Olea europaea), Beach Hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus), Frangipani (Plumeria obtusa), Yucca, Agave and Texas Ranger (Leucophyllum frutescens).

It’s in the desert homes of the latter species in the American south-west that the xeriscaping movement really developed. There, thanks to the enthusiasm of keen gardeners and professionals alike, a unique new aesthetic has developed that works with native flora and celebrates the local landscape.

garden@thenational.ae