Hundreds of buildings are to be razed in Abu Dhabi as the UAE capital looks to smarten up its image.
The municipality has ordered the demolition of more than 250 structures in various parts of the city because they no longer meet building standards.
Many of the buildings, which include residential and commercial tower blocks and villas, were built in the 1970s.
Abu Dhabi Municipality told 7DAYS it had already knocked down 56 buildings over the past two years and is now planning to demolish 200 more over the next three years.
"We are getting rid of these buildings because they are too old and lack safety standards," said Abdul Aziz Zurubi, head of the environment, health and safety division.
Most of the buildings lack the minimum level of health and safety specified in the Abu Dhabi building code.
"Some of these buildings were set up badly in a way that makes them consume a lot of electricity," added Zurubi.
The official added: "Other buildings are of poor quality and cannot easily be maintained," said Zurub.
The move is part the Abu Dhabi 2030 plan, which aims to improve quality of life in the capital.
Zurub said the municipality was reviewing all buildings to ensure they conform to the vision for 2030.
"We look at things like safety standards, materials used in setting up a building, electricity and water consumption, air conditioning system and others," he said.
He said owners of buildings that fall short of regulations are told to clean up their act. In the case of demolition, the owner is given at least 18 months to evict tenants and make arrangements to knock down the structure.
"We don't do the demolition ourselves. It is the job of the owner to get a registered contractor and knock down the building. Our part is only to give instructions and provide safety measures to be followed in the demolition process," said Zurubi.
Demolition measures include protection for workers and pedestrians, as well as nearby buildings.
They must also minimize dust emissions.
A Dhs40,000 fine is imposed on a contracting firms that fail to comply with the rules.
© 7Days 2013
