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UAE: Municipality demolishes 728 old, abandoned buildings in beautification drive

Abu Dhabi - Owners warned of similar demolition campaign, if norms are not compiled with.

Over 700 old and abandoned buildings in Abu Dhabi city and its outskirts were brought down last year, according to the Abu Dhabi Municipality authorities.

At least 728 Old structures were demolished, including building blocks, villas, shops, warehouses in industrial areas and other neighbourhoods.

Civic body officials detected these structures during their routine inspection drives in the UAE’s capital city and its outskirts.

The municipality authorities have been urging owners of dilapidated and abandoned buildings to either renovate or demolish them.

Officials said dilapidated buildings distort Abu Dhabi’s appearance. They warned of similar demolition drives, if owners fail to take adequate measures.

The civic authorities plan to notify the building owners of new rules via mainstream and social media. The building owners have been given a 30-day deadline to visit the civic body authorities and ensure that the new rules are complied with.

"The old and abandoned buildings distort the urban appearance of Abu Dhabi and contribute to the pollution of the environment and also cause inconvenience to residents, besides posing health hazards to neighbours,” the municipality authorities said in a statement.

“The owners of old buildings in Abu Dhabi and its adjoining areas must take corrective measures towards such structures in cooperation with the municipality and other departments,” it added.

A panel has been formed to deal with these buildings that pose imminent urban hazards and appropriate corrective measures are being taken in line with prescribed norms.

Buildings targeted under the demolition campaign include those abandoned for a prolonged period of time and also those that have become eyesores amid Abu Dhabi and its outskirts’ aggressive urbanisation drive.

ismail@khaleejtimes.com