Abu Dhabi blossoms into a global hub

Earlier this week, Abu Dhabi has been named as the second-best city in the world to live, work and do business in among 60 cities, including major hubs like Sydney, Hong Kong, Cape Town, Moscow, Toronto. The Capital came behind New York but has overtaken London and Paris in the global city index, which polled more than 18,000 people, aged between 16 and 64, in 26 countries worldwide.

The results highlight the significant increase in the global perception of Abu Dhabi as a commercial destination, with 21 per cent of survey participants listing Abu Dhabi as a top city to do business in, just 2 per cent below the leader, New York. Abu Dhabi ranked highest among participants from the three younger generations - Generation X, Millennials and Generation Z, which were all consistent in placing New York and Abu Dhabi as their top two cities.

Khaleej Times have asked Abu Dhabi residents why they love the city.

Planning is key to the success

(As told to Ashwani Kumar)

Planning is a crucial parameter in achieving success. And the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council has got its task cut out with the sole purpose of turning the city into a global Capital.

It is the sole agency responsible for the future of the Capital's urban environments, and the expert authority behind the framework plans for the emirate - Plan Capital, Plan Al Ain, Plan Al Dhafra and Plan Maritime.

Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council director-general Falah Al Ahbabi is in celebratory mood as the Capital is being ranked the second-best city in the world to live and work in.

"It is something to be celebrated. It is also important we continue towards constantly improving and evolving the emirate in line with the Abu Dhabi Plan," Al Ahbabi said.

He said there's more architectural coherence and Abu Dhabi is looking more attractive than ever.

"Undoubtedly, the graciousness of the city will always be emphasised and protected, but there is also a policy and culture of inclusion, making it a shining example of tolerance and coexistence, where people from all faiths and countries around the world can live together in city that is safe, peaceful and harmonious."

On reasons that set the Capital apart, he said: "Over the years, the economy in Abu Dhabi has improved and diversified into new sectors with dedicated free zones for renewable energy, financial and business services, manufacturing and logistics, real estate development and much more."

He said that the Abu Dhabi government has been continuously strengthening policies to improve the ease of doing business, with complete transparency in compliance and protection of investor rights as its top priority.

On the changes in lifestyle, Al Ahbabi said: "Liveability has also significantly improved. Walking spaces, pedestrian access and cycling paths have all been given importance in the overall planning, as well as access to greener spaces through parks like Umm Al Emaraat Park."

"There has been a vast improvement in the setup of neighbourhood communities, both in terms of facilities such as access to schools, mosques and healthcare units and suitability for the local culture. Additionally, in the downtown area, new projects are providing playgrounds, improved pedestrian arrangements, jogging routes, cycle paths, a new public beach and a host of other facilities as well," he added.

He stressed on new initiatives bolstering the Capital's image.

"New attractions for residents and tourists on islands such as Yas, Saadiyat and Al Mariyah have ensured Abu Dhabi can offer first-class leisure and business trips that ensure a memorable experience, while local residents can enjoy having these world-class activities right on their doorstep. With the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros World and other attractions opening soon this aspect of the city is only going to get better."

Al Ahbabi added: "The Abu Dhabi government, private developers, corporate organisations and the community have all worked together and played their part in getting us to number two in the world. And with so many fantastic developments in the pipeline this will only improve. We all have a lot to look forward to."

Chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council defines the shape of the Emirate, ensuring factors such as sustainability, infrastructure capacity, community planning and quality of life, by overseeing development across the city and the Emirate as a whole.

ashwani@khaleejtimes.com

Quality healthcare ensures a better life

(As told to Jasmine Al Kuttab)

It is also Abu Dhabi's excelling medical sector that makes the UAE Capital a top place to call home, said Dr Shamsheer Vayalil, founder and managing director of VPS Healthcare.

"There was a time when residents and expats used to leave the country for medical treatment, but not anymore.

"Today, leaving the country for medical purposes has reduced because of the convenience of staying at the place of home and work, while having the best quality of care," added Dr Vayalil.

The 40-year-old self-made billionaire, pointed out that Abu Dhabi has also become a hub for top doctors and surgeons from around the world, to make their move to the city.

"It has become easy for us to attract international doctors to move and work here, because they know that the environment is right, they know the quality of work is constantly improving and they know that the quality of life is much better, compared to many cities in the world.

"Convincing top doctors around the world is now easy, which makes Abu Dhabi's healthcare delivery also rated at the top."

Dr Vayalil said medical treatment in the Capital is also becoming more affordable, because the prices of healthcare turns competitive whenever the capacity of residents increases.

"The quality is as good as any other leading country in the world."

He added that Abu Dhabi is quickly blossoming into a medical hub, which also makes it one of the best medical tourism industries in the world.

"I think very soon you will hear Abu Dhabi as one of the best cities for medical tourism, because the air connectivity is excellent, the environment is safe, and the people are kind.

Moreover, with the opening of Burjeel Medical City in 2018 - which will become the largest oncology hub in the Middle East - Abu Dhabi will certainly witness a rise in medical tourism.

Dr Vayalil highlighted that the UAE Government also motivates and encourages innovative business ideas that aims to help communities, which is why Abu Dhabi is a hot spot for business leaders in the medical field.

"These are all essential ingredients that make Abu Dhabi an attractive hub for those in the medical sector, opening businesses, or having treatment.

"You don't hear about any hospitals closing down, so that is a good sign that the healthcare facilities are highly believed in and trusted by the people.

"A good quality of life means you should have good quality healthcare at your doorstep."

jasmine@khaleejtimes.com

It's a vibrant cultural hotspot

(As told to Anjana Sankar)

Bill Bragin has been etching the public art programme and community interaction at the NYU Abu Dhabi Arts Centre since September 2014, when he came to Abu Dhabi.

One of the most influential figures in New York's music scene, Bragin says the reason why Abu Dhabi is a cultural hub is because Abu Dhabi is also a global hub.

"It has an amazing combination of people coming from all over the world, and bringing in their culture, entrepreneurship and openness. That in itself makes for a vibrant cultural landscape.

"Another important thing is that the leadership of the country has designated lots of importance to culture and cultural development. So there is emphasis on supporting organisations and institutions like the NYU Art Centre and Warehouse 24."

He said there is a sense of dedication and understanding that culture is important for the development of the society and its people.

"The other thing that makes Abu Dhabi a cultural hotspot is that there is a spirit of strong entrepreneurship, and a sense of optimism and opportunity."

"People come to Abu Dhabi not just because of its cultural landscape. The city is also ideal for creativity and innovation, not just in arts, but in every field, including science and technology."

Bragin added that art is one of those spaces that needs creativity and free spirit, which is found in Abu Dhabi.

"Abu Dhabi is attracting world talents who are willing to leave the place they grew up in and come with an openness and willingness to explore the unknown. That benefits art."

He said the expat community brings with it the international mindset and openness and a real commitment to art that is expressed in innovative ways.

"I think the development of Abu Dhabi as a global capital of art springs from its mix of nationalities and their creative interaction."

Abu Dhabi is poised to open three big Museums - Louvre, Guggenheim and Zayed Museum, which Bragin says will redefine the cultural landscape of the region.

"The opening of the museums will definitely be an immediate attraction to art enthusiasts.

"But what will happen in the long run is people from Abu Dhabi will grow up - with say Louvre or Guggenheim - and that landscape will become part of their life and thinking.

"It opens up people's minds, opens up new possibilities and creativity that will inspire a new generation of artists and art enthusiasts."

Source: Khaleej Times