‫الدليل االرشادي لمواصفات البنية التحتية للخدمات إلمارة أبوظبي‬

Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for

Infrastructure Services Standards

2nd edition - January 2017

2 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
3
4 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
Guidelinefor
forInfrastructure
InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
edition- -January
December
2017
2016
TABLE OF
CONTENTS

5
 1 Acknowledgement 17

2 Introduction 21
2.1 Background 22
2.2 Purpose and Scope 23
2.3 Outcomes 24
2.4 Content and Format 24

3 Development Planning 27
3.1 Context in Abu Dhabi 28
3.2 Structured Development Policy 29
3.3 Development Review Process 31
3.3.1 Enquiry Meeting 32
3.3.2 Step 1 - Concept Stage 32
3.3.3 Step 2 - Detailed Stage 33

3.4 Planning validation of Infrastructure and

Road Alignment 34
3.5 Planning Standards and Guidelines 34

4 Public Realm and Community Facilities Infrastructure 37

4.1 Public Realm 38
4.1.1 Overview 38
4.1.2 Public Realm Categories 39
4.1.3 Context in Abu Dhabi 39
4.1.4 Objectives / Purpose of the Manual 40
4.1.5 Public Realm Principles 40
4.1.6 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and Planning Documents 41

4.2 Community Facilities 42

4.2.1 Overview 42
4.2.2 Context in Abu Dhabi 42
4.2.3 Objectives 43
4.2.4 Key Design Considerations 43
4.2.5 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and Planning Documents 44

6 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
5 Transport Infrastructure 47
5.1 Overview 48
5.2 Roads Infrastructure Standards 49
5.2.1 Objectives 49
5.2.2 Key Design Considerations and Principles 50
5.2.3 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and
Planning Documents 51

5.3 Land Public Transport Infrastructure Standards 53

5.3.1 Objectives 53
5.3.2 Key Design Considerations 53
5.3.3 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and
planning documents 54

5.4 Road Traffic Control and Management Infrastructure Standards 54

5.4.1 Objectives 54
5.4.2 Key Design Considerations 55
5.4.3 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and Planning Documents 55

5.5 Pedestrian Walkways, And Bicycle Paths 56

5.5.1 Objectives 56
5.5.2 Key Design Considerations 56
5.5.3 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and
planning documents 57

6 Right of Way and Utility Disposition 59

6.1 Overview 60
6.2 Context in Abu Dhabi 60
6.3 Objectives 61
6.4 Key Design Considerations 61
6.5 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 61

7 Integrated Water Management Infrastructure 63

7.1 Overview 64
7.2 Context in Abu Dhabi 64
7.3 Potable Water Transmission Infrastructure Standards 65
7.3.1 Objectives 65
7.3.2 Key Design Considerations 66
7.3.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 66

7.4 Potable Water Distribution Infrastructure Standards 67

7.4.1 Objectives 67
7.4.2 Key Design Considerations 67
7.4.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 68

7
 7.5 Waste Water Infrastructure Standards 69
7.5.1 Objectives 69
7.5.2 Key Design Considerations 69
7.5.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 69

7.6 Irrigation Water Infrastructure 70

7.6.1 Objectives 71
7.6.2 Key Design Considerations 71
7.6.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 72

7.7 Stormwater Infrastructure 72

7.7.1 Objectives 73
7.7.2 Key Design Considerations 73
7.7.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 73

7.8 Ground Water Monitoring Infrastructure 74

7.8.1 Objectives of Ground Water Infrastructure 74
7.8.2 Key Design Considerations 74
7.8.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 75

8 Energy Infrastructure 77
8.1 Overview 78
8.2 Context in Abu Dhabi 78
8.3 Electricity Transmission Infrastructure Standards 79
8.3.1 Objectives 79
8.3.2 Key Design Considerations 79
8.3.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 80

8.4 Electricity Distribution Infrastructure Standards 81

8.4.1 Objectives 81
8.4.2 Key Design Considerations 81
8.4.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 82

8.5 Sustainable Energy 83

8.5.1 Objectives 83
8.5.2 Key Design Considerations 83
8.5.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 83

8.6 Road Lighting Infrastructure Standards 84

8.6.1 Objectives 84
8.6.2 Key Design Considerations 84
8.6.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 84

8.7 Public Lighting Infrastructure Standards 85

8.7.1 Key Design Considerations 85
8.7.2 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 86

8 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
9 Gas Infrastructure 89
9.1 Overview 90
9.2 Context in Abu Dhabi 90
9.3 Gas Distribution Infrastructure Standards 91
9.3.1 Objectives 91
9.3.2 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 92

10 District Cooling Infrastructure 95

10.1 Overview 96
10.2 Context in Abu Dhabi 96
10.3 Objectives 97
10.4 Key Design Considerations 97
10.5 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 98

11 Telecommunications Infrastructure 101

11.1 Overview 102
11.2 Applicable Standards and Guidelines 103

12 Waste Management Infrastructure 105

12.1 Overview 106
12.2 Context in Abu Dhabi 106
12.3 Applicable Policies, Standards and Guidelines 107

13 NOC Program for the Utilities and Infrastructures in the

Emirate of Abu Dhabi 111
13.1 Introduction to No Objection Certificates (NOCs) 112
13.2 The Municipal Approvals Services Platform
“One-Stop Shop” 113
13.3 NOC Requirements in the Context of Approvals and Permits 115
13.4 NOCs as Mandatory Requirements for Approvals and Permits 115
13.5 NOC Inputs 116
13.5.1 Spatial Data 119
13.5.2 NOC Fees 122

13.6 NOC Outputs 122

13.7 The NOC Emergency Management Framework 123

9
 Appendix 1: Acronyms and Glossary of Terms 127
1 List of Acronyms 130
2. Glossary of Terms 132

Appendix 2: Infrastructure Provision in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi 135

1 The Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport (DMAT) 139
2 Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) 139
2.1 Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) 139
2.2 ADDC 140
2.3 AADC 140
2.4 TRANSCO 141
2.5 ADWEC 141
2.6 Al Mirfa Power Company (AMPC) 141

3 Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) 142

4 Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) 143
5 Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) 144
6 Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB) 145
7 Center of Waste Management (Tadweer) 147
8 Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) 148
8.1 Mandate of the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company 148
8.2 Internal Requirements of the Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company 149

9 Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada) 150

10 ADNOC Distribution 150
11 Ministry of Interior (Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence) 151
12 Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) 152
13 National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) 153
13.1 National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) 153
13.2 Our Vision, Mission and Core Values 154

10 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
11
 List of Documens Ref. Code
Plan Capital 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan (DP-301)
Plan Al Ain 2030: Al Ain Urban Structure Framework (DP-302)
Development Review Stream: Master Plan and Project (DP-303)
Community Facilitiy Planning Standards (DP-304)
Safety and Security Planning Manual (DP-305)
Estidama Pearl Building Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-306)
Estidama Pearl Community Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-307)
Estidama Pearl Villa Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-308)
Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM) (PR-401)
Lighting Manual (PR-402)
Design Manual: Minimum Requirements for Private School Facilities (PR- 403)
Design Manual: Standards and Criteria for School Facilities (PR-404)
Mosque Design Regulations (PR- 405)
Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-501)
Al Ain  Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-502)
Al Gharbia Surface Transport Master plan (TR-503)
Eastern Region Surface Transport Master plan (TR-504)
Freight Master Plan - Truck Parking Standards (TR-505)
Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume II),
(TR-506-1)
Programme Design Policies, Authority and Organization

Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume III)

(TR-506-2)
Geonames Standard and Practitioner’s User Guide

Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume IV),

(TR-506-3)
Street Addressing Standard and Practitioner’s User Guide

Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume V),

(TR-506-4)
Signage Standard and Practitioner’s User Guide

Congestion Management Policy and Procedures (TR-507)

Environmental Impact Assessment for Road Projects (TR-508)
Geotechnical Investigation and Design (Volume |)
(TR-509-1)
Managing Geotechnical Risk

Geotechnical Investigation and Design (Volume ||)

(TR-509-2)
Ground Investigation and Geotechnical Design

Land Surveying and Mapping Guide for Road Projects (TR-510)

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TR-511)
Non-Disruptive Road Crossings for utilities Manual (TR-512)
Pavement Design Manual (TR-513)

12 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
List of Documens Ref. Code
Road Structures Design Manual (TR-516)
Road user code (TR-517)
Roadside Design Guide (TR-518)
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and Infrastructure Projects (TR-519)
Technical circular –Bus Stop Design standard drawings (TR-520)
Guide Drawings on locating Bus stops on Urban Roads (TR-521)
Technical Guidance Document for Construction Environmental Management Plan (TR-522)
Technical Guidance Document for Environmental Audit Report (TR-523)
Technical Guidance Document for Environmental Impact Assessment (TR-524)
Technical Guidance Document for Preliminary Environmental Review (TR-525)
Technical Guidance Document for Strategic Environmental Impact Assessment (TR-526)
Technical Guidance Document for Submission of Environmental
(TR-527)
Permit Applications and Reports
Traffic Calming Guideline (TR-528)
Traffic Signals and Electronic Warning Information Systems Manual (TR-529)
Walking and Cycling Master Plan – Network Design (TR-530)
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Access Management Policy & Procedure (TR-532)
Bus Rapid Transit Planning Standards (TR-533)
Bus Services Planning Standards (TR-534)
Metro Planning Standards (TR-535)
Railway Planning Standards (TR-536)
Tramways Planning Standards (TR-537)
Route Numbering System - Policy and Procedures (TR-538)
Roadside Advertising Manual (TR-539)
Road Safety Audit Manual (TR-540)
Standard Drawings PART 1 (TR-541-1)
Standard Drawings PART 2 (TR-541-2)
Standard Construction Specs PART 1 (TR-542-1)
Standard Construction Specs PART 2 (TR-542-2)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban areas) (ROW-601)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Drinking Water Safety Plan (WA-701)
Hygienic Practices within Pumping Station and Water Network (WA-702)

13
 List of Documens Ref. Code
Metering and Data Exchange Code (WA-703)
Standard Technical Specifications for Water Works (WA-704)
The Water Quality Regulations (WA-705)
The Water Transmission Code (WA-706)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission Assets (WA-707)
The Water Supply Regulations (WA-708)
Guide to Water Supply Regulations (WA-709)
The Water Distribution Code (WA-710)
The Customer Metering Regulations (WA-711)
Guideline for Work in Vicinity of ADDC Assets (WA-712)
Design Guidelines (WA-713)
General Specification for Civil Works (WA-714)
General Specification for Electrical Works (WA-715)
General Specification for Mechanical Works (WA-716)
Standard and Typical Drawings (WA-717)
Standard Method of Measurement (WA-718)
Technical Data Sheet for Electrical Works (WA-719)
Technical Data Sheet for Mechanical Works (WA-720)
The Trade Effluent Control Regulations (WA-721)
Recycled Water and Bio-solids Regulations (WA-722)
Guide to the Recycled Water and Bio-solids Regulations (WA-723)
Guide to the Trade Effluent Control Regulations (WA-724)
Irrigation Manual (Volume I) Design Manual (WA-725-1)
Irrigation Manual (Volume II) Operation and Maintenance Manual (WA-725-2)
Irrigation Manual (Volume III) Technical Specifications (WA-725-3)
Irrigation Manual (Volume IV) Standard Drawings (WA-725-4)
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems (Volume |) Design Manual (WA-726-1)
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems (Volume || ) Standard Drawings (WA-726-2)
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems (Volume ||| )Operation and Maintenance
(WA-726-3)
Management Manual
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems Standard Technical Specification (Volume 1, 2 & 3) (WA-726-4)
The Electricity Transmission Code (EN-801)
Electricity Transmission Security Standard (EN-802)
Standard Technical Specifications for Electricity 400-220-132-33-22-11 kV and Low Voltage
(EN-803)
Auxiliary System
Electricity Design Guidelines of ADDC (5) year Planning Statement (EN-804)

14 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - December 2016
List of Documens Ref. Code
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission Assets (EN-805)
Electricity Distribution code (EN-806)
Electricity Wiring Regulation Code (EN-807)
Engineering Standards for Earthing (EN-808)
LV Design Guidelines (EN-809)
Standard Technical Specification for Electrical Distribution Assets for 33KV, 22KV, 11 KV and
(EN-810)
Low Voltage Systems

Material and Equipment Standards and Specifications (GA-901)

Gas Distribution System - Construction Standards and Specifications - Polyethylene
(GA-902)
Distribution Mains and Gas Services

Gas Distribution System - Construction Standards and Specifications - Steel Distribution

(GA-903)
Pipelines and Gas Services

Design Basis Memorandum (GA-904)

Telecom Civil Infrastructure Guidelines for Fixed Networks - Design Requirements (TE-1101)
Telecom Civil Infrastructure Guidelines for Fixed Networks - Implementation and Specifications (TE-1102)
Common Standards and Specifications on Civil Works for Mobile Network Site Construction (TE-1103)
Common In-Building Specification Guideline (TE-1104)
Waste Classification Policy (WM-1201)
Waste Planning Policy (WM-1202)
Licensing and Enforcement Policy for Waste Sector (WM-1203)
Waste Collection, Segregation, Transfer and Tracking Policy (WM-1204)
Waste Classification Technical Guideline (WM-1205)
Waste Reuse, Recycling, Resource Recovery, Waste to Energy, Treatment
(WM-1206)
and Disposal Policy

Certification Scheme for Recycled Crushed Aggregate (WM-1207)

Certification Scheme for Re-refined Engine Lubricant Base Oil (WM-1208)
Certification Scheme for Biodiesel (WM-1209)
Requirements and Procedures for the Disposal of Hazardous Wastes (CWMTG 2# merged) (WM-1210)
Requirements and Procedures for Registration of Skips and Container (WM-1211)
Registration of Waste Management Consultancy Offices (WM-1212)
Inspection of Waste Treatment Facilities, Waste Transportation and Pest Control Facilities (WM-1213)
Permits and Licensing Requirements for Transportation, Treatment and Recycling Facility (WM-1214)
Management of Asbestos / Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) (WM-1215)

15
16 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
Guidelinefor
forInfrastructure
InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
edition- -January
December
2017
2016
1
‫شكر وتقدير‬
Acknowledgement

17
 Abu Dhabi Quality & Conformity ‫يتقدم مجلس أبوظبي للجودة‬
Council would like to express special ‫والمطابقة بجزيل الشكر واإلمتنان‬
thanks of gratitude to all governmental ‫لجميع الجهات الحكومية وأعضاء‬
entities and technical committees ‫اللجان الفنية لمساهمتهم الفعالة في‬
participated in the development of
‫تطوير الدليل اإلرشادي لمواصفات البنية‬
the Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for
Infrastructure Services Standards
.‫التحتية للخدمات إلمارة أبوظبي‬
(ISGL).

Main Participants: :‫الجهات المشاركة‬

• Department of Municipal
‫ •دائرة الشؤون البلدية والنقل‬
Affairs and Transportation

• Abu Dhabi Water and

‫ •هيئة مياه وكهرباء أبوظبي‬
Electricity Authority

• Environment Agency –
‫ •هيئة البيئة – أبوظبي‬
Abu Dhabi

• Abu Dhabi Education Council ‫ •مجلس أبوظبي للتعليم‬

• Abu Dhabi Urban ‫ •مجلس أبوظبي‬

Planning Council ‫للتخطيط العمراني‬

• Regulation and Supervision

‫ •مكتب التنظيم والرقابة‬
Bureau

• Center of Waste Management

‫ •مركز إدارة النفايات – تدوير‬
(Tadweer )

• Abu Dhabi Municipality ‫ •بلدية مدينة أبوظبي‬

• Al Ain Municipality ‫ •بلدية مدينة العين‬

• Western Region Municipality ‫ •بلدية مدينة المنطقة الغربية‬

• Abu Dhabi Distribution

‫ •شركة أبوظبي للتوزيع‬
Company

• Al Ain Distribution Company ‫ •شركة العين للتوزيع‬

• Abu Dhabi Transmission & ‫ •شركة أبوظبي للنقل‬

Despatch Company )‫والتحكم (ترانسكو‬

• Abu Dhabi Sewerage ‫ •شركة أبوظبي لخدمات‬

Services Company ‫الصرف الصحي‬

18 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
• Abu Dhabi General ‫ •شركة أبوظبي للخدمات‬
Services Company )‫العامة (مساندة‬

• Abu Dhabi National Oil

Company (ADNOC- ‫ •شركة أدنوك للتوزيع‬
Distribution)

• Abu Dhabi Gas ‫ •شركة أبوظبي لصناعات‬

Industries Limited ‫الغاز المحدودة‬

• Ministry of Interior (Abu Dhabi ‫ •وزارة الداخلية (القيادة العامة‬

Police and Civil Defence) )‫لشرطة أبوظبي والدفاع المدني‬

• Telecommunications
‫ •هيئة تنظيم االتصاالت‬
Regulatory Authority

• United Arab
‫ •جامعة اإلمارات العربية المتحدة‬
Emirates University

• Masdar Institute ‫ •معهد مصدر‬

• Emirates Telecommunications ‫ •مؤسسة اإلمارات لالتصاالت‬

Corporation )‫(اتصاالت‬

• Emirates Integrated
‫ •شركة اإلمارات لالتصاالت‬
Telecommunications
)‫المتكاملة (دو‬
Company

• Al Yah Satellite ‫ •شركة الياه سات‬

Communications Company ‫لالتصاالت الفضائية‬

• Dolphin Energy ‫ •شركة دولفين للطاقة‬

• Tabreed ‫ •شركة تبريد‬

• Al Fanar Gas Services ‫ •الفنار لخدمات الغاز‬

• Union Gas ‫ •الغاز المتحده‬

19
20 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
Guidelinefor
forInfrastructure
InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
edition- -January
December
2017
2016
2
‫المقدمة‬
Introduction

21
 2.1 Background :‫ نبذة عن المشروع‬1.2
The Abu Dhabi Government entities are ‫تعمل جهات حكومة أبوظبي على تطوير بنية‬
seeking to develop appropriate infrastructure ‫تحتية مناسبة مع الحفاظ على البيئة وذلك‬
while preserving the environment for achieving ‫لتحقيق االستدامة البيئية بما يتسق مع متطلبات‬
environmental sustainability in line with the .2030 ‫رؤية أبوظبي‬
requirements of Abu Dhabi 2030 vision.
‫ أطلق سمو الشيخ هزاع بن زايد آل‬،2011 ‫ففي عام‬
In 2011, H.H. Shaikh Hazza Bin Zayed Al
)ISEP( ‫نهيان مشروع تقييم معايير البنية التحتية‬
Nahyan, under the auspices of the Executive
Council, initiated the Infrastructure Standards ‫ وكان‬.‫وذلك تحت رعاية المجلس التنفيذي الموقر‬
Evaluation Project (ISEP). One of the main ‫أحد الدوافع األساسية لتنفيذ المشروع يكمن في‬
motivations for executing the project was to .‫ضمان فعالية تقدير تكاليف خدمات البنية التحتية‬
ensure the cost-effectiveness of infrastructure ‫كما أن أحد العوامل التي تصدرت األولويات كجزء‬
services. What’s more, one of the factors ‫من مشروع تقييم معايير البنية التحتية يكمن‬
that were prioritized as part of the ISEP is to ‫في تهيئة بيئة مبنية على المواءمة والتناغم لكل‬
harmonize the regulatory environment for each .‫عنصر من عناصر البنية التحتية‬
element of infrastructure.
‫ انتقلت المسؤولية عن‬،2013 ‫وفي شهر أبريل عام‬
In April 2013, the responsibility for the Abu ‫(الدليل اإلرشادي لمواصفات البنية التحتية للخدمات‬
Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure ‫إلمارة أبوظبي) إلى مجلس أبوظبي للجودة‬
Services Standards (ISGL) was transferred to ‫ يقوم مجلس‬،‫ ومنذ ذلك الحين‬.‫والمطابقة‬
the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council ‫أبوظبي للجودة والمطابقة بتحديد فرص تحسين‬
(ADQCC). Since that time, the ADQCC ‫فعالية تقدير تكلفة خدمات البنية التحتية وذلك‬
has identified opportunities to improve cost
:‫من خالل ما يلي‬
effectiveness of infrastructure services by the
following:
‫ •ضبط التناغم بين المواصفات واألدلة‬
• Harmonizing the standards, guidelines, ‫اإلرشادية والتشريعات المتعلقة بها داخل‬
and regulations across all entities. .‫كافة الجهات المعنية‬

• Enabling the acceptance of the (ISGL) ‫ •تمكين الجهات المعنية من قبول الدليل‬
by all relevant authorities to ultimately ‫ليتم تبنيه كمرجع لخدمات البنية التحتية‬
adopt it as a reference for infrastructure .‫في إمارة أبوظبي‬
services in Abu Dhabi Emirate. ‫وقد ساهم مجلس أبوظبي للجودة والمطابقة‬
The Abu Dhabi Quality & Conformity Council ‫وما زال يساهم في ضمان التناغم في البيئة‬
has contributed to ensure harmonization of ‫التنظيمية لكل عنصر من عناصر البنية التحتية‬
the regulatory environment of each element of .‫وذلك من خالل التعاون مع الشركاء المعنيين‬
the infrastructure through the involvement of
stakeholders.

22 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
2.2 Purpose and Scope ‫ الهدف ونطاق الدليل‬2.2
The purpose of Abu Dhabi Emirate (ISGL). ً ‫يكمن الهدف من الدليل في كونه مرجعًا ودلي‬
‫ال‬
Is to provide a comprehensive guide on ‫ال حول مختلف الوثائق الفنية التي تشمل‬ً ‫شام‬
the various documents that set out the ‫المواصفات والمعايير المطبقة والمتعلقة في‬
applicable standards and specifications for the .‫البنية التحتية‬
Infrastructure services.
،‫يخدم هذا الدليل كافة الجهات الحكومية‬
This guideline shall serve all government
‫ وغيرهم‬،‫ والمقاولين‬،‫ والمطورين‬،‫واالستشاريين‬
agencies, Consultants, developers, contractors
and others who participate in the planning, ‫ممن يشاركون في التخطيط والتصميم وإدارة‬
design, management, operation, and the .‫وتشغيل وصيانة خدمات البنية التحتية‬
maintenance and of the infrastructure services.
‫ حيث تم‬.2030 ‫يتسق الدليل مع رؤية أبوظبي‬
The (ISGL) is aligned with the Abu Dhabi Vision ‫تطويرة وتحديثة بالتنسيق مع كافة الجهات‬
2030. It has been developed in coordination ‫المعنية للحصول على تفاصيل الممارسات‬
with all relevant entities to obtain details of ‫واإلجراءات الحالية التي يتبعونها لتطوير البنية‬
their current practices and procedures for .‫التحتية ومعايير التشغيل والصيانة لديهم‬
infrastructure development and their Operation
and Maintenance standards. ‫يغطي هذا الدليل عشرة مجاالت مختلفة من‬
‫مجاالت خدمات البنية التحتية داخل إمارة أبوظبي‬
This guideline covers ten different areas of :‫وهي‬
infrastructure services in the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi as follows:
‫ •التخطيط التطويري‬
• Development Planning.
‫ •خدمات األماكن العامة والمرافق‬
• Public Realm & Community Facilities ‫المجتمعية‬
Infrastructure
‫ •البنية التحتية للنقل‬
• Transport Infrastructure
‫ •مسارات حرم الطريق‬
• Right of Way
‫ •البنية التحتية إلدارة المياه المتكاملة‬
• Integrated Water Management
Infrastructure ‫ •البنية التحتية للطاقة‬
• Energy Infrastructure ‫ •البنية التحتية للغاز‬
• Gas Infrastructure ‫ •البنية التحتية لتبريد المناطق‬
• District Cooling Infrastructure ‫ •البنية التحتية لالتصاالت‬
• Telecommunications Infrastructure ‫البنية التحتية إلدارة النفايات‬1•
• Waste Management Infrastructure

This is a living document that would ‫يعتبر هذا الدليل وثيقة حية قابلة‬
accept updates and development ‫للتحديث والتطوير ويلتزم مجلس‬
through the collaboration of ‫أبوظبي للجودة والمطابقة‬
partnering entities. What is more, ‫بالعمل على مراجعته بشكل‬
ADQCC is obliged to review it ‫دوري ومستمر وذلك بالتعاون مع‬
frequently to make sure that the ‫الجهات المعنية في إمارة أبوظبي‬
information presented is complete, ‫للتأكد من تكاملية المعلومات‬
correct and up to date.
.‫وصحتها وحداثتها‬

23
 2.3 Outcomes ‫ المخرجات‬3.2
This new edition of the (ISGL), is an example ‫يمثل هذا اإلصدار الجديد من الدليل نموذجًا‬
of the continual improvement by the ADQCC ‫للتحسين المتواصل من جانب مجلس أبوظبي‬
to better understand infrastructure services, ‫للجودة والمطابقة لتحقيق الفهم األفضل‬
and to accommodate changes from input by all ‫لخدمات البنية التحتية وتلبية التعديالت المنبثقة‬
stakeholders. .‫عن الشركاء المعنيين‬
The text of the new version of (ISGL) offers
‫يزود نص اإلصدار الجديد من الدليل المستخدم‬
direction and guidance to the user on the
‫بتوجيهات وإرشادات حول الوثائق المتعلقة‬
relevant documents for various infrastructure
elements, which include the updated version of
‫بمختلف عناصر البنية التحتية والتي تتضمن نسخة‬
these documents. .‫محدثة من هذه الوثائق‬

ً
‫ فإن النسخة االلكترونية من الدليل‬،‫إضافة إلى ذلك‬
Additionally, the online version of this edition of
the (ISGL) at www.qcc.abudhabi.ae provides www. ‫والمتوفر على الموقع االلكتروني للمجلس‬
direct access to the infrastructure standards and ‫ توفر لمستخدم الدليل فرصة‬، qcc.abudhabi.ae
specifications though a web-based download. ‫االطالع على معايير ومواصفات البنية التحتية من‬
This feature enables more widespread access to ً
.‫مباشرة من على الموقع االلكتروني‬ ‫خالل تحميلها‬
information, which is aligned with best practice ‫تمكن هذه الخاصية من نشر محتوى الدليل‬
on transparency. ‫ وهذا اإلجراء يتسق مع أفضل‬، ‫على نطاق أوسع‬
‫ من‬2016 ‫ كما يعكس إصدار‬.‫ممارسات الشفافية‬
The 2016 edition of the (ISGL) also reflects ‫الدليل التعديالت التي تم التوافق عليها بشكل‬
changes that were collectively made during the ‫جماعي من قبل جميع األعضاء المشاركين في‬
deliberation of the Working Groups. ‫مجموعات العمل الفنية المشاركة في إعداد هذا‬
.‫الدليل‬

2.4 Content and Format ‫ المحتوى والصياغة‬4.2

The content of this document is structured as
follows:
:‫تم تصميم محتوى هذه الوثيقة كمايلي‬

Chapter ‎1 includes the Acknowledgment. .‫الفصل األول والذي يتضمن شكر وتقدير‬

Chapter ‎2 provides an introduction and ‫الفصل الثاني والذي يتضمن نبذة عن‬
some background on the (ISEP) project. .)ISEP( ‫مشروع تقييم معايير البنية التحتية‬

Chapter ‎3 is devoted to the Planning ‫الفصل الثالث وهو مخصص إلجراءات‬

processes for infrastructure development. .‫التخطيط لتطوير البنية التحتية‬

Chapter ‎4 describes the infrastructure ‫الفصل الرابع والذي يصف عناصر البنية التحتية‬
element of the Public Realm and Community ‫لخدمات األماكن العامة والمرافق المجتمعية‬
Facilities in terms of key design principles ‫فيما يتعلق بمبادئ التصميم الرئيسية‬
and applicable standards and guidelines. .‫والمواصفات واألدلة اإلرشادية المطبقة‬

Chapter ‎5 presents the applicable ‫الفصل الخامس والذي يعرض المواصفات‬

standards and guidelines for the Transport ‫واألدلة اإلرشادية المطبقة بالنسبة للبنية التحتية‬
Infrastructure. ‫الخاصة بالنقل‬

24 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
Chapter ‎6 presents the applicable standards ‫الفصل السادس والذي يعرض المواصفات‬
and guidelines for the Right of Way (ROW) ‫واألدلة اإلرشادية المطبقة لمسارات حرم‬
and Utility Disposition. .)ROW( ‫الطريق‬

Chapter ‎7 presents the applicable standards ‫الفصل السابع والذي يعرض المواصفات واألدلة‬
and guidelines for the Integrated Water ‫اإلرشادية المطبقة بالنسبة للبنية التحتية إلدارة‬
Management Infrastructure. .‫المياه المتكاملة‬

Chapter ‎8 presents the applicable standards ‫الفصل الثامن والذي يعرض المواصفات واألدلة‬
and guidelines for the Energy Infrastructure. ‫اإلرشادية المطبقة بالنسبة للبنية التحتية‬
.‫للطاقة‬
Chapter ‎9 presents the applicable standards
and guidelines for the Gas Infrastructure. ‫الفصل التاسع والذي يعرض المواصفات واألدلة‬
.‫اإلرشادية المطبقة بالنسبة للبنية التحتية للغاز‬
Chapter ‎10 presents the applicable
standards and guidelines for the District
‫الفصل العاشر والذي يعرض المواصفات‬
Cooling Infrastructure.
‫واألدلة اإلرشادية المطبقة بالنسبة للبنية التحتية‬
.‫لتبريد المناطق‬
Chapter ‎11 presents the applicable
standards and guidelines for the
Telecommunications Infrastructure.
‫الفصل الحادي عشر والذي يعرض المواصفات‬
‫واألدلة اإلرشادية المطبقة بالنسبة للبنية التحتية‬
.‫لالتصاالت‬
Chapter ‎12 presents the applicable
standards and guidelines for the Waste
Management Infrastructure. ‫الفصل الثاني عشر والذي يعرض المواصفات‬
‫واألدلة اإلرشادية المطبقة بالنسبة للبنية التحتية‬
Chapter ‎13 deals with the permitting .‫إلدارة النفايات‬
requirements for infrastructure development
(NOC) program for utilities and ‫الفصل الثالث عشر ويغطي متطلبات منح‬
infrastructures in the emirate of Abu Dhabi. ‫ وبرنامج شهادات‬،‫التصاريح لتطوير البنية التحتية‬
‫) الخاص بالمرافق والبنية‬NOC( ‫عدم الممانعة‬
‎Appendix 2 is a collection of the acronyms ‫التحتية في إمارة أبوظبي‬
used throughout the document, as well as
the glossary of key terms with definitions. ‫ وهو عبارة عن حصر لالختصارات‬2 ‫الملحق‬
‫المستخدمة في كامل الوثيقة ومسرد‬
‎Appendix 3 identifies the key entities involved .‫للمصطلحات والتعريفات الرئيسية‬
in the Infrastructure services provision
process, and includes a brief overview of ‫ والذي يحدد الجهات الرئيسية‬3 ‫الملحق‬
their respective roles and responsibilities in ‫المشاركة في عملية تقديم خدمات البنية‬
this regard. ‫التحتية ويتضمن أيضًا نظرة مختصرة ألدوار‬
.‫ومسؤوليات هذه الجهات في هذا الصدد‬

25
26 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
Guidelinefor
forInfrastructure
InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
edition- -January
December
2017
2016
3
DEVELOPMENT
PLANNING

27
 3.1 Context in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s rapid development and urbanization is continuously increasing. To
ensure alignment with the overarching principles of Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, all
developments within the Emirate are subject to rigorous review by the Urban
Planning Council.

Abu Dhabi city, the largest city in Abu Dhabi Emirate and capital of the UAE,
has developed a tremendous amount since the discovery of oil in the mid-20th
century. Now, it has become one the most developed and renowned cities in the
world with the number of developments in Abu Dhabi city continuously increasing
in response to population growth and economic development. Table 1 shows the
existing and projected population for Abu Dhabi city. These projections form the
basis of the city’s urban structure framework plan developed by Urban Planning
Council (UPC).

Table 1: Population Projections for Abu Dhabi city

Year Population (millions)

2015 1 1.72

2020 2 1.9

2030 2 2.4
Notes: 1) Adapted from SCAD Statistical Yearbook 2016.
2) Adapted from Urban Planning Council.

The Al Ain Region is considered the spiritual heart of Abu Dhabi emirate and a
historical place that encompasses the cultural memory and ancient wisdom of the
nation. Development planning structures applied to the Al Ain Region differ to that
of the capital city. These planning structures aim at providing a high quality of life
for the public, while maintaining the ecological and cultural heritage of the region.
Table 2 Provides population projections for Al Ain Region. These projections are
the basis of the city’s urban structure framework developed by UPC.

Table 2: Population Projections for Al Ain Region

Year Population (thousands)

2015 1 739

2020 2 854

2030 2 1,086
Notes: 1) Adapted from SCAD Statistical Yearbook 2016.
2) Adapted from Urban Planning Council.

28 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 Al Gharbia, the Western Region of Abu Dhabi emirate, is approximately 60,000
km2 which accounts for 83% of the emirate’s total area. Al Gharbia has a long
term strategy where it will see major expansions and developments within
different sectors including education, healthcare, housing, energy, retail, leisure
and infrastructure. Table 3 provides the population projections for Al Gharbia.

Table 3: Population projections for Al Gharbia

Year Population (thousands)

2015 1 326

2020 2 374

2030 2 490
Notes: 1) Adapted from SCAD Statistical Yearbook 2016.
2) Adapted from Urban Planning Council.

3.2 Structured Development Policy

The UPC has developed a structured development policy that aims to establish
a structured process for the planning, implementation and development of area
plans and infill developments. For this is to be achieved, the policy outlines the
requirement for a coordinated design and phasing of development projects,
infrastructure, community facilities and public realm that are compliant and
coordinated with future development and the Growth Management Strategy.

A main objective of the policy is to ensure relevant government departments and

services providers have created a coordinated phasing plan for all plot types that
is legible and realistic and covers all types of land use. In turn, this will help to
establish a degree of certainty for the owner when developing a plot during the
initial planning and financing activity phase.

The general approach for a development methodology is to package the relevant

planning components together (e.g., land use, infrastructure, community facilities,
public realm) so that when a detailed plan is prepared for a greenfield site(also
known as an area plan or infill site), the development phasing, associated costs
and timelines are also known and provided.

The UPC, in association with other government departments and services

providers, is tasked with the responsibility to undertake the following planning
activities:

• Determine the demand for various land uses based on an assessment of

Vision 2030, Economic Vision 2030 and projected growth of key industry
sectors, population forecasts, requests for plots, etc.

• Determine the areas of the city that are appropriate for new and infill
development and prepare a high level phasing plan;

29
 • Identify appropriate land uses and estimate the number of plots in each
area;

• Prepare detailed development plans, as required, for area plans and infill
developments; and

• Prepare a phasing plan for each area plan and infill development that
includes infrastructure, community facilities and Public Realm along with
associated budgets and timeframes.

In terms of the development review process, the UPC is responsible for the planning
review and coordination of inter-agency reviews for all strategic development
projects across the emirate of Abu Dhabi. Development submissions reviewed
by the UPC are categorized based on certain criteria, as detailed in Figure 1.
The UPC has two review streams, based on specific criteria, tailored to meet the
needs of each development type. The UPC refers to the Planning Review process
as Development Review Stream (DRS).

Figure 1: Development Review Streams

• Multiple Buildings
• Road Network
Master Plan • Separate Multiple Buildings
• Community Facilities Standards (applicable)

• Single Building

Project • No Road Network

• Multiple Buildings With Connected Podium

As far as development planning is concerned, all developments, being either

a project or master plan follow a two stage review process; these are Concept
and Detailed stages. Each development is assessed for its compliance with
existing plans and policies, best practice planning standards and other relevant
government agency directives.

30 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
3.3 Development Review Process
The UPC development planning review process consists of two stages: Concept,
and Detailed, as illustrated in Figure 2. Following initial enquiry by the developer,
the approvals are given as part of the permitting system described in Section ‎‎
3-3-1 through Section ‎‎3-3-3.

Figure 2: Development Review Process

Inquiry

Concept Submission
Concept Stage

External Concept Change

Agency
Reviews Reviews Required

1 UPC
Approval

Detailed Submission
Detailed Stage

External Detailed Change

Agency Required
Reviews Reviews

2 UPC
Approval

31
 3.3.1 Enquiry Meeting
The development review process begins as soon as a development site is secured.
The landowner or his/her representative attends a scheduled information meeting
where UPC staff explain plans and policies that will determine site development
potential and outline the development review and Estidama Integrated Design
processes.

This enquiry meeting helps set the ‘goal posts’ (parameters), as guided by policy,
for supportable development and alerts the applicant to documents/agencies that
should be consulted.

Design Approach/Optional Workshops

The applicant uses UPC, other government agency input and site analysis (e.g.
habitat, climate, available infrastructure) to prepare feasible design development
options for the site. Consideration is given to general land uses and site layout
(e.g. streets, block patterns, open space network and general massing). The
applicant sets an Estidama vision for the project.

Development Review planners are committed to providing support to the applicant

during this design process and remain available to assist the applicant through
this journey.

3.3.2 Step 1 - Concept Stage

A concept application covers all of the systems-level components of a development
concept. Concept applications include site and massing plans, a comprehensive
approach to open space and community facilities, and proposals for sustainable
infrastructure systems (e.g. water, energy, waste, storm water). The UPC and
up to 20 other review agencies evaluate compliance with applicable plans and
policies in order to agree on the seven key elements of any proposal:

• Land use;
• Density;
• Building form (e.g. height, massing, solar orientation, shading);
• Site layout/design (e.g. infrastructure networks, amount and location of
public space);
• Services (e.g. utility, transportation and public community facilities);
• Strategies to achieve Estidama objectives and targets, and
• Phasing.
The project owner must also consider the requirement of a traffic impact study and
traffic management plan in accordance with DMAT concept stage deliverables.

32 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 The concept approval provides a clear direction for the developer to progress to the
detailed stage of the planning process, taking the necessary level of commitment
to implement the vision of the development.

3.3.3 Step 2 - Detailed Stage

Projects
Applicants with projects prepare and submit detailed site and building designs for
review.

• The UPC reviews;

• Exterior building form (e.g. massing, character);
• Site treatment (e.g. public realm);
• Circulation route;
• Landscaping;
• Shading and lighting;
• Signage; and
• Infrastructure (e.g. utility tie-in points, parking and loading).
The review focuses on context-sensitive design and high-quality public spaces
and pedestrian amenities.

This step also confirms that any conditions of concept approval have been
adequately met and incorporated accordingly.

Master Plan
Detailed Master Plans are intended to help applicants translate concept Master
Plans into detailed regulations and guidelines that will control site-specific
development over time. These detailed plans include the following:

• Plot-specific regulations for subdivision (e.g. plot sizes and dimensions);

• Land uses;
• Densities;
• Heights;
• Siting requirements (e.g. site coverage and setbacks);
• Parking and loading;
• Building massing and exterior form;
• Landscaping and public realm design; and
• Shading, lighting and signage.

33
 Applicants also prepare design guidelines for building design, site design/
landscaping, public spaces, shading, lighting, universal access and signage.

Applicants also confirm a detailed phasing plan and development management

plan that sets out construction, maintenance and service provision responsibilities.

3.4 Planning validation of Infrastructure and

Road Alignment
For online validation of Road Alignment, Service Corridor Networks Routes and
receiving “No Objection” for “NOI” (Notice of Intent) refer to e-services on the
relevant municipality web page for online processing.

3.5 Planning Standards and Guidelines

The following documents set out the planning standards and guidelines applicable
in the emirate of Abu Dhabi:

Sector –Specific Documents

Plan Capital 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan (DP-301)

Plan Al Ain 2030: Al Ain Urban Structure Framework (DP-302)
Development Review Stream: Master Plan and Project (DP-303)

Other References Documents

Community Facilitiy Planning Standards (DP-304)

Safety and Security Planning Manual (DP-305)
Estidama Pearl Building Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-306)
Estidama Pearl Community Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-307)
Estidama Pearl Villa Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-308)
Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM) (PR-401)
Mosque Design Regulations (PR- 405)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban areas) (ROW-601)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)

34 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
35
36 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
Guidelinefor
forInfrastructure
InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
edition-January
- December
20172016
4
PUBLIC REALM AND COMMUNITY
FACILITIES INFRASTRUCTURE

37
 4.1 Public Realm

4.1.1 Overview
The Public Realm includes all exterior spaces and linkages that are physically
accessible and/ or visually accessible regardless of ownership. These elements
include, but are not limited to the following:

Courtesy of UPC

Figure 3 public open space in Abu Dhabi (UPC)

• Streets;
• Pedestrian ways;
• Bikeways ;
• Bridges;
• Plazas;
• Nodes;
• Squares;
• Transportation hubs;
• Gateways;
• Parks;
• Waterfronts;

38 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 • Natural features;
• View corridors;
• Landmarks; and
• Building interfaces.

4.1.2 Public Realm Categories

To structure its planning and design, the public realm is separated into four
categories: Parks, Streetscapes, Waterfronts and Public Places.

a) Parks:
Public spaces within a community for recreational use. Parks may include natural
areas such as mountain ridges and wadi systems.

b) Streetscapes
The visual elements of a street including the road, sidewalk, street furniture, trees
and open spaces that combine to form the street’s character.

c) Waterfronts
All land areas along the water’s edge.

d) Public Places:
All open spaces within a community visible to the public or for public gathering or
assembly.

4.1.3 Context in Abu Dhabi

The Emirate of Abu Dhabi is planning for the next generation. The PRDM one
piece of an Emirate-wide planning strategy. The PRDM builds on other planning
documents in a continued effort to shape the future development of Abu Dhabi.

39
 4.1.4 Objectives / Purpose of the Manual
The public realm in Abu Dhabi expresses traditional Arab culture while serving the
diverse, multicultural population. It is a fully accessible and engaging experience
that includes diverse public parks and civic spaces; an interconnected system of
public walkways, bicycle trails and public transit; a vibrant and active waterfront;
and active mixed-use areas that are all enhanced through high quality architecture,
streetscape design and public art. It is safe, comfortable and responds to the
climate and environment of Abu Dhabi.

The PRDM is focused on providing a public realm that meets the needs of
the people of Abu Dhabi. Key to fulfilling this objective is understanding how
the community views the public realm. During the planning process, various
stakeholder meetings and a public survey were held to address community and
agency needs. Further consideration has been given to the following in order to
ensure the standards meet the specific requirements of the Emirate:

• Quantity - Targeting a total percentage of the defined urban areas to be

set aside for parks, or protecting a total percentage of the land in any new
development as open space;
• Proximity - Locating a park within a defined proximity of every resident;
• Accessibility - Ensuring parks are located to be physically accessible by
foot, bicycle or public transit and visually accessible for the greater public;
• Distribution - Arranging park locations to ensure balanced services across
geographical areas;
• Equity - Providing parks and open space evenly across diverse
populations;
• Coordination - Combining park objectives with other development plans;
• Balance - Offering a mix of programming and activities throughout the park
and open space system;
• Shaping - Identifying ways that the park and open space system can
promote or contain growth; and
• Connections - Identifying ways to link parks and open spaces and
associated resources.

Note - The PRDM quantifies Level Of Service only as it is applicable to the Park and Waterfront
categories of the public realm.

4.1.5 Public Realm Principles

• The public realm has nine principles, including:
• Liveability;
• Identity;

40 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 • Access;
• Connectivity;
• Place making & Design Excellence;
• Environmental Stewardship;
• Inclusivity;
• Activation; and
• Shared Ownership & Implementation.

4.1.6 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and Planning

Documents
The minimum quality and functionality of Public Realm is governed by the use of
consistent and high quality standard treatments. The following documents are to
be used for the planning, design and implementation of Public Realm to ensure its
objectives are achieved:

Sector-Specific Documents

Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM) (PR-401)

Lighting Manual (PR-402)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)
Irrigation Manual (Volumes I) Design Manual (WA-725-1)
Irrigation Manual (Volume II) Operation and Maintenance Manual (WA-725-2)
Irrigation Manual (Volume III) Technical Specifications (WA-725-3)
Irrigation Manual (Volume IV) Standard Drawings (WA-725-4)

Other References Documents

Plan Capital 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan (DP-301)

Plan Al Ain 2030: Al Ain Urban Structure Framework (DP-302)
Safety and Security Planning Manual (DP-305)
Estidama Pearl Community Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-307)
Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-501)
Al Ain  Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-502)
Al Gharbia Surface Transport Master plan (TR-503)
Eastern Region Surface Transport Master plan (TR-504)

41
 Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume II), Programme Design
(TR-506-1)
Policies, Authority and Organization
Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume III) Geonames
(TR-506-2)
Standard and Practitioner’s User Guide
Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume IV), Street Addressing
(TR-506-3)
Standard and Practitioner’s User Guide
Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume V), Signage Standard
(TR-506-4)
and Practitioner’s User Guide
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TR- 511)
Walking and Cycling Master plan-Net Work Design (TR-530)
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)

4.2 Community Facilities

4.2.1 Overview
Community Facilities are facilities that provide a substantial benefit to the residents.
They are fundamental to creating livable communities.

These Facilities include:

• Healthcare (e.g., clinics and hospitals);
• Education (e.g., nurseries, schools, colleges and universities);
• Governance and institutional services (e.g., Government administration,
police and civil defence and post offices);
• Social, cultural and recreational facilities (e.g., community centres,
libraries, cultural spaces and sports facilities);
• Religious facilities (e.g., Mosques). Mosque provision falls under the Abu
Dhabi; and
• Mosque Development Regulations.

4.2.2 Context in Abu Dhabi

Community facilities (e.g., mosques, hospitals, schools and community centres)
are important to achieve successful, healthy and sustainable communities served
by a full range of community facilities that are appropriate to residents’ needs
and are accessible to all. However, the new planning standards developed by
UPC require provision of facilities according to a new 6-level community facilities
hierarchy. This new standard will lead to a growing development of community
facilities to satisfy the needs of Abu Dhabi population.

42 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
4.2.3 Objectives
The Community Facilities Planning Standards (CFPS) were developed in
collaboration with the Government agencies responsible for regulating and
delivering community facilities. The minimum objectives of the Standards are to:

• Ensure that appropriate community facilities are designed and provided for
all and that these facilities are appropriately sized and located;
• Ensure that all but the very smallest communities are served by a range of
community facilities;
• Provide community facilities that make the best use of land, offer ease
of access to users and allow flexibility for possible future demographic
changes;
• Ensure that community facilities support Estidama objectives for the
creation of sustainable communities; and
• Ensure that the need for community facilities is weighed equally against
other spatial and land use requirements when planning sustainable
communities across the Emirate.

4.2.4 Key Design Considerations

The provision of community facilities is crucial to providing a high quality of life.
As such, community facilities design must be based on:

• Demographic assumptions to determine the size of the population that will

require community facilities provision;
• Community Facility Standards tables which shall be applied to the
resulting population calculations;
• Guidance on the appropriate level and scale of community facility
provision depending on the location of the development proposal by type
of settlement and type of centre; and
• Guidance on how facilities can be provided through co-located, integrated
or adjacent facility designs which are responsive to the needs of the
community.

43
 4.2.5 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and Planning
Documents
The documents in the following lists are to be used for the planning, design and
construction of community facilities to ensure objectives, at a minimum, are
achieved:

Sector-Specific Documents

Design Manual: Minimum Requirements for Private School Facilities (PR- 403)
Design Manual: Standards and Criteria for School Facilities (PR- 404)
Mosque Design Regulations (PR-405)
Community Facility Planning Standards (DP-304)
Safety and Security Planning Manual (DP-305)
Estidama Pearl Community Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-307)

Other References Documents

Plan Capital 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan (DP-301)

Plan Al Ain 2030: Al Ain Urban Structure Framework (DP-302)
Estidama Pearl Building Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-306)
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)

44 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
45
46 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
Guidelinefor
forInfrastructure
InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
edition- -January
December
2017
2016
5
TRANSPORT
INFRASTRUCTURE

47
 5.1 Overview
The responsible Authority for transport in the Abu Dhabi Emirate is the Department
of Municipal Affairs and Transport (DMAT). The transport infrastructure in the
Emirate, covered in this document, includes the following components:

Courtesy of DMAT

Figure 4 Shaikh Zayed Bridge

• Roads (highways and urban streets including bridges, viaducts, tunnels

and underpasses);
• Land Public Transport (infrastructure and operation of services);
• Road traffic control and management;
• Pedestrian walkways, and Bicycle paths;
• Right of way of the above; and
• Parking Structures.
The following transport infrastructure components are not considered in this
document, except where they interface with the above-mentioned components:

• Maritime Transport
• Aviation
Rail, Maritime, bus and aviation infrastructure standards are established and
enforced by the DMAT. Any authority, organization, developer, consultant
or contractor involved in, or affected by the planning, design, construction,
maintenance or operation of this infrastructure shall liaise directly with the DMAT
and other concerned Authorities.

48 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 Context in Abu Dhabi
Transport infrastructure is essential in supporting the economic growth of any
nation, and provides connectivity and the efficient movement of people, goods
and services. Abu Dhabi’s road network has improved rapidly and progressively
by providing highways, which serve as the links between cities, towns and outlying
areas, for the use of residents and visitors alike. *

In 2012, some 2,526 km of external roads (outside of settlements) were available

to connect different parts of the Emirate, which increased to 2,768 km at the end
of 2015. *

Investment to maintain and expand the road network across Abu Dhabi increases
in correlation to the number vehicles on the road. From 2005 to 2011, the number
of licensed vehicles traveling on Abu Dhabi roads grew by 191 %. In 2011, the
number of registered vehicles was 783,180, which increased to 947,508 in 2014,
an increase of some 21%.

* DMAT: Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport.

5.2 Roads Infrastructure Standards

Highways include all roads, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, generally outside of
urban areas, and freeways within the urban areas, while urban streets are within
the existing and planned urban areas of the Emirate. Urban areas are defined in
the maps contained in the Plan Capital 2030, Plan Al Ain 2030 and Plan Al Gharbia
2030 documents. All roads are under the jurisdiction of the DMAT.

5.2.1 Objectives
The road network of the Emirate provides accessibility and mobility for people,
goods and services. The road hierarchy framework enables each road to provide
a level of access and mobility, depending upon its position in the road hierarchy
(strategic, arterial, distributor or local access).

The concept of the functional classification of roads is one of the most important
determining factors in roadway design. The overall objective of the functional
classification system, when viewed in its entirety, is to yield an optimum balance
between its access and mobility purposes. Therefore, the functional classification
system provides the framework for determining the design criteria for individual
roads.

Within urban areas, roads and streets play a significant role is expressing the
identity of the cities and neighbourhoods that they serve. In this sense urban
streets are more than just conduits of movement; they help to create urban
places and spaces for people to gather, stroll, and experience and enjoy city and
neighbourhood life. Context is, therefore, a crucial factor that influences urban
street design and in the particular the design of the spaces outside of the vehicular
travel zones of urban streets.

49
 5.2.2 Key Design Considerations and Principles
A range of factors influence design choices for road projects. The design
characteristics and values that are adopted must provide satisfactory service
to all users, and be economically viable within the financial, topographical and
environmental constraints that may exist. With that in mind, some of the key
design considerations are the following:

• To provide connectivity and accessibility;

• To design roads that create a safe environment for all users;
• To facilitate the transition from a society based on vehicle trips to a multi-
modal transit community;
• To introduce a street network that allows for greater route and mode
choices for pedestrians and cyclists and improves the capacity and
efficiency of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi’s urban streets;
• To be appropriate for the land use context;
• To provide public transport (for example, bus and rail) services corridors
within their RoW;
• To provide public transport priority measures within the RoW;
• To provide utility service corridors within their Row; and
• To avoid the terrestrial and marine protected areas and avoid/reduce
overall environmental impacts throughout the project or masterplan life
cycle (Planning, Design and Construction and operation).

The design of road networks is based on the following

(fundamental) principles:
• The best transport plan is inter-related to a good land-use plan;
• Good road design will take into consideration public transit along with
pedestrians and cyclists;
• A well designed road network provides safety for all modes of transport;
• Roads connectivity enhances capacity and allows smooth traffic flow;
• Road design shall reflect Plan 2030 and emerging Plan Capital 2030 goals
for the Abu Dhabi Emirate;
• Road design will take into account the Surface Transport Masterplans for
Abu Dhabi Region, Eastern Region and Al Gharbia; and
• Road design shall consider Abu Dhabi Emirate sustainability principles.

50 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
5.2.3 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and
Planning Documents
All roads, irrespective of their classification shall be planned, designed, constructed,
operated and maintained and in accordance with the following standards and
guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-501)

Al Ain  Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-502)
Al Gharbia Surface Transport Master plan (TR-503)
Eastern Region Surface Transport Master plan (TR-504)
Freight Master Plan - Truck Parking Standards (TR-505)
Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume II), Programme Design
(TR-506-1)
Policies, Authority and Organization
Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume III) Geonames
(TR-506-2)
Standard and Practitioner’s User Guide
Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume IV), Street Addressing
(TR-506-3)
Standard and Practitioner’s User Guide
Addressing System Standards Manual (Volume V), Signage Standard
(TR-506-4)
and Practitioner’s User Guide
Congestion Management Policy and Procedures (TR-507)
Environmental Impact Assessment Guidelines for Road Projects (TR-508)
Geotechnical Investigation and Design (Volume |)
(TR-509-1)
Managing Geotechnical Risk
Geotechnical Investigation and Design (Volume ||) Ground
(TR-509-2)
Investigation and Geotechnical Design
Land Surveying and Mapping Guide for Road Projects (TR-510)
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TR-511)
Non-Disruptive Road Crossings for utilities Manual (TR-512)
Pavement Design Manual (TR-513)
Road Geometric Design Manual (TR-514)
Road Performance Monitoring Systems Guide (TR-515)
Road Structures Design Manual (TR-516)
Road user code (TR-517)
Roadside Design Guide (TR-518)
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Technical circular –Bus Stop Design standard drawings (TR-520)
Guide Drawings on locating Bus stops on Urban Roads (TR-521)

51
 Technical Guidance Document for Preliminary Environmental Review (TR-525)
Technical Guidance Document for Strategic Environmental
(TR-526)
Impact Assessment
Technical Guidance Document for Submission of Environmental Permit
(TR-527)
Applications and Reports
Traffic Calming Guideline (TR-528)
Traffic Signals and Electronic Warning Information Systems Manual (TR-529)
Walking and Cycling Master Plan – Network Design (TR-530)
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Access Management Policy & Procedures (TR-532)
Route Numbering System - Policy and Procedures (TR-538)
Roadside Advertising Manual (TR-539)
Road Safety Audit Manual (TR-540)
Standard Drawings PART 1 (TR-541-1)
Standard Drawings PART 2 (TR-541-2)
Standard Construction Specs PART 1 (TR-542-1)
Standard Construction Specs PART 2 (TR-542-2)
Plan Capital 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan (DP-301)
Plan Al Ain 2030: Al Ain Urban Structure Framework (DP-302)
Lighting Manual (PR-402)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban areas) (ROW-601)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for Utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)
Irrigation Manual (Volume I) Design Manual (WA-725-1)
Irrigation Manual (Volume II) Operation and Maintenance Manual (WA-725-2)
Irrigation Manual (Volume III) Technical Specifications (WA-725-3)
Irrigation Manual (Volume IV) Standard Drawings (WA-725-4)
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems (Volume |) Design Manual (WA-726-1)
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems (Volume || ) Standard
(WA-726-2)
Drawings
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems (Volume ||| )Operation and
(WA-726-3)
Maintenance Management Manual
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems Standard Technical
(WA-726-4)
Specification (Volume 1, 2 & 3)

Other References Documents

Safety and Security Planning Manual (DP-305)

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission
(WA-707)
Assets
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

52 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - December 2016
5.3 Land Public Transport Infrastructure Standards
Public transport infrastructure is defined as the infrastructure developed to carry
the public in modes of shared transport provided for community use operating
a scheduled timetable and regulated fare structure. This includes the following
modes:

• Taxi;
• Bus;
• Bus Rapid Transit (BRT)
• Light Rail / Tram;
• Metro; and
• Regional Rail.
For the purpose of this document, marine and aviation infrastructure will not be
discussed here. Marine and aviation infrastructure standards are established and
enforced by DMAT.

5.3.1 Objectives
The purpose of public transport infrastructure is to provide the community with
a sustainable, efficient, convenient and safe transportation alternative to private
vehicles. A public transport system must enhance the community it serves and
be easily accessible by commuters, on foot or by bike and provide easy way-
finding for customers throughout the entire duration of their journey. For a public
transport system to be successful, it must provide a desirable alternative to private
vehicle use.

5.3.2 Key Design Considerations

Effective public transport infrastructure shall be developed by considering the
following principles in the design and construction of such facilities:

• Connectivity and Accessibility;

• Mobility;
• Convenience;
• Efficiency;
• Safety for all users;
• Visibility;
• Aesthetics;
• Sustainability; and
• Integration with other modes of transport

53
 5.3.3 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and
planning documents
All public transport infrastructures shall be planned and safeguarded in accordance
with the following sector-specific requirements, standards and guidelines:

Bus Rapid Transit Planning Standards (TR-533)

Bus Services Planning Standards (TR-534)
Metro Planning Standards (TR-535)
Railway Planning Standards (TR-536)
Tramways Planning Standards (TR-537)
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Technical circular –Bus Stop Design standard drawings (TR-520)
Guide Drawings on locating Bus stops on Urban Roads (TR-521)
Technical Guidance Document for Submission of Environmental Permit
(TR-527)
Applications and Reports
Walking and Cycling Master Plan -Network Design (TR-530)

The Design, Construction, Operation and Maintenance of the emerging public

transport infrastructures shall be in accordance with the specific requirements
and Standards developed during the different stages of any such project.

The design and construction of bus infrastructure (bus stations, bus depots, bus
shelters etc.) will be in accordance with the specific requirements and standards
for implementation of the DMAT plans for the development of the bus network and
infrastructure in the emirate.

5.4 Road Traffic Control and Management

Infrastructure Standards

5.4.1 Objectives
The aim of Road Traffic Control and Management Infrastructure is to maximise the
efficiency, safety and convenience of the road network. These goals are usually
achieved by developing integrated transport networks utilising international best
practice and a consistent set of standards and methodologies. Consistency of
the traffic control and management throughout the transport networks is vital for
ensuring that users have a clear understanding of the network, and can plan their
journey accordingly.

54 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
5.4.2 Key Design Considerations
There are many reasons to implement traffic control and management, for
instance; congestion relief, safety, work zone and events management etc. While
these reasons may change, the (fundamental) design considerations remain the
same and can be summarized as below:

• Efficiency;
• Safety;
• User needs;
• Integration with other modes of transport; and
• Data collection and distribution to users.

5.4.3 Applicable Standards,Guidelines and Planning

Documents
All road traffic control and management infrastructure shall be planned, designed,
constructed, operated and maintained in accordance with the following
requirements, standards and guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-501)

Al Ain  Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-502)
Al Gharbia Surface Transport Master plan (TR-503)
Eastern Region Surface Transport Masterplan (TR-504)
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TR-511)
Road Geometric Design Manual (TR-514)
Road Performance Monitoring System Guide (TR-515)
Road Structures Design Manual (TR-516)
Roadside Design Guide (TR-518)
Traffic Signals and Electronic Warning and Information Systems Manual (TR-529)
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)

Other References Documents

Safety and Security Planning Manual (DP-305)

Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM) (PR-401)

55
 5.5 Pedestrian Walkways, And Bicycle Paths

5.5.1 Objectives
Liveable communities are often categorised as having well-integrated, safe,
and inviting pedestrian and cyclist spaces as part of their infrastructure. These
facilities provide the following functions:

• Commuting and utility trips for children and adults;

• Transport over short distances, for instance to schools;
• Access to other transport modes including Public Transit for longer
journeys;
• Access to buildings and facilities;
• Recreation;
• Encouragement of an active and healthy lifestyle;
• Encouragement of community integration; and
• Safe road and street crossings.
The overall objective of creating liveable communities can be achieved when
these functions of pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure are consistently integrated
into the Public Realm environment, connecting key land uses and interfaced with
Public Transit.

5.5.2 Key Design Considerations

Pedestrians and cyclists are the most vulnerable road users. Pedestrians are also
the most important, as all road users are pedestrians at some point in their journey.
As such, pedestrian and cyclist-specific infrastructure should be designed to the
highest standard possible with the following key design considerations in mind:

• Safety;
• User comfort and security, for example lighting and secure cycle parking;
• Connectivity and Accessibility;
• Mobility (including the mobility of (physically challenged persons);
• Shading and cooling;
• Way finding;
• Aesthetics;
• Pedestrians and cyclists volume;
• Appropriate walking and cycling distances; and
• Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles.

56 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
5.5.3 Applicable Standards, Guidelines and
planning documents
All pedestrian walkways and bicycle paths shall be planned, designed, constructed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the following requirements, standards
and guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

Abu Dhabi Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-501)

Al Ain  Surface Transport Master Plan (TR-502)
Al Gharbia Surface Transport Master plan (TR-503)
Eastern Region Surface Transport Masterplan (TR-504)
Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (TR-511)
Road Geometric Design Manual (TR-514)
Road Structures Design Manual (TR-516)
Traffic Signals and Electronic Warning and Information Systems Manual (TR-529)
Walking and Cycling Master Plan -Network Design (TR-530)
Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM) (PR-401)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)

Other References Documents

Plan Capital 2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan (DP-301)

Plan Al Ain 2030: Al Ain Urban Structure Framework (DP-302)
Safety & Security Planning Manual (DP-305)

57
58 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
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InfrastructureServices
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Standards- -22ndndedition
edition- -January
December
2017
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6
RIGHT OF WAY AND
UTILITY DISPOSITION

59
 6.1 Overview
Right of Way means the area of land appropriated for providing existing and
planned land transportation infrastructure and accommodating utility services,
bridges or tunnels, and other public realm components over which or through
which land transportation infrastructure passes, and shall include the appurtenant
height above and depth below the land and equipment installed on such land. In
the event that the area of land is bordered by plot boundaries, it shall include the
land between such plot boundaries.

Courtesy of UPC

Figure 5: under construction street according to UCDM

Utility Corridor, as a part of Right of Way is an area of land or a volume of space

that is allocated with the intention of accommodating services utilities.

6.2 Context in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi Emirate has developed a series of guidelines to allocate the
utilities within the Utilities Corridor of the Right of Way for the purpose of providing
services utilities for all areas of development. In Abu Dhabi, like other countries
throughout the world, the Utility Corridor commonly runs alongside roadways,
but even goes beyond that to occupy more than 20,000 km of linear space. This
strategic location helps to provide accessibility for installation, but also operation
and maintenance of the utilities that are vital for sustained, yet productive, growth.*

* UPC: Urpan Planning Council.

60 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
6.3 Objectives
The objective of the Utility Corridor is to provide well-planned and appropriately
sized provisions for utilities along the road corridors or other areas to provide
services to public. A set of planning and design standards have been developed
to guide the design of these corridors to ensure that all utilities are represented
and given adequate, but not excessive, space.

6.4 Key Design Considerations

In order to achieve the above objectives, key consideration must be integrated
into the design:

• Functionality to serve the purpose;

• Appropriate hierarchy of utilities;
• Accessibility for construction and/or maintenance; and
• Protection of utilities.

6.5 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

All Utility Corridors shall be planned in accordance with the following references to
ensure the fulfilment of the above-mentioned objectives and to serve the intended
communities and the environment.

Sector-Specific Documents

Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban areas) (ROW-601)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)

Other References Documents

Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)

Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Safety and Security Planning Manual (DP-305)
Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM) (PR-401)
Road Geometric Design Manual (TR-514)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission Assets (WA-707)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

61
62 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
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InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
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December
2017
2016
7
INTEGRATED WATER MANAGEMENT
INFRASTRUCTURE

63
 7.1 Overview
This section provides a brief overview of the water management infrastructure
sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. For this purpose, the water management
infrastructure sector is divided into the following sub-sectors, namely:

Courtesy of Transco

Figure 6: Potable Water Pumping Station

• Potable water transmission infrastructure;

• Potable water distribution infrastructure;
• Waste water infrastructure;
• Irrigation water infrastructure;
• Storm water infrastructure; and
• Ground water monitoring infrastructure.

7.2 Context in Abu Dhabi

Water production in Abu Dhabi is mainly based on desalination. In 2014 thermal
desalination accounted for 92.4% of water production in Abu Dhabi, predominantly
via multi-stage flash (MSF) distillation, and to a lesser extent multiple effect
distillation (MED), while the remaining 7.6% was generated by seawater reverse
osmosis (RO). Total gross production capacity was 916 MIGD (4.16 million m3 per
day). The 3,326km water transmission system carried an average of 760 MIGD

64 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 (3.5 million m3 per day) of desalinated water via mains pipelines. The drinking
water transmission network comprises 50 pumping stations with a combined
capacity of 2,436 MIGD, and 122 reservoirs with a total capacity of 655 MIG. In
2014, the average daily water supply was 184.5 MIGD to Al Ain and 495 MIGD
to Abu Dhabi and the total length of the distribution system operated by the Al
Ain and Abu Dhabi distribution companies (e.g., AADC and ADDC) was about
12,253 km. Their water network comprises a total of 47 pumping stations with an
overall capacity of 122 MIGD, and 110 reservoirs with a total capacity of 96 MIG.
By the end of 2014, there were 349,492 water customers (i.e., connections) in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi.*

The second source of water in Abu Dhabi is groundwater; it is contained in

consolidated or unconsolidated surficial deposit aquifers and bedrock/structural
aquifers. The expansion of agriculture and forestry in the Emirate has been
recognized as primary factors responsible for depletion of this finite source.
Together, these two sources have consumed about 70% of Abu Dhabi’s ground
water resources.*

Repurposing wastewater following treatment has been identified as one of the

strategies for water source diversification that can help mitigate Abu Dhabi’s
water shortage. Abu Dhabi has 39 wastewater treatment plants that process
approximately 944,000 m3 of wastewater that is generated every day. In 2015, a
total of 344 million m3 was treated; from this, 51% was reused mainly for irrigation
of green areas.*

* RSB: Regulation and Supervision Bureau.

7.3 Potable Water Transmission Infrastructure Standards

Potable water transmission infrastructure is operated and maintained by
TRANSCO, a subsidiary of ADWEA.  The standards, manuals and guidelines
associated with the planning, design, construction and operation of potable water
transmission infrastructure are listed in this chapter.

7.3.1 Objectives
The objectives of potable water transmission infrastructure, operated by TRANSCO,
are to reliably, securely and safely transmit water from the water producers to the
distribution networks operated by ADDC, AADC and to the Northern Emirates
of the UAE, maintaining the optimum balance of performance, risk, cost and
sustainable development.

To execute these objectives, TRANSCO maintains and operates a network of

transmission assets, including Pumping Stations, Reservoirs, Water trunk mains,
Water Control Centre and undertakes the management of all planned and unplanned
maintenance activities in accordance with defined policies & procedures.

65
 7.3.2 Key Design Considerations
The supply of potable water to a community is a necessity of life, and as such the
transmission infrastructure must be reliable, secure and safe. In order to achieve
this objective, a strict set of standards are applied and key design consideration
are as follows:

• Adequate water pumping and storage facilities;

• Wholesome potable water supply;
• Safety of community;
• Security;
• Reliability;
• Durability;
• Sustainability;
• Accessibility for maintenance;
• Safety of maintenance teams;
• Efficiency of planned and unplanned maintenance;
• Demand;
• Supply; and
• Minimise leakage and wastage.

7.3.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

Potable water transmission infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the following requirements, standards
and guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

Drinking Water Safety Plan (WA-701)

Hygienic Practices within Pumping Station and Water Network (WA-702)
Metering and Data Exchange Code (WA-703)
Standard Technical Specifications for Water Works (WA-704)
The Water Quality Regulations (WA-705)
The Water Transmission Code (WA-706)

66 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 Other References Documents

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission

(WA-707)
Assets
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban areas) (ROW-601)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

7.4 Potable Water Distribution Infrastructure Standards

Potable water distribution infrastructure is operated and maintained by
ADDC and AADC in their respective jurisdictions; both are subsidiaries of the
ADWEA. The standards, manuals and guidelines associated with the planning,
design, construction, operation and maintenance of potable water distribution
infrastructure are listed in this chapter.

7.4.1 Objectives
The objectives of potable water distribution infrastructure, operated by ADDC in
Abu Dhabi and Western Region and AADC in Al Ain, is to provide safe, efficient,
and economical potable water distribution to the community. As such, ADDC
and AADC design, develop, operate and maintain a system of water distribution
infrastructure according to a strict set of standards.

7.4.2 Key Design Considerations

The objectives from Section ‎7.4.1 can be achieved through the application of
these strict standards and key design consideration:

• Adequate water pumping and storage facilities;

• Wholesome potable water supply;
• Safety of community;
• Security;

67
 • Reliability;
• Durability;
• Sustainability;
• Accessibility for maintenance;
• Safety of maintenance teams;
• Efficiency of planned and unplanned maintenance;
• Demand / supply; and
• Minimise leakage and wastage.

7.4.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

All potable water distribution infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the following requirements, standards
and guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

The Water Supply Regulations (WA-708)

Guide to Water Supply Regulations (WA-709)
The Water Distribution Code (WA-710)
The Customer Metering Regulations (WA-711)
Metering and Data Exchange Code (WA-703)
Standard Technical Specifications for Water Works (WA-704)
The Water Quality Regulations (WA-705)
The water Transmition Code (WA-706)

Other References Documents

Guideline for Work in Vicinity of ADDC Assets (WA-712)

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission
(WA-707)
Assets
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual. (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual
(ROW-601)
(for utilities in non-urban areas)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)

68 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

7.5 Waste Water Infrastructure Standards

ADSSC is responsible for establishing and applying all standards and specifications
related to waste water infrastructure in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

7.5.1 Objectives
The objectives of waste water infrastructure is to collect and treat waste water
discharged from all residential and commercial customers in the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi and safely dispose of both the recycled water and bio-solids produced
thereof. This includes the following:

• Waste water collection;

• Waste water treatment; and
• Recycled water & bio-solids disposal.

7.5.2 Key Design Considerations

Key design considerations must be applied during the collection and treatment of
wastewater to produce recycled water and bio-solids. Those considerations are
as follows:

• Environmental responsibility;
• Sustainability;
• Safety;
• Efficiency of maintenance and operation; and
• Demand.

7.5.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

All waste water infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed, operated
and maintained in according to the following sector-specific requirements,
standards and guidelines:

69
 Sector-Specific Documents

Design Guidelines (WA-713)

General Specification for Civil Works (WA-714)
General Specification for Electrical Works (WA-715)
General Specification for Mechanical Works (WA-716)
Standard and Typical Drawings (WA-717)
Standard Method of Measurement (WA-718)
Technical Data Sheet for Electrical Works (WA-719)
Technical Data Sheet for Mechanical Works (WA-720)
The Trade Effluent Control Regulations (WA-721)
Recycled Water and Bio-solids Regulations (WA-722)
Guide to the Recycled Water and Bio-solids Regulations (WA-723)
Guide to the Trade Effluent Control Regulations (WA-724)

Other References Documents

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission

(WA-707)
Assets
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban
(ROW-601)
areas)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

7.6 Irrigation Water Infrastructure

Recycled water can be used for irrigation purposes within the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi. Recycled water, also known as TSE, is a by-product of the ADSSC’s waste
water treatment process, and can be used for a number of applications. It is,
however, currently only used for irrigation and landscaping purposes.

ADSSC has jurisdiction over irrigation water/recycled water main transmission

infrastructure. These main transmission lines feed into storage facilities or tie into
distribution networks, which are both overseen by DMAT.

70 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 If the irrigation infrastructure is designed and constructed by a developer, it might
be handed over to DMAT once it is commissioned, subject to compliance to DMAT
requirements for design and construction.

7.6.1 Objectives
There is also a push for authorities to provide more sustainable infrastructure,
and operate in a more sustainable manner. With this in mind the objectives of
irrigation water infrastructure are to provide a well maintained and sustainable
irrigation system that utilises the latest water conserving technologies to irrigate
sustainably landscaped areas within the Public Realm and road reserve.

7.6.2 Key Design Considerations

Irrigation water demand is greatly influenced by the landscaping design; therefore,
it is imperative that the irrigation infrastructure is designed in conjunction with
the landscaping. Key design considerations for the design of irrigation water
infrastructure are as follows:

• Recycled water quality;

• Safety of community;
• Security;
• Reliability;
• Accessibility for maintenance;
• Safety of maintenance teams;
• Demand / supply;
• Sustainability;
• Environmental Requirements;
• Landscape design (low water use plants); and
• Water conserving irrigation technologies.

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 7.6.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines
Irrigation water infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed, operated
and maintained in accordance with the following requirements, standards and
guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

Irrigation Manual (Volume I) Design Manual (WA-725-1)

Irrigation Manual (Volume II) Operation and Maintenance Manual (WA-725-2)
Irrigation Manual (Volume III) Technical Specifications (WA-725-3)
Irrigation Manual (Volume IV) Standard Drawings (WA-725-4)

Other References Documents

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission

(WA-707)
Assets
Recycled Water and Bio-solids Regulations (WA-722)
Guide to the Recycled Water and Biosolids Regulations (WA-723)
Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM) (PR-401)
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban
(ROW-601)
areas)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM,for utilities in urban areas (ROW-602)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

7.7 Stormwater Infrastructure

Stormwater infrastructure is owned and operated by DMAT. If the infrastructure is
designed and constructed by a developer, it might be handed over to DMAT once
it is commissioned, subject to compliance to DMAT requirements for design and
construction.

72 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
7.7.1 Objectives
The objectives of stormwater infrastructure are to collect, and transfer stormwater
runoff in an efficient and sustainable manner. Recently a new approach of
stormwater ponds with recreational facilities has been introduced.

7.7.2 Key Design Considerations

In order to improve the impact of the built environment on the natural environment,
stormwater design should be developed with sustainability in mind. In principle, a
sustainable stormwater design attempts to mimic the natural conditions as closely
as practical. To develop a sustainable stormwater system the following key design
considerations should be integrated:

• Water volume (runoff or surface water);

• Water velocity;
• Infiltration rates;
• Maintenance and sand control;
• Sustainability;
• Environmental Requirements;
• Treatment of contaminants;
• Safety; and
• Economics.

7.7.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

Stormwater infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed, operated
and maintained in accordance with the following requirements, standards and
guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems (Volume |) Design Manual (WA-726-1)

Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems (Volume ||) Standard
(WA-726-2)
Drawings
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems (Volume |||) Operation and
(WA-726-3)
Maintenance Management Manual
Stormwater and subsoil drainage systems Standard Technical
(WA-726-4)
Specification (Volume 1, 2 & 3)

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 Other References Documents

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission

(WA-707)
Assets
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban areas) (ROW-601)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

7.8 Ground Water Monitoring Infrastructure

Groundwater is the water held in the pores and fractures of underground soil
and rocks, and known as the Aquifer. Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD)
is responsible for groundwater research in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, including
exploration and monitoring. The EAD’s jurisdiction also covers protection of
groundwater through establishing and enforcing relevant policies and legislation
to retain this precious and strategic resource.

Groundwater can be used as source of irrigation water in the farms, forests, and
some industrial and constructional projects.

7.8.1 Objectives of Ground Water Infrastructure

The main objectives of groundwater infrastructure are to assess and protect
groundwater, which can be done through exploration and monitoring activities.
The exploration activities aim to assess all aquifer system, in terms of quantity
and quality, by drilling exploration wells. Conversely, monitoring activities aim to
observe any changes in groundwater quantity and quality caused by abstraction
activities and land uses, which is carried out via the drilling of monitoring wells.

7.8.2 Key Design Considerations

The overall objectives of the design are focused on exploring and protecting the
groundwater, considering the following activities:

• Conduct comprehensive exploration program in terms of geographic

distribution and vertical aquifer systems;

74 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 • Conduct comprehensive network monitoring for various geographic and
aquifer systems;
• Implement an effective design to protect the groundwater infrastructure
wells, ensuring integrity of the network, as well as continuity of the
operations and data flow;
• Implement an effective action plan for operating and maintaining the
groundwater stations; and
• Utilize latest technologies in the groundwater operations.

7.8.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

Groundwater monitoring infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the following:

Standard Operating Procedures for Permitting of Development and

(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects.

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8
ENERGY
INFRASTRUCTURE

77
 8.1 Overview
This section provides a brief overview of the energy infrastructure sector in the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This sector includes:

400kV OHTLs in UAE

Lattice Tower

Tubular Tower Type

Courtesy of Transco

Figure 7: Electrical Transmission Lines

• Electricity Transmission Infrastructure;

• Electricity Distribution Infrastructure;
• Sustainable Energy;
• Road Lighting Infrastructure; and
• Public Lighting Infrastructure;

8.2 Context in Abu Dhabi

There are three separate services in the electricity sector: production, transmission
and distribution. In 2014; total installed production capacity reached ‘15,5’
Gigawatt (GW) which represents an increase of 79% since 2007. And the total
electricity production was 70,847 Gigawatt hours (GWh), which represents an
increase of 84% since 2007.  Electrical productions correlates similarly with
consumption, which also experienced a steep increase of 85% between 2007
and 2014 reaching a total consumption of 52,841 GWh in 2014.  The difference

78 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 in production and consumption is common in this industry, and can likely be
attributed to the power exported and line loss.*

* TRANSCO: Abu Dhabi Transmission and Depatch Company.

8.3 Electricity Transmission Infrastructure Standards

Electricity transmission infrastructure is operated and maintained by TRANSCO,
a subsidiary of ADWEA. The standards, manuals and guidelines associated
with the planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of electricity
transmission infrastructure are listed in this chapter.

8.3.1 Objectives
The purpose of electricity transmission infrastructure, operated by TRANSCO, is to
reliably, securely and safely transmit electricity from the electricity producers, also
known as Independent Water and Power Producers (IWPPs) to the distribution
networks operated by ADDC and AADC, Northern Emirates Power Network and
other Non-Embedded customers.

For this purpose, TRANSCO maintains and operates a network of transmission

assets, including OHLs, Power Substations and the control centre ‘LDC’, and
undertakes the management of all planned and unplanned, preventive and
predictive maintenance activities in accordance with a set of clear standards.

8.3.2 Key Design Considerations

The supply of electricity to communities is necessity to maintain the quality of life in
Abu Dhabi; therefore, the transmission infrastructure must be reliable, secure and
safe. In order to achieve these requirements the following criteria are considered:

• Safety of community;
• Security;
• Reliability;
• Accessibility for maintenance;
• Safety of maintenance teams;
• Efficiency of planned and unplanned maintenance; and
• Demand / supply.

79
 8.3.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines
Electricity transmission infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the following standards and
guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

The Electricity Transmission Code (EN-801)

Electricity Transmission Security Standard (EN-802)
Standard Technical Specifications for Electricity 400-220-132-33-22-
(EN-803)
11 kV and Low Voltage Auxiliary System
Electricity Design Guidelines of ADDC (5) year Planning Statement (EN-804)
Metering and Data Exchange Code (WA-703)

Other References Documents

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission

(EN-805)
Assets
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban
(ROW-601)
areas)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission
(WA-707)
Assets

80 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
8.4 Electricity Distribution Infrastructure Standards
Electricity distribution infrastructure is operated and maintained by ADDC and
AADC in their respective jurisdictions; both are subsidiaries of the ADWEA.
The standards, manuals and guidelines associated with the planning, design,
construction, operation and maintenance of electricity distribution infrastructure
are listed in this chapter.

8.4.1 Objectives
The purpose of electricity distribution infrastructure, operated by ADDC and
AADC, is to provide safe, efficient and economical electricity distribution to the
community.

8.4.2 Key Design Considerations

The supply of electricity to communities is necessity to maintain the quality of life
in Abu Dhabi; therefore, the distribution infrastructure must be reliable, secure and
safe. In order to achieve these requirements the following criteria are considered:

• Safety of community;
• Security;
• Reliability;
• Accessibility for maintenance;
• Safety of maintenance teams;
• Efficiency of planned and unplanned maintenance; and
• Demand / supply.

81
 8.4.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines
Electricity distribution infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed,
operated and maintained in accordance with the following sector-specific
standards and guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

Electricity Distribution code (EN-806)

Electricity Wiring Regulation Code (EN-807)
Engineering Standards for Earthing (EN-808)
LV Design Guidelines (EN-809)
Standard Technical Specification for Electrical Distribution Assets for
(EN-810)
33KV, 22KV, 11 KV and Low Voltage Systems
Electricity Design Guidelines of ADDC (5) year Planning Statement (EN-804)
Metering and Data Exchange Code (WA-703)

Other References Documents

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission

(EN-805)
Assets
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban
(ROW-601)
areas)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission
(WA-707)
Assets

82 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
8.5 Sustainable Energy
Sustainable energy is energy produced by means of renewable forms (wind, solar,
hydro, etc.). Masdar is a developer and operator of renewable power generation
projects within Abu Dhabi, and therefore determines the international standards
appropriate for use in the UAE. Masdar makes direct investments in individual
projects in all areas of renewable energy, with a focus on concentrating solar
power, photovoltaic solar energy, as well as on- and offshore wind energy.*

* MASDAR.

8.5.1 Objectives
The objective of sustainable energy is to develop a means of power generation
that utilizes renewable sources and does not diminish the environment for future
generations. It is important for sustainable energy infrastructure to be developed
to supplement current power generation methods, and develop into primary
power generation means in the long term.

8.5.2 Key Design Considerations

Due to the size and complexities associated with the design, construction and
maintenance of sustainable energy systems the following is a list of key design
considerations for this infrastructure:

• Meet the needs of the community it services;

• Land and location restrictions;
• Climatic considerations in system selection
• Community acceptance of large infrastructure;
• Environmental impact assessments & Construction Environmental
management;
• Projected GHG emissions displacement against ‘traditional’ power
generation methods; and
• Ease of operations and maintenance.

8.5.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

Design of sustainable energy systems, while well-documented and developed, is
relatively new to the UAE; therefore, no local standards and guidelines associated
with it currently exist. Foreign and international best practice standards and
guidelines are used in the UAE. Any authority, developer, consultant, contractor or
other stakeholder that is engaged in any project where sustainable energy sources
will be utilized can approach ADWEA and Masdar for advice and guidance.

83
 8.6 Road Lighting Infrastructure Standards
Road lighting infrastructure planned, designed, constructed, operated and
maintained by DMAT.

8.6.1 Objectives
The purpose road lighting infrastructure is to provide visibility on the road network
at night. Road lighting’s key focus is the safety and comfort of the road users,
pedestrians and residents. In order to achieve this goal, road lighting must be
provided in a high quality, consistent manner.

8.6.2 Key Design Considerations

The safety of all road users is the most important consideration in road design,
and appropriate lighting is one of the key aspects ensuring a safe roadway.  As
such the design of a lighting system must consider a wide range of aspects as
listed below:

• Driver Visibility requirements based on road category, travel speed,

brightness hierarchy and balance with  surrounding conditions;
• Appropriate road surface brightness uniformities, surround ratios and
fixture glare limits;
• Conflict zones and High incident areas;
• Pedestrian and cyclist visibility;
• Coordination with the public realm and public realm lighting;
• Sustainability (e.g., use of LED’s, reduced maintenance requirements and
reduction of excessive lighting levels);
• Weather conditions (e.g., lighting coping with fog conditions);
• Driver comfort and fatigue avoidance;
• CPTED; (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design)
• Available technology;
• Emerging technology;
•   Minimising lighting infrastructure;and
• Energy saving lighting management systems including off peak dimming
profiles.

8.6.3 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

Road lighting infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed, operated
and maintained in accordance with the following requirements, standards and
guidelines:

84 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 Sector-Specific Documents

Lighting Manual (PR-402)

Road Structures Design Manual (TR-516)

Other References Documents

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission

(EN-805)
Assets
Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM) (PR-401)
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban areas) (ROW-601)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission
(WA-707)
Assets

8.7 Public Lighting Infrastructure Standards

The objective of public lighting is to provide a safe and inviting public environment
for the community within the hours of darkness. Public lighting can be used to
practically light public areas as well as provide additional social, cultural, wellbeing,
commercial and aesthetic value to the Public Realm.

8.7.1 Key Design Considerations

Public lighting needs to be designed to coordinate with the sector landscaping
designs, as well as various areas and activities in the Public Realm. It is important
that lighting is designed by someone with both theoretical and practical knowledge
of lighting design and lighting technology. The following key design consideration
should be taken into account when designing public lighting:

• Visual comfort, attractiveness, safety and light quality;

• CPTED; (Crime Prevention through Environmental Design);
• Purpose of Space and/or task;
• Activity and sports areas area to be illuminated ;
• Areas outside the activity space requiring illumination;

85
 • Coordination with adjacent road lighting;
• Landscaping design (e.g., Coordination of lighting, planting and landscape
design);
• Aesthetics of lighting as part of the area landscape furniture and design;
• Available technologies;
• Emerging technologies;
• Energy saving lighting management including off peak
switching or dimming; and
• Minimizing of lighting infrastructure.

8.7.2 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

Public lighting infrastructure shall be planned, designed, constructed, operated
and maintained and in accordance with the following requirements, standards and
guidelines:

Sector-Specific Documents

Lighting Manual (PR-402)

Other References Documents

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission

(EN-805)
Assets
Public Realm Design Manual (PRDM) (PR-401)
Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban areas) (ROW-601)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Urban Street Design Manual (USDM) (ROW-603)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission
(WA-707)
Assets

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9
GAS
INFRASTRUCTURE

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 9.1 Overview
This section will provide a brief overview of the gas distribution infrastructure
sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This will be done in accordance with the
various sub-sectors that were defined in the Infrastructure Standards Evaluation
Project; namely, Gas Distribution Infrastructure from high pressure off-take, up to
and including end users appliances connections.

(Courtesy of ADNOC Distribution)

Figure 8: Natural Gas distribution PRS Facility

9.2 Context in Abu Dhabi

ADNOC Distribution, following Supreme Petroleum Council’s mandate, is
progressing the development of the Natural Gas (NG) downstream business
in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. This endeavor involves the development of
the infrastructure as well as of the market, targeting to cater the residential,
commercial, transportation, small and medium industrial and district cooling
segments’ demand.

90 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 The Project covers the design, construction, operation, maintenance, emergency
activities and communication networks (SCADA, Fiber Optics) from / including the
high pressure gas pipelines to the natural Gas Distribution Network terminating
at Residential, Commercial and Industrial customers’ appliances. The PROJECT
will also serve the transportation sector by building and operating state of the art
natural gas filling stations, vehicle conversion workshops and vehicle conversions.

The PROJECT Scope also includes customer acquisition, customer service, type
approvals of gas meters/appliances and the design, construction and operation
of a Gas Operations and Service Centre.

ADNOC Distribution currently operates networks at Yas Island, Al Raha Beach

and Al Maryah Island and 31 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) refilling stations,
serving approximately 2,300 residential customers, 94 commercial customers ,
more than 5,500 vehicles and 4 conversion centers”

ADNOC Distribution will be responsible for the safety operation of the Gas
Distribution Network and related infrastructure and services in the city and urban
areas. The pipework and appliances inside the customers’ premises is the
responsibility of the customer and will be supplied, constructed and maintained by
other private sector participants in the gas industry. However, ADNOC Distribution
will determine and approve standards for equipment and installation within the
customers’ premises and the accreditation of private sector participants.*

* ADNOC DISTRIBUTION.

9.3 Gas Distribution Infrastructure Standards

9.3.1 Objectives
ADNOC Distribution has a clear mandate to develop Gas Distribution Network in
Abu Dhabi Emirate, with holistic scope covering Natural Gas (NG), Compressed
Natural Gas (CNG) for vehicles (NGV), and Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) through
underground distribution infrastructure networks. There is a clear focus on
residential, commercial and customers, in addition to NGV, to provide the cleanest,
safest, cost effective and reliable energy solutions.

Gas Distribution network infrastructure are included within the road and utility
corridors right of ways, and relate to infrastructure services in this respect.

91
 9.3.2 Applicable Standards and Guidelines
As indicated in the introduction, detailed standards and specification for
gas infrastructure is regarded as a specialized industry. However, when such
infrastructure is located within a road or utility corridor right of way, then the
following standards shall apply:

Sector-Specific Documents

Material and Equipment Standards and Specifications (GA-901)

Gas Distribution System - Construction Standards and Specifications
(GA-902)
- Polyethylene Distribution Mains and Gas Services
Gas Distribution System - Construction Standards and Specifications
(GA-903)
- Steel Distribution Pipelines and Gas Services
Design Basis Memorandum (GA-904)

Other References Documents

Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and

(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban
(ROW-601)
areas)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission
(WA-707)
Assets
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

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DISTRICT COOLING
INFRASTRUCTURE

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 10.1 Overview
District cooling refers to the means of producing distributed and centralized cooling
energy. The underlying process of district cooling is based delivering chilled water,
created in a centralized and efficient cooling plant, through underground pipelines
to many buildings that are located nearby.

(Courtesy of Tabreed)

Figure 9: District Cooling Graphic

District cooling is a suitable alternative to traditional electric air conditioning

systems because it typically consumes 40% to 50% less energy. These savings
provide the opportunity for significant financial and environmental benefits.

10.2 Context in Abu Dhabi

Due to the desert climate of Abu Dhabi and to the high level of temperature and
humidity in summer, electric-based air conditioning contributes to almost 70%
of the Emirate’s electricity consumption. By 2030, cooling demand in Abu Dhabi
is expected to increase by nearly 300%, which creates a sense of urgency to
move towards the widespread adoption of more energy efficient air conditioning
systems like district cooling.

96 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 The characteristics of district cooling systems are complimentary to the urban
development planned for Abu Dhabi. Specifically, it suitable for high-density
developments such as urban business districts, campuses of schools and
universities, as well as residential complexes and towers. In Abu Dhabi, the
National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed) is operating 39 district cooling
plants, and has 69 district cooling plants in total across GCC countries.*

* TABREED COMPANY.

10.3 Objectives
The planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of district cooling
infrastructure through the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are carried out by companies,
including National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed). Overall, the primary
aim of Tabreed is to promote the production and distribution of chilled water from
a central source for the purposes of air-conditioning.

This service plays vital role in development of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, considering
the hot desert climate consistent with the region. District cooling serves as a
sustainable alternative to traditional air conditioning systems, with a number of
environmental and economic benefits.

District cooling infrastructure is included within road and utility corridor right of
ways, and as such relate to infrastructure services in this respect.

10.4 Key Design Considerations

District cooling needs to be designed in coordination with the designs of
complimentary utilities like water and electricity. It is important that district
cooling is designed by someone with both theoretical and practical knowledge
of the functions and technology of centralized cooling systems. The following
key design consideration should be taken into account when designing district
cooling systems:

• Efficiency;
• Sustainability;
• Reliability;
• Safety;
• Complimentary utilities;
• Proximity to end use; and
• Thermal comfort.

97
 10.5 Applicable Standards and Guidelines
As indicated in the introduction, detailed standards and specification for district
cooling is regarded as a specialized industry and is therefore not referenced.
However, when such infrastructure is located within a road or utility corridor right
of way, then the following standards shall apply:

Sector-Specific Documents
A Comprehensive regulatory framework is being developed and a reference will
be provided once approved.

Other References Documents

Roadside Design Guide (TR-518)

Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and
(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban
(ROW-601)
areas)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission
(WA-707)
Assets
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

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Telecommunications
Infrastructure

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 11.1 Overview
Modern telecommunications has become an essential aspect of life for many
communities and has been continuously growing to contribute to the growth of
the national economy.

Courtesy of TRA
Figure 10: Telecom Tower

The rapid pace of development in telecoms has led to new communications

technologies constantly being upgraded to improve services – for homes,
businesses, public utilities and electronic commerce. This document provides
the guideline for the design requirements, proper ways of implementation and
technology specifications of public infrastructures being installed in fixed
networks, as well as the common standards and specifications for mobile site
construction including in-building environments. This document is applicable for
telecommunications services being carried out by national telecoms operators in
the emirate of Abu Dhabi.*

* TRA: Telecommunications Regulatory Authority.

102 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
11.2 Applicable Standards and Guidelines

Sector-Specific Documents

Telecom Civil Infrastructure Guidelines for Fixed Networks - Design

(TE-1101)
Requirements
Telecom Civil Infrastructure Guidelines for Fixed Networks -
(TE-1102)
Implementation and Specifications
Common Standards and Specifications on Civil Works for Mobile
(TE-1103)
Network Site Construction
Common In-Building Specification Guideline (TE-1104)

Other References Documents

Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and

(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban
(ROW-601)
areas)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)
Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission
(WA-707)
Assets
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets

103
104 Abu Dhabi Emirates
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12
WASTE MANAGEMENT
INFRASTRUCTURE

105
 12.1 Overview
The planning, design, construction, operation and maintenance of waste
management infrastructure through the Emirate of Abu Dhabi are carried out by
the Center of Waste Management, Abu Dhabi (Tadweer). Waste management
infrastructure is included within the roadside environment, and therefore relates
to public infrastructure in this respect. This section discusses infrastructure
relating to the permitting, collection and treatment of solid and hazardous waste.
Additionally, it includes lists of guidelines and regulatory requirements related to
management of waste including, non-hazardous, hazardous waste as well as
medical waste.

Courtesy of CWM (Tadweer)

Figure 11: C + D Waste Recycling.

However, it does not include standards guidance for the construction of landfills
or other waste collection or disposal facilities.

12.2 Context in Abu Dhabi

As part of the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030, the Emirate aims to be amongst the leading
countries in waste management. To achieve this goal, there is a pressing need
to invest in waste management infrastructure ranging from collection, treatment,
recycling and disposal.

In 2015, the total amount of waste generated in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi reached
approximately 8.39 million tons per annum, with a rate of 22,993 tons per day.
From the total amount of waste generated, municipal solid waste accounted for

106 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 approximately 20%, and reached about 1.67 million tons per annum in 2015, as
well as the construction and demolition waste accounted for about 34% of the
total waste in 2015.

Segregation of recyclables and waste as per the waste classification, as well as

segregated waste collection is key to the sustainable waste management process,
and is one of the challenges facing the Abu Dhabi Emirate. Abu Dhabi has
distributed more than 140,000 green and black bins for segregation of domestic
waste into recyclables and putrescible. By early 2017 the residential collection
system will be supported by collection points within the residential areas in Abu
Dhabi and Al Ain regions to facilitate residents to deposit recyclables like paper
& cardboard, plastic, metals, glass, used cooking oil, domestic hazardous waste,
etc. As Abu Dhabi continues to develop this, and other waste management
systems, it will provide a series of centralized and regulated collection facilities
with the aim of preventing unauthorized dumping. The Emirate of Abu Dhabi has
achieved a major milestone by using recycled concrete aggregates as road base
material and in other infrastructure projects like Etihad Rail. Figure1 shows the
construction and demolition waste recycling facility in Abu Dhabi.*

* CWM: Center of Waste Management (Tadweer) .

12.3 Applicable Policies, Standards and Guidelines

Applicable Policies, standards and guidelines relating to waste management
infrastructure with respect to public infrastructure are as follows:

Sector-Specific Documents

Waste Classification Policy (WM-1201)

Waste Planning Policy (WM-1202)
Licensing and Enforcement Policy for Waste Sector (WM-1203)
Waste Collection, Segregation, Transfer and Tracking Policy (WM-1204)
Waste Classification Technical Guideline (WM-1205)
Waste Reuse, Recycling, Resource Recovery, Waste to Energy,
(WM-1206)
Treatment and Disposal Policy
Certification Scheme for Recycled Crushed Aggregate (WM-1207)
Certification Scheme for Re-refined Engine Lubricant Base Oil (WM-1208)
Certification Scheme for Biodiesel (WM-1209)
Requirements and Procedures for the Disposal of Hazardous Wastes
(WM-1210)
(CWMTG 2# merged)
Requirements and Procedures for Registration of Skips and Container (WM-1211)
Registration of Waste Management Consultancy Offices (WM-1212)

107
 Inspection of Waste Treatment Facilities, Waste Transportation and
(WM-1213)
Pest Control Facilities
Permits and Licensing Requirements for Transportation, Treatment and
(WM-1214)
Recycling Facility
Management of Asbestos / Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) (WM-1215)
Estidama Pearl Building Rating System: Design and Construction (DP-306)
Estidama Pearl Community Rating System: Design and Construction (DP -307)
Estidama Pearl Villa Rating System: Design and Construction (DP -308)

Other References Documents

Standard Operating Procedure for Permitting of Development and

(TR-519)
Infrastructure Projects
Work Zone Traffic Management Manual (TR-531)
Right of Way Utility Distribution Manual (for utilities in non-urban areas) (ROW-601)
Utility Corridors Design Manual (UCDM, for utilities in urban areas) (ROW-602)

Utility Plot Design Manual (UPDM) (ROW-604)

Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Water Transmission

(WA-707)
Assets
Standard Conditions for Working in Proximity to Power Transmission
(EN-805)
Assets
Executive Council, Decree No. BT 9G 25/2010 dated 26th July 2010,
requiring the mandatory use (subject to availability) of a minimum of Decree
40% aggregate (by volume) of recycled construction and demolition No. BT 9G
waste in roads projects, as well as any other infrastructure projects 25/2010
throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi

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110 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
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InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
edition- -January
December
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2016
13
NOC PROGRAM FOR THE UTILITIES
AND INFRASTRUCTURES IN THE
EMIRATE OF ABU DHABI

111
 The following section aims to guide consultants and contractors in utilizing the
Municipal Approvals Services Platform “One-Stop Shop” / Common NOC Solution
for obtaining the required permits, approvals, and No Objection Certificates (NOCs)
pertaining to the various building, constructions, and utility and infrastructure
projects and activates.

This section, briefly yet sufficiently, provides information on the various requirements
in terms of standardized inputs and outputs towards successful processing and
completion of transactions, and points readers to published resources for further
information.

13.1 Introduction to No Objection Certificates (NOCs)

A No-Objection-Certificate (NOC) is an official document issued by a utilities and
infrastructure asset custodian, in the process of responding to an application from
a requester (government and semi-government entities, developers, contractors,
consultants, or individuals) that intends designing or executing a project or
performing fieldwork in a specific location. Through granting a NOC, the asset
custodian confirms the lack of impact (or possibility of mitigation of any probable
impact) by that project throughout its various stages of development, on the
integrity, utilization, and performance of the assets. The owner of the specific
development project (or their representative) is responsible for acquiring and
renewing NOCs as necessary.

No Objection Certificates are compulsory and are pre-requisite to satisfy the

requirements of approvals and permits and their issuance by the municipal sector
of Abu Dhabi Emirate. The approvals and permits transactions that necessitate
NOCs are categorized into the following major groups within the overall long-term
urban planning and development:

• Plot Services: Transactions that relate to plots but do not involve

construction works, such as land subdivision, merging, and extension.
• Buildings and Constructions: Transactions that relate to permits for
building and other construction activities that take place within a plot.
• Utilities and Infrastructure: Transactions that relate to activities that take
place within the public domain, which relate mainly to the planning.
Approvals and permits (and accompanying NOCs) are required throughout
the “asset” management lifecycle of utilities and infrastructure, buildings and
constructions, and land properties, comprising the four stages of planning and
design, implementation, operations, and decommissioning.

112 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
13.2 The Municipal Approvals Services Platform
“One-Stop Shop”
The Municipal Approvals Services Platform “One-Stop Shop” (https://noc.
abudhabi.ae) provides common platform for submitting applications for
approvals, permits, and NOCs pertaining to building, constructions, and utilities
and infrastructure development projects.

With its common interface across the three municipalities and between the
municipalities and the NOC stakeholder entities, the solution provides the following
features and merits:

• A unified window that serves all types of applicants and requesting entities
(citizens, consultants, contractors, developers, and government & semi-
government entities).
• A unified and comprehensive list of projects/activities that require permits,
approvals, and NOCs that guides the applicant in the submission process.
• A comprehensive set of main and support services
• Common and specific/tailored workflows.
• Detailed and entity-specific configurable business rules that govern the
behavior of the system at every step.

With submitting a common application (with all supporting information and

attachments), an applicant will be able on the one hand to satisfy all NOC
requirements of the various NOC issuing entities (asset custodians), and on the
other hand to carry on the process of acquiring the necessary permit or approval
from the relevant permitting system in the concerned municipality.

113
 With regard to NOCs, the Municipal Approvals Services Platform “One-Stop
Shop” aims to streamline the processing of NOC transactions that are solicited
by individuals or entities as a requirement for obtaining necessary approvals
and permits. This is achieved via the solution through determining all the NOC
input requirements as per the sought permit or approval, and then allowing the
applicant to obtain, in a simplified manner, all required NOCs from all concerned
stakeholders in one single transaction through various communication channels
that are subject to continuous development and improvement. The following
diagram illustrates the “One-Stop Shop” for NOC Services through the Common
NOC Solution:

The Common NOC Solution facilitates completing the submittal process online
(supported in specific cases by direct interaction as may be requested by the
municipality or the NOC issuing entities). The Common NOC Solution automates
the administrative process, optimizes the points of contact, and streamlines data
submittals for consultants and contractors (and other applicants).

The Common NOC Solution provides, using a one-stop-shop portal, information for
all types of requests providing a complete package on submittal requirements, the
process, fees, outputs, durations, and contacts for the various NOC transactions.

114 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 The NOC one-stop-shop aims to improve interagency collaboration, establish
minimal points of customer contact, and make collective improvements to the
overall customer process (through streamlined/standardized requirements,
processes, and outputs).

13.3 NOC Requirements in the Context of Approvals and

Permits
This section aims at describing the NOC requirements (in the context of approvals
and permits) as per the major stages of the asset management lifecycle for land
properties, buildings and constructions, and utilities and infrastructure.

13.4 NOCs as Mandatory Requirements for Approvals and

Permits
NOCs are mandatory for certain land administration transactions in two key
situations:

• The delineation of land plots pertaining to the allocation or re-allocation (in

some cases in the transfer of ownership ) with the objective of issuing the
final approval of land plots drawings, noting that the initial approval may
require in certain cases a “Request for Information” from the concerned
entities.
• Transactions that incur changes on the dimensions of land plots including
plot extension, division, merging (and corridor merging), and adjustments
on plot boundary.

The lifecycle of buildings and other constructions necessitates NOCs at the

following stages:

• The conceptual approvals for construction projects, and then the

construction stage (including temporary fencing, when applicable).
• Transactions that result in changes on the building surface or sub-surface
footprint (e.g., building or basement extension).
• Demolition.

For utilities and infrastructure, NOCs are necessary at the following cases:

• The planning and design stage.

• Field works associated with the construction/installation, and as necessary
during the maintenance and decommissioning of assets.

115
 The following table summarizes the NOC requirements as per the various stages
of the asset management lifecycle:

v
Permit/Approval Type  Land Buildings &
Utilities & Infrastructure
Stage  Administration Constructions

Planning / Design  
Implementation
(Construction /  Design &
Implementation/  including the
 Allocation Construction construction/installation
Completion /
Commissioning / of utilities as well
Allocation) as all maintenance
operations that involve
 Plot field work (whether or
extension, not they necessitate
Operation and  Building
division, replacement or rerouting
Maintenance / extension /
merging, of utility lines), and the
Modification modifications
correction/ decommissioning of
shifting, etc. utilities that require field
works
Retirement (Decommissioning /
 Demolition
Demolition / Uninstallation)

 NOCs Requirements

13.5 NOC Inputs

Inputs necessary for NOC processing and operations are usually entered directly
through the Common NOC Solution. The Common NOC Solution can also receive
the NOC inputs through the electronic forms of the permitting and approvals
systems upon the readiness of such solutions, and according to the approvals
and permits framework in municipalities that identifies a wide range of inputs as
requirements for approvals and permits applications. The Common NOC Solution
can also acquire the necessary inputs for NOC processes through integrating with
other shared government services and databases.

The Common NOC Solution is designed to accommodate all the inputs that are
required for processing NOC requests. Each type of NOC transaction has its own
specific requirements in terms of inputs, and this is inherently linked to the original
permit or approval transaction that triggers the NOC request.

116 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
The NOC inputs are broadly streamlined and optimized into the following groups
as per the requirements of the Common NOC Solution:

• Attributes or submittals concerning the identity of the requester, their

credentials, and other administrative aspects;
• Attributes or submittals that cover the technical aspects of the proposed
works;
• Attributes or submittals that describe the location and spatial
characteristics of the proposed works.

The following table provides a general outline of the identified NOC input
requirements for each main group, and provides a brief description of those
requirements:

ADMINISTRATIVE INPUTS

Information of the Applicant: entity name

Applicant Identification (consultant/ contractor), actual applicant, contact
information

Letter of Appointment / Letter from entity of which the Applicant is a

Assignment / Authorization representative

Authentication of the commercial registration

(which could be consumed as a shared
Commercial Registration government service from the Department of
Economic Development) in case of commercial
entity applicants

Attribute information that hold administrative

Administrative Attributes
characteristics or specifications of the Applicant

Any license other than the general commercial

License
registration

A written authorization to represent or act

Power of Attorney on another’s behalf in matters relating to the
transactions

Any certificate such as Health and Safety

Certificate Certificates, and consultants and contractors
classification certificates

Letter from the Applicant committing to comply

Letter of Undertaking
with required conditions

117
 Permit / Approval (as per A prerequisite approval from a government entity
stages) or asset owner

Site Handover (after Letter from municipality confirming handover of a

demarcation) site or parcel

Applicable fees against the service of receiving

and processing of NOC application and the
Fees
issuance of NOCs (Refer to section 3.2.4 in this
document)

Issued by a bank to ensure that a party

Bank Guarantee (contractor/consultant) fulfills its contractual
obligations

Correspondence Previous correspondence

Other support documents Any other type of administrative document

TECHNICAL INPUTS

Attribute information that hold technical

Project Characteristics
characteristics or specifications of the project

Schedule of works, including the reinstatement

Project Schedule
schedule

How the work will be conducted, especially

relevant when street excavations or tunneling is to
Method Statement
be performed, including as applicable a relocation/
protection plan with regard to existing utilities

Design information about the project to be

Design Criteria executed, which could include materials to be
used, reinforcement, protection measures, etc.

Assessment of risk that may be required by certain

Risk Assessment
NOC Issuing Entities

HSE Plan Health, Safety, and Environment Plans, as required

Traffic Impact Study As required by DMAT, or Abu Dhabi Police

Testing of ground surface and subsurface

Test Results conditions, such as soil analysis / compaction
tests, geotechnical, geophysical, etc.

Any photographs of the site (Pre-construction, as-

Photographs
found, or completed works)

e.g., Technical Reports, Excavation / Field Survey

Other Technical
reports, road furniture inventory lists, etc.

118 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 SPATIAL INPUTS (Comprises format, type, map scale, unified spatial reference,
basemap, cadastral areas, and other parameters as applicable)

Plan of the specific parcel issued by the

Site Plan
municipality

Plan of the site prepared by the applicant based

Location Map on common spatial data, and approved by the
municipality

Official site plot plan issued by the government

with survey coordinates delineating the boundary.
Affection Plan
An Affection plan will provide details on the total
plot size, the allowed built-up area, and so forth

Approved route issued by the municipality for

Route Approval
utility and infrastructure service lines projects

Attribute information that hold location / spatial

Location Attributes
characteristics or specifications of the project

Drawing of the proposed works (project boundary

Project Location + intended works) indicating excavations and
other activities that may impact assets

Drawing showing the cross section to indicate the

Cross Section
location and depth of proposed works

Field survey results, including as-built drawings,

Field survey for executed works or existing site conditions for
site investigation

e.g., MEP Plans, Structural Drawings / Model /

Other Drawings and Spatial
Calculations, Architectural Drawings, spot height
Information
and leveling sheets, etc.

13.5.1 Spatial Data

NOCs (and related processes) are characteristically a “spatial” subject as they
aim at safeguarding the integrity, performance, and efficiency of existing and
planned utilities and infrastructure at the geographical vicinity of intended works.
Accordingly, the spatial characteristics and dimensions of such works as well as
of neighboring utilities and infrastructure assets are prime determining factors of
NOC requirements and resultant NOC outputs. It is hence that spatial data play a
significant role in the processing of NOCs for all types of permitting and approval
transactions and throughout the various stages of asset management lifecycle.

119
 It is important to mention that the Common NOC solution provides different access
channels to enable authorized users to view, query, utilize, physically download (in
specific cases and controlled manner), and upload basic spatial data layers during
the submitting and processing NOC of transactions in the Common NOC Solution
at the various different stages of development projects lifecycle.

Request for Information (RFI)

The Common NOC Solution facilitates and simplifies the process of consultants
and contractors acquiring the necessary information for their projects, and
reduces the number of Requests for Information (RFIs) by giving the consultants/
contractors access to specific information within their projects boundaries.

The Request for Information service (for planning and main coordination purposes)
aims to provide the concerned stakeholders through the Common NOC Solution
with the spatial information necessary for the planning and design of major
and detailed development projects. The access to common spatial information
by consultants and contractors for internal use of projects’ owners will help to
optimize projects design and reduce the possibility of conflicting with other assets
in later stages of project development lifecycle.

On the transactional level, the Common NOC Solution enables NOC applicants to
view (limited within a geographical and temporal window) the spatial information
pertaining to the concerned project area to support the preparation of the
NOC application. This satisfies in an automated and transactional fashion what
was known as “Request for Information” (RFI) or “Notice of Intent” (NoI) in the
procedures that were adopted before the operation of the Common NOC Solution).

In general, access mechanisms to information pertaining to stakeholders

are governed by the data sharing rules of those entities and according to the
geographical areas and types of assets.

Spatial Data Submission Framework

Data pertaining to building, constructions, and utility and infrastructure development
projects originates mainly from developers, contractors, and consultants. A key
requirement, therefore, is to streamline the process of data submission by these
bodies to the government entities by developing and implementing a spatial
data submission framework. The NOC Program, in consultation with the relevant
stakeholders, has developed and published NOC unified spatial data submission
standards for utility and infrastructure projects (under the realm Permitting &
Approvals).

Through these standards, which define Geospatial Data Submission (GDS)

specifications for spatial features and attributes in GIS and CAD formats,
consultants and contractors are provided with the basemap reference data for
their planning work. Later, at the end of the project, consultants and contractors
can provide the as-built data accurately referenced to the basemap reference
data.

120 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
The standards provide a framework for the NOC stakeholder entities and data
submitters to streamline data utilization, collection, and submission processes.
These standards serve several purposes including enabling data custodian
entities to receive surveying and planning data from consultants and contractors
in a standardized format, in addition to improving data QA/QC and facilitating data
exchange across the community of stakeholders.

Joint Field Survey Services

This service enables the requesting of field survey and excavation services on
assets for particular area, which is executed through approved third-party service
providers that possess sufficient experience are well equipped with advanced
technological tools and therefore capable of providing standard services in this
domain. Such service is provided under the supervision and guidance of the
Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport as the governance body for these
services, and within a framework that is in harmony with related policies and
regulations.

In general, the need for such type of services arises in various situations within
the different stages of implementing development projects. They could also be
utilized for the final checking and approval of as-built drawings once projects
are concluded and the concerned consultant reaches the “Project Completion
Certificate” stage. The applicant (i.e., the consultant) submits through this service
their request coupled with all necessary information and as-built drawings in digital
format and in accordance with required standards and criteria. The request is then
reviewed and approved by the requesting entity of the service (i.e., the project
owner) as well as by the projects representatives of the concerned municipality.
After that, the field survey and excavation officer of that municipality will issue a
“task order” with all specifics and requirements to the third-party service provider
while notifying all entities that have issued NOCs for that particular project with
specific conditions and requirements. The service provider will then conduct
the requested field survey and excavation activities and deliver the as-built data
as verified on the ground. Such data needs to obtain the final approval of the
requesting consultant followed by the concerned municipality, and the requesting
entity (the project owner) will then be notified of the final “as-built” approval.

121
 13.5.2 NOC Fees
With regard to service fees related to NOCs operations, the NOC Program
periodically examines as necessary the existing situation pertaining to fees on the
basis of analytical study of the financial and other aspects, in the light of related
laws and regulations, and with taking into consideration the local and international
best practices in this regard. An e-payment online facility (via the Common NOC
solution) is currently under development to enable the electronic payment of
all NOC service fees as part of completing the NOC application process. The
envisaged solution will be availed progressively during the coming stages of
operations upon administrative and technical readiness by the various concerned
stakeholder entities.

Regarding the currently applicable practices for payment of NOC service fees,
the Common NOC Solution identifies the due fees to all concerned stakeholder
entities based on the business rules agreed upon with each entity and configured
accordingly in the system. Applicants, who are capable of viewing the due fees
and print a hardcopy list for their follow-up and pursuance, shall pay the required
fees at the earliest through the channels, and in accordance with the procedures
and requirements, stipulated by these entities. Applicants are also provided with
the necessary tool and guidance in the system to upload payment receipts, which
are packaged with NOC transactions received electronically by entities through the
system. Subsequent communication and follow-up on fees payment between the
entity and the applicant is to take place in accordance with the entities’ practices
and procedures.

13.6 NOC Outputs

NOC outputs (which are key inputs towards issuing the final municipal approvals)
are the “responses” of NOC issuing entities (i.e., utilities and infrastructure assets
custodians) to NOC applications as outlined below, which are supplemented with
a set of documents and information/data as applicable:

• “NOC with No Conditions”: Approval (No objection) issued by the asset

custodian entity after reviewing the specific transaction and identifying no
substantial impact from the intended works on their assets. Such approval
could also be automatically issued as a “default” NOC based on specific
agreed-upon business rules between the permitting body and the NOC
issuing entities.
• “NOC with Conditions”: An approval associated with instructions and
requirements specific to the issuing entity such as HSE measures and
requirements, work permits, or additional attachments to be provided such
as method statement report or any other necessary studies.
• “Conditional NOC”: A pending approval tied to conditions or specific
requirements that could necessitate additional works or efforts on the
implementing party due to potential impact on assets. The conditional
NOC leads the requesting entity of the NOC to the following scenarios

122 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 according to their agreement with the custodian entity of the assets
subject to potential impacts:
- Modifying or redesigning the intended project.

- Implementing additional safeguarding measures (that could involve

additional costs on the contractor or the project owner) according to an
agreed-upon methodology statement.

- Relocating / re-routing of the assets of potential conflict with the

intended project

• “Objection”: An objection typically results from identified substantial

impact of the intended works on the assets of the custodian entity (or due
to the lack of sufficient information and clarifications from the requesting
entity).
• It is important to emphasize that the intent of government entities is to
avoid “objection” to NOC requests to the extent practical. To achieve
this target, emphasis needs to be given on the planning stage that is
developed using best available information.
In the Common NOC Solution, the permitting body (represented typically the town
planning sector in the municipality) issues a single common and consolidated
NOC output, which comprises the individual NOC outputs of the various asset
custodians, and constitutes a significant element in processing and closing
approvals and permits transactions.

13.7 The NOC Emergency Management Framework

The NOC Program, as emphasized in the NOC Program Policy, has recommended
the development of a joint governance framework among the stakeholder entities
for emergency management and reporting that would allow them to leverage the
Common NOC Solution for promptly sharing information about confirmed incidents
on their respective assets. This intends to provide the means for collaboration
among the impacted parties while the emergency situation is being contained
during the transition period until an emergency response plan is developed and
disseminated to all stakeholders.

The Common NOC Solution demands all NOC requesters to follow the standard
workflows and procedures as established by the NOC Program. The Common
NOC Solution does however accommodate valid exceptions, which shall
specifically relate to emergency situations that involve damages to assets in the
public realm, injuries to individuals, or disruption of services. Those emergency
situations, with their imminent threats or dangers to life, health, property, utilities
and infrastructure, or the environment, require urgent intervention and exceptional
actions in order to avoid further exacerbation of the situation and assure continuity
of public utilities and related services.

The emergency management framework of the NOC Program intends to satisfy

the need for urgent works (and necessary work permissions) in the initial incident

123
 containment stages and in some cases for further works towards full recovery.
This is achieved through forming and enhancing a common practice between
the concerned stakeholders for responding to and managing such emergency
incidents through coordination between the impacted entity and other stakeholders
who may have exiting assets in the incident location.

Further Information:
For assistance or further information pertaining to utilizing the Municipal Approvals
Services Platform (One-Stop Shop) / Common NOC Solution, please communicate
with the NOC Program support team via the following contact information:

• Phone: +971 2 403 0378 (Sunday to Thursday - 8:00 am to 4:00 pm)

• Email: noc.helpdesk@adsic.abudhabi.ae
In addition, the following link provides online access to the Municipal
Approvals Services Platform (One-Stop Shop) and the Common NOC Solution
https://noc.abudhabi.ae. The links titled “Program Guidelines” and “Corporate
Support Services” on the main page avail the latest published material necessary
for applicants to submit their NOC applications successfully, including:

• NOC Guidelines
• Instructions and awareness material
• Training material
• The unified list of projects/activities that require permits, approvals, and
NOCs
• CAD/GIS templates
• NOC unified spatial data submission standards
• Specific additional requirements by NOC issuing entities

124 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
125
126 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
Guidelinefor
forInfrastructure
InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
edition- -January
December
2017
2016
Appendix 1:
ACRONYMS AND
GLOSSARY OF TERMS

127
128 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
CONTENTS of
Appendix 1

List of Acronyms 130

Glossary of Terms 132

129
 1 List of Acronyms
AADC Al Ain Distribution Company

ADDC Abu Dhabi Distribution Company

ADM Abu Dhabi City Municipality

ADNOC Abu Dhabi National Oil Company

ADSSC Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company

ADWEA Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority

ADWEC Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company

AAM Al Ain City Municipality

ACM Asbestos Containing Material

CWM (Tadweer) The Center of Waste Management Abu Dhabi - Tadweer

DMAT Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport

EAD Environment Agency Abu Dhabi

GCC Gulf Cooperation Council

GDCD General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence

GWh Gigawatt hours

km Kilometre

kV Kilovolt

LDC Load Dispatch Centre

m3 Cubic meters

MED Multiple Effect Distillation

MIG Million Imperial Gallon

MIGD Million Imperial Gallon Per Day

MOI Ministry of Interior

MWh Megawatt hour

MSF Multi-Stage Flash Desalination

130 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
NOC No Objection Certificate

NOI Notice of Intent

PRS Pressure Regulating Station

QA/QC Quality Assurance and Quality Control

RSB Regulation & Supervision Bureau

RO Reverse Osmosis

ROW Right of Way

SCAD Statistic Center Abu Dhabi

Tabreed National Central Cooling Company

TRA Telecommunications Regulatory Authority

TRANSCO Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company

TSE Treated Sewage Effluent

UAE United Arab Emirates

UPC Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council

WRM Western Region Municipality

131
 2. Glossary of Terms
Community Facility: A facility that is used by and/or intended to support the
residents of an area. The types include government and institutional facilities such
as police, civil defence and postal services; religious facilities such as mosques;
educational facilities such as schools, colleges and universities; social and
recreational facilities such as wedding halls and cultural centres; and healthcare
facilities such as clinics (1)

Competent Authority: means the entity that is required to approve the technical
aspects of the projects and the design. (2)

Developer: means an entity engaged in the preparation / development of a site for

residential or commercial use. (2)

Project Owner: means an entity that is or will be the owner of the infrastructure
assets for which a permit is sought. (2)

Right of Way (ROW): A corridor (located between plot boundaries) that is used by
the public for all modes of transportation and utilities. (1)

Street: A public or private right-of-way, other than a major thoroughfare (e.g.

highway) or a pedestrian path (e.g. sikka), that is used to carry vehicular traffic and
pedestrians from one location to another, and/or provide vehicular and pedestrian
access to an adjacent property. (1)

The Public Realm: Include all exterior places, linkages and built from element that
are physically and/ or visually accessible regardless of ownership. These element
can include, but are not limited to, streets, pedestrian ways, bikeways, bridges,
plazas, nodes, squares, transportation hubs, gateways, parks, waterfronts, natural
features, view corridors, landmarks and building interfaces. (1)

“Urban Street”: means a road within an urban area serving both vehicles and the
vulnerable users (pedestrians and cyclists). (1)

Utility Corridor: A swathe of land or right-of-way that is intended for the infrastructure
and facilities that are related to the supply and conveyance of utilities. (1)

………………………………………………………………………………………………

References
1
Abu Dhabi Urban Palnning Council
2
Guide To Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Standards, Edition May 2012

132 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
133
134 Abu Dhabi Emirates
Emirate Guideline
Guidelinefor
forInfrastructure
InfrastructureServices
ServicesStandards
Standards- -22ndndedition
edition- -January
December
2017
2016
Appendix 2:
INFRASTRUCTURE PROVISION IN
THE EMIRATE OF ABU DHABI

135
136 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
CONTENTS of
Appendix 2

1 The Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport (DMAT) 139

2 Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) 139

3 Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) 142

4 Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) 143

5 Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) 144

6 Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB) 145

7 Center of Waste Management (Tadweer) 147

8 Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC) 148

9 Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada) 150

10 ADNOC Distribution 150

11 Ministry of Interior (Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence) 151

12 Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) 152

13 National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed) 153

137
138 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
1 Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport
The Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport has been formed in November
2016 pursuant to a law issued by HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
President of the UAE, thus replacing the ex “Department of Municipal Affairs” and
“Department of Transport”.

Responsibilities of the Department of Municipal Affairs & Transport span a wide

array of sectors including municipal affairs, civil aviation as well as land & marine
transport sectors. The Department drafts legislations of relevance to these fields
and submits them to the Executive Council. It also prepares relevant plans &
strategies in accordance with the development policy of the government.

The Law states that the Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality and the
Western Region Municipality as well as any municipality that may be established
in future, has to be affiliated to the Department in order to ensure their compliance
with the applicable legislations, and ensure the sound implementation thereof.
Such changes are part of the endeavours of the Department of Municipal Affairs
& Transport to set a platform conducive to the improvement of living standards
and capable of serving the entire needs of community members besides adding
to their happiness by enhancing the services offered to them. At the same time,
these responsibilities will support the government efforts towards achieving a
balanced, comprehensive and sustainable development in the Emirate.

2 Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority

2.1 Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA)

Abu Dhabi Water & Electricity Authority is a national corporate wholly owned by
the Government of Abu Dhabi maintaining legal & administrative independence.
ADWEA is responsible for implementing government policy regarding water and
electricity sector. ADWEA supplies Water & Electricity to a population more than
two millions inhabitants through its subsidiaries companies.

In 1998, ADWEA nature has been changed by establishing special partnership

with the most famous global consortiums, In order to implement the most updated
types of technologies that used for production of power and desalination of water.
Targeting to provide best services for consumers. ADWEA programs and initiatives

139
 aim to achieve sustainability and planning for development. In observation to the
environment and economic aspects. In order that to supply Water and Electricity
to Abu Dhabi population through an effective and efficient means. To achieve the
best results, optimizing responsibility and improving standard of services. ADWEA
resorts to the privatization of the Water and Electricity Sectors. 

2.2 ADDC
Abu Dhabi Distribution Company (ADDC), an entity of Abu Dhabi Water and
Electricity Authority (ADWEA), incorporated in 1998, is responsible for distributing
drinking water and electricity supplies to customers in Abu Dhabi city and its
dependencies.

ADDC’s customer base is in excess of 600,000 customers, for water supply and
electricity distribution networks of 33Kv and 11Kv,  residing in the company’s three
regions, which are Abu Dhabi Island, Eastern Region that includes Mussaffah,
Bani Yas, Al Shahama and Al Khatem, the Western Region that includes Al Mirfa,
Madinat Zayed, Gyathy, Liwa, Al Silaa and Delma Island.

2.3 AADC
Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC) is a public joint stock company registered
and incorporated in the United Arab Emirates under Law No 2 of 1998 on 1
January 1999 with Head Office at Al Ain. AADC is a wholly owned subsidiary of
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority with a fully paid capital of AED Billion
1,530,000,000.

AADC is the sole distributor and supplier of water and electricity in the Eastern
Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi (Al Ain city and its surrounding rural areas). This
includes the ownership, operation and maintenance of the water and electricity
distribution network assets, meter reading, and services for the supply of water
and electricity.

140 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
2.4 TRANSCO
Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company (TRANSCO) is a subsidiary of
Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA). TRANSCO’s role consists
of the planning, construction and operation of safe, reliable and efficient bulk
water transmission and high voltage power transmission networks within Abu
Dhabi and the Northern Emirates. TRANSCO is in charge of transmitting power
and water from the Independent Water & Power Producers (IWPPs) to Abu Dhabi
Distribution Company (ADDC) and Al Ain Distribution Company (AADC) as well as
other distribution companies in northern emirates.

Abu Dhabi Transmission and Despatch Company also contributes to the operation
of the Emirates National Grid. On the regional stage, TRANSCO contributes to the
development of the wider GCC transmission grid, which will allow the trading and
transmission of power across a number of countries.

2.5 ADWEC
The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Company is a wholly owned subsidiary of
the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and is the Single Buyer
and Seller of Water & Electricity” in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADWEC supplies
water and Electricity to consumers through long term analysis of consumption
patterns, while planning to increase production throw power and water purchase
agreements with the generation companies, and through sales contracts on the
basis of a Bulk Supply tariff (BST) with the distribution companies. ADWEC also
purchases fuels(natural gas) from fuel suppliers for the producers. 

2.6 Al Mirfa Power Company (AMPC)

On January1st 1999, Al Mirfa Energy Company was established as a joint venture
corporate comprised  of Al Mirfa Central Plant and Madinat Zayed Power Plant
with a maximum capacity of 11 megawatts per hour. In 1993, work started on
Al Mirfa Central Plant to improve services to customers in the Western Sector.
The actual production of the Plant began in 1995 with maximum capacity of 192
megawatts per hour through 4 gas turbines producing 16.2 million gallons of water
daily through three distilling units. In 2001, AMPC water production increased to
38.7 million gallons daily by adding three extra distilling units in Mirfa. In 2008
Al Ain Power Plant, with a 256 megawatts production, joined AMPC. The total
current production of AMPC is 551 megawatts and 38.7 million gallons of water
daily.

141
 3 Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi
The Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) was created from law No. 4 of
1996 pertaining to the establishment and development of the Environmental
Research and Wildlife Development Agency. EAD is committed to protecting
and enhancing air quality, groundwater as well as the biodiversity of our desert
and marine ecosystem. By partnering with other government entities, the private
sector, NGOs and global environmental agencies, we embrace international best
practice, innovation and hard work to institute effective policy measures. We seek
to raise environmental awareness, facilitate sustainable development and ensure
environmental issues remain one of the top priorities of our national agenda. 

Since 2008, EAD has been awarded ISO 9001 for Quality, ISO 14001 for
Environment, ISO18001 for Health and Safety and ISO 22301 for Business
Continuity Management System.​

OUR VISION:
‘Towards a sustainable environment for a sustainable future’. 

OUR MISSION:
‘To protect and conserve the environment for people’s wellbeing and a better life
for all.’ 

OUR VALUES:
• Integrity
• Initiative with Innovation
• Empowerment
• Ownership and Accountability
• Excellence
Our main task is to ensure that the phenomenal growth of Abu Dhabi is achieved
in a way that ensures a sustainable future for our emirate, the well-being of its
residents and a good quality of life for all, now and in the future. 

In pursuing this challenge since 1996, we have amassed a wealth of experience

and passed some significant milestones. To name just a few examples, we have
developed a comprehensive enforcement framework which includes a range of
tools such as inspections and prosecutions and we upgraded our environmental
permitting system to world’s best practice. We also gained a deep knowledge

142 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 of our fisheries, helped bring the Arabian Oryx back from the brink of extinction,
preserved the world’s densest dugong population and achieved a substantial
increase in general public awareness of environmental issues. 

Yet the challenges still remain in large numbers, as does our prime responsibility
for the environmental quality of Abu Dhabi, and our duty to uphold and enforce the
nation’s environmental regulations. 

To this end, we have a number of core elements that are at the heart of all we do: 

We value and are committed to creating and maintaining effective partnerships

with local, regional, national and international organizations which have been key
to our success.

Our dedicated and committed employees are our greatest assets in fulfilling our
mission.

We value deliberative, science-based decision making in the development of

environmental policies.

We learn from best practices and we make our own best practices available to
others.

We value and are committed to creating and maintaining effective partnerships

with local, regional, national and international organizations which have been key
to our success.​​

4 Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC)

Abu Dhabi Educat i on Council (ADEC) was established in accordance with law
No. 24 of 2005, issued by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, the
UAE President, the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces and the Ruler of
Abu Dhabi. The Chairman of ADEC is H.H. General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed
Al Nahyan Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the
UAE Armed Forces and the Vice-Chairman is H.H. Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al-
Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs to overlook the
educational sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. ADEC endeavors to transform the
emirate into an innovation-based, knowledge producing society which is strongly
connected to the world’s global society and economy, yet deeply rooted in its
culture and heritage.

143
 5 Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council
The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) was created by Law Number 23
in the year 2007 as the agency responsible for the future of Abu Dhabi’s urban
environments and as the expert authority behind the visionary Plan Abu Dhabi
2030: Urban Structure Framework Plan published in September 2007.

The Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council initiates, drives and supports Abu Dhabi’s
urban development strategy. By transferring the Plan Abu Dhabi 2030 vision to
physical settings, the UPC will develop strategic development plans that create
guiding principles which direct critical projects designed to shape the Emirate.
The vision is built on a comprehensive analysis of the urban fabric, land availability
and its best use, environmental issues, mobility, infrastructure and urban services
that need to be integrated in to the overall development strategy as a partnership
between the government, private development interests, and its citizens. With the
expertise of the UPC, the Abu Dhabi Government will ensure the development of
a professionally designed and well-managed urban environment in the Emirate’s
towns and cities, complete with world-class traffic and transport systems.

The government of Abu Dhabi has directly committed itself to strengthen and
develop four key priority areas:

• Economic development;
• Social and human resources development;
• Infrastructure development and; and
• Environmental Spatial Systems.
The simultaneous development of the Regions is to keep pace with that of
the Capital. It is also an important policy priority to achieve an Emirate-wide
distribution of economic activities and associated benefits. The Abu Dhabi 2030
Urban Structure Framework Plan, which offers a vision for the evolution of the city
over the next 15 years, provides a blueprint for Abu Dhabi’s long-term success.
As the first planning program of this kind and scope within the region, the work
of the UPC will become a best-practice benchmark for future urban design within
the UAE and beyond.

To help achieve the aforementioned goals, part of the UPC’s work is to produce
plans, policies and develop regulations that govern Abu Dhabi’s physical
environment, in line with the targets identified by the Abu Dhabi Vision 2030.
In addition to this, the UPC is entrusted with the management of Abu Dhabi’s
sustainable urban growth through visionary planning, efficient development review
and proactive implementation in coordination with the public and private sector
partners.

144 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 Within this scope, the UPC’s planning and Infrastructure Sector is responsible for
the following:

• Prepare the Sector Strategy to align with the UPC 5-Year Strategic Plan;
• Ensure Sector and Department Manuals are up to date and align with
leading practice standards;
• Prepare and test strategic 2030 Framework Plans, Regional Plans and
Detailed Plans for all three regions of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi;
• Produce Master Plans for UAE National Housing;
• Prepare revitalization plans to improve existing communities;
• Explore the design and feasibility of visions, concepts and projects from
the Government;
• Develop policies, manuals, guidelines and regulations for the Emirate of
Abu Dhabi;
• Study and recommend appropriate allocation of land for projects within the
Emirate of Abu Dhabi;
• Prepare Implementation Plans;
• Receive and incorporate input into plans from all the UPC core business
departments;
• Collaborate and liaise with various Government Departments and
stakeholders; and
• Maintain specialized tools (e.g. Geo planner), to allow for user-friendly
access to all GIS data to assist in Plan development.
In the UPC, the Planning and Infrastructure Sector is a pivotal department as it
contributes to the development of a solid background for all current and future
urban developments in the Emirates of Abu Dhabi.

6 Regulation and Supervision Bureau

The Regulation and Supervision Bureau (RSB) is the independent regulatory body
for the water, wastewater and electricity sectors in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.  The
RSB was established in terms of Law No. 2 of 1998, as amended concerning the
Regulation of the Water and Electricity Sector.

The Abu Dhabi water, wastewater and electricity sectors are governed by Law No.
2 of 1998 as amended and by Law No. 17 of 2005, as amended concerning the
Establishment of Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company (ADSSC).

The primary duty of the RSB is to ensure the continued availability of potable water
for human consumption as well as electricity for use in hospitals and centres for the
disabled, aged and sick in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.  General duties encompass a

145
 wide range of issues including the protection of customers and the development
of safe and reliable water, wastewater and electricity networks. 

Particular responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the security of the supply of water, electricity and wastewater

services in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi;
• Ensuring the supply of water and electricity and connection to sewerage
networks to all consumers;
• Ensuring the availability of health and safety guidance regarding water,
wastewater services and electricity supply to the public;
• Publishing information relating to standards of performance by licensed
operators;
• Taking account of national and international environmental standards as
they affect the water, wastewater and electricity sector and consult with
relevant bodies in the Emirate when necessary in relation to the interests of
the consumer and sector;
• Having special regard to the interests of those persons whose lives may be
endangered by the lack of potable water, electricity or sewerage services
and others with special needs in connection with the cost and method of
supply and the use of appliances and fittings;
• Promoting competition in the water, wastewater and electricity sector;
• Ensuring the operation and development of a safe, efficient and economic
sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi; and
• Protecting the interests of consumers as to the terms and conditions and
price of supply.
• Protecting the interests of users of sewerage services in the Emirate.
In essence, the RSB enforces the relevant laws through the licensing of activities
to various entities who undertake a regulated activity in the sector.  Regulated
activities include: generation, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity and
the production, transmission, distribution, sale and treatment of water and the
collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater.

Once a licence is issued, the RSB will monitor, modify, where needed, and enforce
conditions in licences to participant companies.  It also has the power to establish
and monitor technical, performance, safety and customer standards.  Approvals
from RSB must be obtained if licensed operators wish to dispose of any or all of
their assets, or purchase the assets of another generator, transmitter or distributor.

Internal Requirements of the Regulation and Supervision Bureau

The following documents are RSB guidance documents for infrastructure

development and licensing requirements in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi which are
published on the RSB’s website.

• RSB, Guide for Major Developers and New Entrants; and

• RSB, Guide to the Bureau’s Licensing Process for New Entrants.

146 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 Infrastructure should also comply with the following sector regulations and
approved codes which are published on the RSB’s website:

• Electricity Distribution Code

• Electricity Transmission Code
• Metering and Data Exchange Code
• RSB, The Customer Metering Regulations
• RSB, The Electricity Supply Regulations
• RSB, The Electricity Wiring Regulations
• RSB, The Recycled Water and Bio solids Regulations
• RSB, The Trade Effluent Control Regulations
• RSB, The Water Quality Regulations
• RSB, The Water Supply Regulations
• Water Distribution Code
• Water Transmission Code

7 Center of Waste Management (Tadweer)

Established in December 2008, The Center of Waste Management - Abu Dhabi
(Tadweer) is the lead agency responsible for controlling and coordinating waste
management activities throughout the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.  This includes
coordinating the policy, strategy, and contractual systems of waste management,
as well as implementing the Waste Management Strategy and all aspects of
service delivery required to establish a full-cycle integrated waste management
system.

Furthermore, the key objectives of the CWM (Tadweer) are to:

1. Developing necessary plans to modernize and develop waste management

operation in sectors and entities intended in the emirate.
2. Developing studies; preparing the documents of technical tenders
announcing such; and qualifying private companies to deal with wastes in
the emirate.
3. Managing projects related to collecting, removing, treatment and disposal
of wastes administratively, financially and operatively with entities related.
4. Assigning consultant and legal companies to review and evaluate
contracts concluded on collecting, moving and treatment of wastes and
developing technical standards of operation and follow up.

147
 5. Designing and implementing projects using BOT system to deal with
hazardous and non-hazardous wastes in the emirate.
6. Managing facilities of waste management projects such as factories of
fertilizers; waste disposal areas; and sort stations, collection, incineration
and other waste treatment and disposal stations.
7. Producing a database for wastes produced; making and developing
an electronic system to trace wastes from source to disposal areas;
performing scientific studies suitable for putting strategic plans in the
emirate.
8. Developing and implementing educational programs related to minimizing
the production, reusing and sorting of wastes.
9. Training national technical cadres who work in the field of wastes.
10. Revising and approving operation plans, maintenance and environmental
emergencies for establishments of storage, treatment and disposal of
wastes.
11. Coordinating with competent authority to develop the provisions of Law
No (21) of the year 2005 on waste management in the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi.
12. Any other specializations assigned to the Center by competent authority in
the field of hazardous (excluding nuclear waste), non-hazardous, solid and
liquid (excluding sewage) waste management in the emirate.

8 Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company

8.1 Mandate of the Abu Dhabi Sewerage

Services Company
ADSSC was established in terms of Law No. 17 of 2005 Concerning the
Establishment of Abu Dhabi Sewerage Services Company.  ADSSC owns,
maintains and operates all public domain sewerage infrastructure, including
wastewater treatment plants, sewerage collection networks and recycled water
transmission mains in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

ADSSC is responsible for the collection, treatment and disposal of wastewater

discharged from all residential, commercial and industrial customers in the Emirate
of Abu Dhabi including the safe disposal of both the solid and liquid residuals (bio
solids and recycled water).

148 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 ADSSC core business processes address the following 3-activities:

• ​Waste water collection

• Waste water treatment
• Waste water disposal
ADSSC provides treated water and bio-solids to the Municipalities for horticulture
purposes. Over 60% of the recycled water is used for irrigation purposes, thereby,
contributing towards environmental preservation. With the completion of treated
water delivery pipelines, in the near future, 100% of treated wastewater produced
by ADSSC will be reused. ADSSC contributes effectively to the Emirate of Abu
Dhabi vision and is a key link in the overall value-proposition offered to private,
public and commercial customers. ADSSC services form an integral part of the
Government of Abu Dhabi utilities value-chain. ADSSC endeavours to ensure that
its services remains invisible, safe, odour-less and environmentally-friendly.

Today, ADSSC is a pioneer in developing the infrastructure of Abu Dhabi and its
projects are known worldwide. ADSSC attracts global players with construction
and design expertise and together we utilize advanced technologies in all business
o perations with the Strategic Tunnel Enhancement Programme (STEP) and its
Wastewater Treatment Plants being good examples. ADSSC has been recognized
for its work with an accolade of international awards in many different work areas

ADSSC has gained an international recognition for Best Practices by the Australian
W ater and Waste Water Benchmarking Association in 2008. ADSSC was also
bestowed Sewerage Master Plan award, at the BEX Conference in Valencia, Spain,
in 2009. ADSSC was the first UAE business to achieve triple ISO Certifications
(ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001) in 2010. ADSSC has also achieved the
“Silver Award for built projects category at the International Awards for Liveable
Communities”, and the “Golden Employer” Classification in Abu Dhabi TAWTEEN
Council website. ADSSC has also achieved 3 international awards in 2012 and
2013 for GIS implementations. The Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame Award for
Executing Strategies was given in 2013. ADSSC was the first government entity in
Abu Dhabi Emirate to be awarded in the Utilities and Energy Category.

8.2 Internal Requirements of the Abu Dhabi Sewerage

Services Company
T he following documents contain the internal requirements and procedures for
infrastructure provision under the jurisdiction of the ADSSC:

• ADSSC’s Integrated Management System (IMS);

• ADSSC, applicable regulations and guidelines (Technical Specifications
and Design Guides)

149
 9 Abu Dhabi General Services Company (Musanada)
Abu Dhabi General Services “Musanada” was established in Dec 2007 by
Law 27/2009 as a Public Joint Stock Company to provide support services to
government entities in the areas of facilities management, construction, contract
management, IT, Catering, Logistics, Stores etc. Our current offering focuses on
Design & Construction in addition to Facility Management. Musanada supports
the delivery of Abu Dhabi Economic and Urban Planning visions

Vision

• Page Content
• ​Leading the Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure ambition.
Mission

• Page Content
• Provide integrated, cost effective and sustainable delivery and
maintenance of Abu Dhabi government Assets.

10 ADNOC Distribution
F ounded in 1973, as the first company owned by Abu Dhabi Government
specialised in the marketing and distribution of petroleum products in the UAE,
Abu Dhabi National Oil Company for Distribution (ADNOC Distribution) is a major
driver of the country’s economy and an important community player. It employs
over 14,000 people of 50 different nationalities from all over the world. ADNOC
Distribution is part of ADNOC Group – ranked among the top ten energy companies
worldwide.

ADNOC Distribution’s customers can fuel, shop, have a quick oil change or get
t heir car washed at the company’s wide network of service stations. ADNOC
Distribution offers car care through Autoserv, inspections via our Vehicle Inspection
C entres and supplies LPG cylinders to the UAE’s households. The company

150 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
The purpose and intent of this Appendix
meets the daily energy needs of the country’s industries, while providing fuel and
lubricant products for aviation, marine and fleets.

is to Thr
provide
oughout the GCC,a brief overview
the wider Middle of
East, Far East, the
Africa, key
and the
countries, ADNOC Distribution markets lubricants under the sub-brand ADNOC
CIS

aut horities involved in the provision of

Voyager, which exceeds the highest international specifications.

Inf rastructure services and of theto describe

ADNOC Distribution is also developing the natural gas (NG) downstream business
in Abu Dhabi, catering to the requirements residential, commercial,
tra nsportation, small and medium industrial, and district cooling segments.
their respective roles
ADNOC Distribution currently managesand responsibilities
NG networks in Yas Island, Al Raha Beach
and Al Maryah Island. In addition, the company operates compressed natural
in thisgas regard. The detailed mandate of
(CNG) refilling stations and conversion centres, serving an ever-increasing
customer base keen to make the switch to alternative green fuels.

each of these authorities is contained in

the relevant founding legislation of each
of these authorities, which is cited for
reference.
11 Ministry of Interior
(Abu Dhabi Police and Civil Defence)
The Ministry of Interior is responsible for traffic control and civil defence services
on a federal basis. The General Command of the Abu Dhabi Police, under the
auspices of the Ministry of Interior (MOI), is responsible for and has an interest in
Infrastructure services from a law enforcement and public safety perspective. In
particular the Abu Dhabi Police has an interest in road infrastructure with regard
to:

• Traffic control;
• Enforcement of traffic rules and regulations;
• Crash mitigation and prevention; and
• Emergency response to incidents.
The General Directorate of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence (GDCD) has a fire safety
interest in infrastructure systems. The GDCD works closely with the DMA and
other authorities to ensure the safety of infrastructure in the various communities.
The above authorities are primarily governed by federal laws and regulations.

151
 12 Telecommunications Regulatory Authority
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) of the United Arab Emirates
(UAE) has been established according to the UAE Federal Law by Decree No.
3 of 2003 – Telecom Law. The TRA is mandated to manage every aspect of
the telecommunications and information technology industries in the UAE. It is
entrusted with a wide range of responsibilities related to the Telecommunications
and Information Technology Sector, both within and outside the UAE. These
responsibilities include:

Ensure that the telecommunications services provided throughout the state are
sufficient to satisfy the public demands of those who wish to make use of such
services

Enhance the level of service provided by the telecommunications sector in order

to promote the interests of such services

Ensure that licensees meet quality standards of performance and adhere to the
terms and conditions of the licenses granted to them

Encourage, promote, and develop the telecommunications and information

technology industries in the state

Promote and enhance the telecommunications system in the state as indicated by

the development and the establishment of industry related training institutions and
through the availability of the latest apparatus, equipment, and facilities provided
by telecommunications technologies

The TRA’s vision is to achieve a global leadership position in ICT sector. Its mission
is to strive to be a leading organization in the ICT sector in United Arab Emirates,
committed to maintaining positive competition to protect the interests of the
subscribers, and promoting electronic transformation of the federal agencies and
their services, by relying on national competencies to apply the best international
standards and practices in supervision of the sector´s and to encourage innovation
and investment.

On the long term, the TRA aims to achieve the following strategic goals:

Regulating the Telecommunications Sector in the UAE and enforce a regulatory

framework that stimulates Competition and elevating the level of quality of the
provided services

Striving to ensure the provision of the required resources in a fair manner to

develop the best services in the ICT sector

152 Abu Dhabi Emirate Guideline for Infrastructure Services Standards - 2nd edition - January 2017
 Establishing the bases for the e-government at the federal level

Promoting the electronic lifestyle in the UAE

Ensuring that all administrative services are in accordance with the standards of
quality, efficiency and transparency

Consolidate Innovative Culture within the working environment

13 National Central Cooling Comapany (Tabreed)

13.1 National Central Cooling Company (Tabreed)

Tabreed is a UAE-based utility company that provides energy-efficient, cost-
effective and environmentally-friendlier year-round district cooling solutions in
the GCC. Founded in 1998, and listed on the Dubai Financial Market, Tabreed’s
cooling infrastructure is an integral part of the region’s growth. The company
now delivers 1,011,900 Refrigeration Tons (RT) to major residential, commercial,
government and private projects. Tabreed owns and operates 70 plants in its
portfolio across the GCC, including 62 plants in the United Arab Emirates, three
plants in Qatar, two in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, two in Oman, and one in the
Kingdom of Bahrain.

Tabreed provides its district cooling services to many of the region’s landmark
projects including all the developments on Abu Dhabi’s Al Maryah Island,
home to Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Global Market, and all the
developments on Yas Island such as Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit and Yas
Mall, in addition to other national and regional landmarks including Sheikh Zayed
Grand Mosque, Dubai Metro, Dubai Parks & Resorts, Pearl Island in Qatar, and
Aramco Development Project in Al Dhahran in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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 13.2 Our Vision, Mission and Core Values
Our Vision: “To be the leading cooling provider by utilizing sustainable, reliable &
cost efficient energy solutions.” 

Our Mission: “Creating value through optimizing, innovating and striving

for operational excellence to exceed stakeholder expectations, whilst
protecting people, assets and environment.”  

Our Core Values:

• Inspire with Positive Energy

• Dedicated to Excellence
• Stronger Together
• Resilient in the face of Challenges
• Committed to Health, Safety and the Environment

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