United Arab Emirates capital looks to smarten up.
Hundreds of buildings are to be razed in Abu Dhabi as the UAE capital looks to smarten up its image. The municipality has ordered the demolition of more than 250 structures in various parts of the city because they no longer meet building standards.
Many of the buildings, which include residential and commercial tower blocks and villas, were built in the 1970s.
Abu Dhabi Municipality reports it has already knocked down 56 buildings over the past two years and is now planning to demolish 200 more over the next three years.
“We are getting rid of these buildings because they are too old and lack safety standards,” said Abdul Aziz Zurubi, head of the environment, health and safety division.
Most of the buildings lack the minimum level of health and safety specified in the Abu Dhabi building code. “Some of these buildings were set up badly in a way that makes them consume a lot of electricity,” added Zurubi. “Other buildings are of poor quality and cannot easily be maintained.”
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