Sustainability and Urban Planning Law: The Case for an Emerging Administrative Law in the UAE

Abstract

This chapter aims to highlight how UAE administrative authorities have dealt with the alignment of urban planning policy with sustainability standards. Although there is no specific federal law on urban planning yet, the state's constitutional federal structure allows constituent emirates to develop and implement their own specific legislation in this area. Referring to Abu Dhabi and Dubai cases, the chapter presents an emerging but robust set of rules that could be lumped under the term “UAE urban planning law.” While the two Union's largest emirates arrange their own town planning policy differently, comparison reveals how Abu Dhabi and Dubai have succeeded over the years in forging a solid reputation over the years as some of the world's most innovative and eco-friendly sustainable cities. However, while the outcomes are impressive, further efforts are required to integrate urban planning law into UAE's higher education strategies as part of law curriculum.