The Liwa Physical Framework Masterplan anticipates growth and change from a low-key gathering place and commercial center for the residents of the Liwa Crescent’s desert oasis communities, into the administrative capital of Abu Dhabi’s western region, Al Gharbia.

The Plan maximizes the influence of the existing environment and its social and cultural history while minimizing the impact of development to allow Liwa to become a well-scaled evolution of itself. The plan will result in streets and related land uses oriented to take advantage of prevailing breezes and to maximize the potential for shade and relief from the summer sun.

As the oases of the crescent have historically been welcome destinations for travelers, Liwa will be transformed into a city of purposeful urban places and courtyard gardens that invite entry and enjoyment of their landscaped and shaded comfort. The new city will be a place of comfortably-scaled streets bounded by buildings of modest height and massing accommodating an urban population expected to approach 52,000 by 2030.