Officials say the new planning framework aims to balance growth with sustainability by preserving green spaces and enhancing neighbourhood connectivity.
For many residents of Ajman, daily life is still dominated by traffic — from school drop-offs to commutes and routine errands.
That could gradually change as the emirate implements an integrated urban plan designed to make neighbourhoods more connected, walkable, and less reliant on cars.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman’s Municipality and Planning Department, recently reviewed the emirate’s Integrated Urban Plan, a long-term development framework that prioritises mobility and quality of life in future growth.
Ajman to redesign neighbourhoods to cut travel time, boost walkability
For many residents of Ajman, daily life is still dominated by traffic — from school drop-offs to commutes and routine errands. But that could gradually change as the emirate implements an integrated urban plan designed to make neighbourhoods more connected, walkable, and less reliant on cars.
Sheikh Rashid bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Chairman of Ajman’s Municipality and Planning Department, recently reviewed the emirate’s Integrated Urban Plan, a long-term development framework that prioritises mobility and quality of life in future growth.
The strategy focuses on directing expansion into defined neighbourhood hubs rather than allowing scattered outward development. Officials say this approach is intended to reduce travel distances, ease infrastructure pressure, and improve access to essential services.
Speaking to Khaleej Times, Dr Eng Mohammed Ahmed bin Omair Al Muhairi, Executive Director of the Infrastructure Development Sector, said the plan directly addresses residents’ everyday mobility concerns.
“Our objective is to concentrate urban growth within organised centres and neighbourhoods that support walkability and community vitality,” he said. “When residents can access schools, healthcare, retail, and public services within a 15-minute walk, it reduces dependence on private vehicles and enhances overall quality of life.”
He emphasised that the plan goes beyond road expansion.
“This is not simply about building wider roads,” Dr Al Muhairi added. “It is about improving land-use efficiency, limiting unregulated urban sprawl, and ensuring infrastructure investments deliver long-term value for the community.”
Smarter transport planning
Transportation reform is a key pillar of the framework. The emirate aims to develop a multi-modal, low-carbon transport network that prioritises public transport, walking, and cycling alongside private vehicles.
Officials say data-driven systems and artificial intelligence tools will support decision-making, allowing planners to forecast traffic flows and anticipate future infrastructure needs.
“Urban planning must be dynamic and responsive to change,” Dr Al Muhairi said. “By relying on accurate data and forward-looking indicators, we can design transport systems that are efficient, flexible, and sustainable.”
Among the performance benchmarks being introduced are measurements of how much new development occurs within approved growth boundaries and how many residents can access daily services within walking distance.
Upgrading older districts
The integrated plan also targets areas of Ajman developed more than four decades ago. Updated redevelopment guidelines are being introduced to modernise infrastructure and public spaces while preserving the emirate’s identity. Several districts have already undergone redesigns, with further upgrades planned to enhance accessibility, street design, and community facilities.
Balancing growth and liveability
Ajman continues to attract residents drawn by its housing options and strategic location, but population growth is putting increasing pressure on roads and public services. Officials say the new planning framework seeks to balance expansion with sustainability, protect green spaces, improve neighbourhood connectivity, and reduce unnecessary travel demand.
If implemented effectively, the impact may be gradual but tangible: shorter daily trips, safer pedestrian routes, and communities designed around people rather than vehicles. For residents, this could mean spending less time in traffic and more time within reach of what matters most.
