Population projections in Abu Dhabi city have been revised down to 2.4 million people living in the capital by 2030. Projections from 2007 estimated that the population of Abu Dhabi would reach 3.1 million by 2030.

“In the capital, we currently have a population of 1.5 million. In 2030 we are looking at a population of 2.4 million and the jobs that we have are set to increase around 1.4 million jobs. Residential units are set to increase, focused primarily on redevelopment,” said Yasmeen al-Rashedi, acting programme manager, Estidama (sustainability) department, at Abu Dhabi’s Urban Planning Council (UPC)

The decreased rates of population growth means that utilities and housing demand projections will also be revised downwards over the next 15 years. Nevertheless, Abu Dhabi is still focused on reducing water and power demand and encouraging sustainability.