9.5 The CiTizen perspeCTive: proposals for CirCulaTinG urban poliCies

Diagram of methodology for the development of the policy proposals (Source: Author, Mariette Robin)

9.5 The citizen perspective: Proposals for circulating urban policies

Introducing new urban policies in a city like Dubai may not be as simple as any other global city but the issues highlighted in this research are not ignorable. Policies up until date have been introduced by the authorities for the benefit of the authorities. In the race to keep up with building a brand, the needs and sentiments of citizens have not been addressed wholeheartedly. Under this section, we investigate possibilities of modifying existing policies and introducing new policies that have worked in similar contexts as recommendations. Our suggestions intend to prioritize and improve the quality of life of citizens and locals while improving and taking inspiration from emerging models and policies. The simulation involves introducing urban policies that would facilitate the improvement of the existing infrastructure through design interventions. The policies would address the general improvement of the downtown and Al Wasl area while prioritizing the citizens and their health.

Traffic taming policies

Transport Demand Management is the ability to influence travellers (by either reducing or redirecting them) in a certain space and time. Under the study of the downtown area, one of the issues highlighted was the heavy traffic around the ring road making it almost impossible for pedestrians and bikers to perform a simple task as crossing the street. In Kuala Lumpur, TDM measures were first considered in 1973 for the area around KLCC. Some of the measures they considered were preservation of rights-of-way for short and long-term improvements for public transport, elimination of extensive parking provision in the core area and overall improvement in the Kuala Lumpur Central Area Traffic Circulation system (Kiggundu, 2007). Usage of certain streets were limited for certain times of the day to only buses or high occupancy vehicles. Private vehicles parking prices and supply were controlled in the already overcrowded commercial area.

“The move to pedestrianise roads was necessary as the city was often crippled by traffic snarls. “Kuala Lumpur has a daytime population of three million people. Even with a shortfall and discounting those taking public transport or carpooling, we easily have between one million and three million cars making multiple trips on city roads, and the number

is growing” (Dahlan, 2020)

-Kuala Lumpur mayor Datuk Nor Hisham Ahmad Dahlan

Similar policy measures can be considered in downtown Dubai where the street has been designed solely for car users and users who may not even be using accessing the downtown area. Policy measures could include restricting traffic or transforming streets that feed traffic into the downtown area into oneway streets at peak hours. The mild inconvenience could possibly divert traffic of users not interested in accessing downtown Dubai.

Only improving public transportation and expecting the public to all of a sudden change their method of commute may not be

feasible in a car-dependent city like Dubai. But an initiative where certain streets are limited to just buses on Saturdays or Sundays (the weekly holiday in Dubai) may ease the users into finding public transportation comfortable. For this to work, more bus lines will have to be introduced and on these days, the car lanes could be transformed into temporary bike lanes and walkways. Prioritising people over cars provides pedestrians with a safer walkable environment. The more pedestrians this initiative wins over, the safer the street becomes for them (Jacobs, 1969). Soon enough the public will be trusting public transportation again.

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“Plans being drawn up to pedestrianise 10 KL roads by 2025 – trial runs to be carried out over next five year” (Source: Paultan.org)

The scramble crossing at this busy intersection in Bukit Bintang is set to improve the walkability of Kuala Lumpur. (Source: Thestar.com)

Passive and active engagement policies

Under the concept of healthy cities, we have seen the Dubai government introduce new projects that encourage their citizens and users to walk. Apart from this, Dubai also conducts an annual celebration of fitness and wellness under the pretext of a challenge. The Dubai fitness challenge requires its participants to complete 30 minutes of physical activity each day for 30 days inspiring its citizens to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“Delivering on its promise to make fitness readily available to all, the hub will feature “City is a Gym”, a virtual map of Dubai spanning 30 different locations across the city where individuals and groups can work out for free without any equipment. Upon arrival at each location, participants can scan a QR code with their mobile device, and an easy-to-follow workout unique to that place will appear for them to complete their 30 minutes of exercise.” (zaki, 2019)

-Published on Thursday, October 03, 2019 by Yousra Zaki, Asst. Editor, Emirates 247

It is unfortunate that such an effective initiative happens only once a year. Policies could be introduced to activate underused public spaces in and around the downtown area through similar schemes. What happens only 30 days a year can begin to take place every weekend or one day a week with incentives rewarded to those who participate. According to a study conducted by McCormack in 2010, the presence of certain features in a park positively influence its use. Facilities like playgrounds, children’s play equipment, running tracks etc directly impact its usability. KLCC Park in Kuala Lumpur has considered these things in its design offering its users, particularly children, a wholesome experience that a public park is supposed to provide. It offers amenities such as a two-acre children’s playground, symphony fountain, wading pool, jogging track, shelters and benches, patterned footpaths and sculptures.

Policies could be introduced to include such facilities in the existing and upcoming parks in the downtown area.

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Picture from Dubai fitness challenge 2018 (Source: Emirates 247)

Residents taking part in the fitness challenge enthusiastically (Source: Timeout Dubai)

Social impact assessment policies

Under the governance section of this research, we have seen that the government does not provide its citizens with transparency of the planning and development system in Dubai. Or rather offers an illusion of transparency which only results in the citizens not trusting and supporting the development authorities.

For the citizens to develop an affinity towards the place, they should be allowed a certain level of involvement and participation. In Kuala Lumpur, a social Impact assessment program was set up to address this issue. The program evaluated the needs and sentiments of neighbourhoods surrounding upcoming development plans while regulating developers and preventing disruption that could be caused by them.

A program like this could be set up in Dubai for all new developments to prevent disruptions like that of the redevelopment in Al Wasl from taking place again. Their trust and support can be obtained by involving them in the decision-making process and highlighting the public benefit from the said developments.

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Methodology diagram of suggested Social Impact Assessment program (Source: Author, Mariette Robin)

Programmes and meetings conducted by Social Impact Assessment associations in Kuala Lumpur (Source: msiamy.org)

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