Client: Nael Bin Harmal Hydroexpert / Musanada / Department of Municipalities and Transport

Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE

Year: 2019

Area: 135,740 m²

Expertise: Landscape Architecture, Urban Infrastructure, Climate & Sustainability

Services: Concept Design, Schematic Design, Detail Design, Tender Documentation, Construction Management and Supervision.

Photo Credit: Dominik Wolf

 

Located between the Eastern Mangrove National Park Canal and Sheik Zayed Bin Sultan Street in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Al Gurm Corniche stretches 2 km from the Anantara Eastern Hotel to Dolphin Park. The original promenade included only a shared walkway, a large balustrade, and several gazebos, limiting interaction with the water and nature.

To enhance this space, the Abu Dhabi Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities, along with Musanada, appointed ICON to create a dedicated cycle track, improve visitor safety, and enrich the overall experience for the community. The project aimed to leverage the nearby mangroves and encourage water interaction.

Al Gurm Corniche successfully addresses industry concerns by blending urban and natural elements. It integrates a green infrastructure network into Sheik Zayed Road, activating the area along the busy highway. The design reimagines the promenade's historical significance while honoring its collective memory.

The corridor for pedestrians and cyclists along the canal balances human intervention with the sanctity of the Eastern Mangrove Park. It choreographs a harmonious relationship with nature, offering a peaceful avenue for community interaction. The dark, subtle guardrails comply with safety regulations while merging with the mangrove backdrop, ensuring views for both passers-by and drivers, making it a welcoming and engaging space.