Change, it seems, is more than often a good thing.

Change often means progress – a change for the better. And progress is one thing that the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) is a proud administrator of.

New developments within the overall vision of Abu Dhabi Plan 2030 – one of the biggest changes the capital is sure to witness over the next 20 years – include a thorough revamp and redesign to Abu Dhabi's streets.
The new street design standards for the capital include more open spaces and shading for pedestrians (a welcome piece of news during the summer heat), and better access around the city for public transport links.
And that’s not the only progress the UPC is making. The agency has also launched its Middle Income Rental Housing Policy, a step in the right direction to help solve the Emirate's long standing affordability – and availability – issues.

Furthermore UPC has announced that the regional structure framework plan for the western region of Al Gharbia is to be unveiled later this year: plenty more change to come.

A change in the way the UAE uses smart phones is also imminent. While no alternative solution has yet been found to rescue BlackBerry Messenger fans and fraught business users from the loss of social networking and email services in October, iPhone sales across the Abu Dhabi have already doubled – so plenty of loose change for mega brand Apple.

No change there of course, but despite an initial outcry, it looks like we’re perfectly capable of adapting after all.
Finally, those looking for that valuable car parking space won’t have to worry about carrying around quite as much loose change this Ramadan, as the Department of Transport (DoT) has announced free parking throughout the capital at certain times of the day.

From 4pm to 9pm and 2am to 9am, there will be no Mawaqif charge to park your car throughout the Holy month.
With so much change taking place, we’ll look forward to a blessed month of Ramadan – a continued spirit of peace, patience and faith.

Ramadan Kareem to all.