Comparisons
Abu Dhabi vs. the other two most closely populated regions in United Arab Emirates: Dubai and Ras Al-Khaimah
Abu Dhabi in context: Street-network sprawl of new development
The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Abu Dhabi peaked in 1991-2005. To get a sense of how street development has changed in Abu Dhabi, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and ICAD I. Out of the three cities, Al Ain and ICAD I do not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in Al Ain fell steadily. The level of street-network sprawl in new development in ICAD I followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase.
How do development practices in Abu Dhabi fare in comparison to others in United Arab Emirates? Most recently in 2006-2020, street construction in Abu Dhabi was the 3rd-most disconnected out of the 5 regions in United Arab Emirates. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other regions in United Arab Emirates, street construction in Abu Dhabi has become more disconnected. Abu Dhabi ranked 5th in 1975, 4th in 1976-1990, 3rd in 1991-2005 and 3rd in 2006-2020.
Abu Dhabi in context: Aggregate street-network sprawl
As of 2020, the city with the most disconnected street network in Abu Dhabi is Al Aamerah with an SNDi of 3.55, which is relatively sprawly. Conversely, the most connected city is Al Ruways Industrial city with an SNDi of 1.81, which is very well-connected. See trends for these cities: Al Ruways Industrial city, Al Aamerah
The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Abu Dhabi rose steadily. To get a sense of how the aggregate street network has changed in Abu Dhabi, we can consider three of its most populous cities: Al Ain, Abu Dhabi and ICAD I. Out of the three cities, Al Ain and ICAD I do not follow the same trend as the region. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in Al Ain fell steadily. The level of street-network sprawl in the aggregate network in ICAD I followed a zig-zag trend with an overall increase.
To date, Abu Dhabi is the 4th-most disconnected out of the 5 regions in United Arab Emirates. Its position in the ranks since 1975 has risen; relative to other regions in United Arab Emirates, the street network in Abu Dhabi has become more disconnected. Abu Dhabi ranked 5th in 1975, 4th in 1976-1990, 4th in 1991-2005 and 4th in 2006-2020.