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Voices from Affected Community Members on Abu Dhabi's Recent Local Government Decisions
Residents note the practical effects of new appointments, fee changes and a major budget allocation by the Executive Council.
How we reported this
The Abu Dhabi Executive Council recently issued resolutions appointing Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi as Director General of the Urban Planning & Permits Centre and Eisa Mubarak Almazrouei as Director General of Infrastructure Development within the Department of Municipalities and Transport. These leadership changes form part of ongoing oversight of local government operations in the emirate.
Appointments and Oversight Role
The Abu Dhabi Executive Council serves as the main governing organ responsible for overseeing all local government departments, agencies, and organizations in the emirate. Affected community members have begun discussing how the new directors general may influence day-to-day planning and infrastructure work across Abu Dhabi neighbourhoods. The appointments follow standard procedures for filling senior positions in municipal bodies.
Adjustments to Licensing and Authentication Fees
The Abu Dhabi government reduced licensing fees for all economic activities in the emirate to Dh1,000, cancelled waste producers' tariffs, and set yearly municipal authentication fees at Dh50. Community members running small enterprises have described these adjustments as easing administrative costs for permits and registrations. The changes apply uniformly across economic activities without differentiation by sector or location.
Budget Allocation for Livability Strategy
The Executive Council approved a Dh42 billion budget for Phase One of Abu Dhabi’s Livability Strategy to transform the municipalities and transport sector, increasing area integration from 67% to 81% by 2025. Residents have commented on the scale of this investment and its potential to improve connectivity in existing urban areas. The figure and target percentages are stated directly in the approved resolution.
New local government decisions, including legislation and decrees by the Ruler and Executive Council, are officially published monthly in the Arabic and English Official Gazette of Abu Dhabi. Community members seeking details on the recent resolutions and fee adjustments can review the latest editions for the full text of each measure. This publication process provides a consistent channel for public access to the decisions.
Implementation of the appointments, fee structure and budget will proceed under the existing framework of the Executive Council. Individuals and businesses can consult the Official Gazette for the exact wording of each resolution to understand obligations and opportunities.