Amman: The Amman Group for Future Dialogues recently organized a thought-provoking seminar titled "The New City (Amra): The History of the Idea and Its Future Visions," featuring a presentation by consulting engineer Sakher Dudin. Dudin elaborated on the proposal's dimensions, criteria for site selection, and future planning vision.
According to Jordan News Agency, Dudin commenced the seminar by raising fundamental questions about the necessity of establishing a new city and the suitability of the Amra site. He emphasized that urban planning is a historical concept, referencing ancient cities such as Damascus, Jerusalem, Cairo, and Baghdad, which were meticulously planned long before their construction.
Dudin explained that Amra was selected based on several criteria, including its proximity to the railway route from the Gulf states, anticipated population growth in Amman and Zarqa, its distance from Queen Alia International Airport, and its central location bordering Syria, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia. Additionally, the land's state ownership was a significant factor.
He highlighted the area's key assets, such as the Azraq Basin's historical water resources and the potential for clean energy generation from wind and solar power. The proposed city is expected to cover about 500,000 dunums, with 42,000 dunums designated for an international zone for conferences and exhibitions, a specialized sports academy, and an entertainment city.
Dudin remarked that Amman's population has drastically increased from around 40,000 in 1920 to approximately five million today, driven by Jordan's role as a refuge for Arab neighbors and rapid technological advancements. He noted that about 50 percent of Amman's area remains undeveloped and privately owned, pointing out that the idea for a new city dates back to Wasfi Al-Tal's era, proposing expansion east of the railway line due to its vastness and lack of natural obstacles.
He emphasized the importance of local engineering firms in implementing the city, focusing on smart urban planning and environmental sustainability in water, energy, and waste management. He also pointed out that the region's hot, dry climate is preferable to a hot, humid one.
The seminar concluded with an engaging discussion, during which Dudin addressed participants' questions using principles of contemporary planning and smart city design.