Egyptian engineer who designed Abu Dhabi passes away at 98

The Egyptian Engineer Dr Abdul Rahman Makhlouf, Director of the Cities Planning Department in Abu Dhabi, died on Tuesday at the age of 98.

The name of Makhlouf is linked with the urban designing of Abu Dhabi city.

Makhlouf reported worked with late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the UAE, in designing Abu Dhabi.

Makhlouf grew up in the village of Bani Uday in Assiut Governorate, south of Egypt. He graduated from the Faculty of Engineering in Cairo, Architecture Department in 1950, and then he worked as a professor after receiving his doctorate from the German University of Munich.

His father was Sheikh Hassanein Mohammed Makhlouf, the mufti of Egypt and a member of the senior scholars since its establishment.

Dr Makhlouf started his career as an expert of city planning in the UN, and then a city planner in Saudi Arabia in 1959.

In 1966, he was appointed as the Director of Urban Planning for Cairo, and later he travelled to UAE, where he worked as director of cities' planning in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi in 1968, at the request of late Sheikh Zayed.

Makhlouf was tasked to plan cities for about 7 years in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and the establishment of the Cities Planning Service Department in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.

Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces lamented Makhlouf and condoled his family.

Sheikh Mohamed tweeted "May Allah have mercy on Dr Abdul Rahman Makhlouf, who has sincerely worked with Sheikh Zayed. He is one of the pioneers who have contributed to the Urban plan of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

In 2010, Sheikh Mohamed awarded him the Abu Dhabi Awards. He was also honoured by His Highness Sheikh Humaid Bin Rashid Al Nuaimi, Supreme Council Member, Ruler of Ajman, for his achievements for 50 years.