Today's Edition
Hala Al Khayyat (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi has cemented its position as a smart and sustainable city, becoming one of the world’s leading destinations for living, working, and visiting, His Excellency Mohammed Ali Al Sharfa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport said.
In an interview with Aletihad, His Excellency emphasised that Abu Dhabi’s commitment to excellence is a direct reflection of the wise vision of the national leadership. The ongoing efforts to enhance the city for residents and visitors alike underscore a dedication to harnessing the power of the digital transformation for the betterment of the community, ultimately elevating well-being and improving the overall quality of life. These principles have been exemplified through the utilisation of cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. Abu Dhabi has also embarked on smart city initiatives, including transformative projects aimed at revolutionising public transportation, he added.
Smart cities contribute to development across various key sectors, including smart transportation and the digital economy, by leveraging advanced software to enhance supply chain management, delivery services, and collaborative support systems. Furthermore, smart cities engage with the public through interactive platforms, prioritising transparency and citizen involvement in government activities. They also focus on improving access to services for their residents, His Excellency said.
Development
His Excellency announced that several development projects have been approved this year, underscoring Abu Dhabi’s status as a premier destination in the region. This reaffirms the emirate’s reputation as a top choice for residence, employment, and tourism, he added.
According to His Excellency, in Abu Dhabi city, projects spanning 4,586,316 square metres were given the green light. Al Ain city saw approvals for projects covering 335,429 square metres, while the Al Dhafra region received approvals for projects encompassing 150,283 square metres.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport has aligned its efforts with Abu Dhabi’s commitment to improving the quality of life, as outlined in its foundational strategy for living. This strategy aims to create holistic residential communities that meet residents’ needs, while adhering to the highest quality standards. These initiatives encompass the development of community amenities and essential infrastructure to promote healthy lifestyles, uplift all residential areas, and elevate well-being. A substantial Dh12 billion has been allocated for the establishment of parks, sports facilities, bicycle paths, pedestrian walkways, mosques, and a variety of other amenities across various parts of the emirate.
Infrastructure
His Excellency provided insights into infrastructure projects that have been completed this year, in addition to a few currently in progress, with a notable highlight being the inauguration of the Umm Yifenah Bridge. This project, executed by Aldar Properties and overseen in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, placed significant emphasis on environmental considerations in its development. Sustainability standards were integrated into the planning and design phases to safeguard the environment, conserve natural resources, and preserve the aesthetics of the surrounding landscape.
The bridge’s construction featured concrete structures and arch-shaped columns, facilitating the unimpeded flow of water and minimising potential impacts on mangrove trees and marine life. This design enhancement has improved navigation in the area. Furthermore, nearby Jubail Island saw the planting of mangrove trees, contributing to the bolstering of marine biodiversity. Impressively, 85% of the materials used in the project were locally sourced, supporting the local economy and reducing the project’s carbon footprint.
In terms of the various ongoing projects across the emirate, His Excellency highlighted efforts to enhance Bateen Beach, expand the Al Saada Bridge on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street, develop the Qasr Al Bahr Bridge and its connection to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street, and open 23 new parks in Khalifa City by the year’s end. In the Al Dhafra region, there are projects underway that focus on road development in areas like Qasr Al Sarab and Tel Moreeb, and a new crossroad is under construction in Tel Moreeb. These initiatives reflect the emirate’s dedication to infrastructure development and improving the overall living environment, he said.
Sustainability
His Excellency also highlighted several accomplishments achieved through the Integrated Transport Centre. The centre recently unveiled a series of milestones related to accelerating the smart transport project on Yas and Saadiyat islands, paving the way for developing an eco-friendly smart transport system that supports various sectors of local development.
His Excellency underscored the central role sustainability plays within the operations of the Department of Municipal Affairs and Transport. He pointed out that the Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department, offers numerous smart transport services that have been instrumental in aligning transportation projects with cutting-edge technologies, artificial intelligence, and the digital transformation.
The Centre has implemented many notable projects thus far, with one recent milestone being the advancement of the smart transport project on Yas and Saadiyat islands. This demonstrates the Department’s commitment to modernising transport infrastructure in a sustainable manner, he said.
To date, the project has successfully incorporated a fleet of eight self-driving vehicles operating under the brand “TXAI” on Yas and Saadiyat islands, representing the UAE’s first fully automated taxis. His Excellency noted the growing popularity of these autonomous taxis, which is helping to redefine the future of transportation in the emirate. Over 5,000 users registered for the taxi project, and over 17,000 ride requests have been submitted, showcasing the public’s confidence in the safety of this new mode of transportation, he added.
The emphasis on sustainability, particularly in the realm of transportation, aligns with the worldwide push to adopt more green solutions, and underscores Abu Dhabi’s dedication to ensuring that its development aligns with the best global standards.
By integrating sustainability, modern technology, and user-friendly solutions, the emirate not only enhances the quality of life for its residents and visitors, but also makes substantial strides in environmental preservation. This forward-thinking vision, supported by tangible initiatives such as the TXAI fleet, sets the standard for cities not only within the region but also around the world.
