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From digital twin to driverless cabs: How Abu Dhabi uses AI to shape ideal city for residents

(Supplied)
27 May 2025 00:15

MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)

Abu Dhabi is turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and smart mobility to guide urban planning and infrastructure development, according to Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT).

Speaking at the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit on Monday, Al Shorafa detailed how the emirate was building a city that is sustainable, resilient, and tailored to the needs of its people.

Central to DMT's approach is the creation of a "digital twin" of the city - a high-fidelity virtual replica that simulates infrastructure, human movement, and development.

This tool allows planners to visualise and manage urban growth more efficiently and design infrastructure that aligns with real-time needs, Al Shorafa said.

It also enhances emergency response by ensuring safety teams gain quicker and more accurate access to critical infrastructure data, he added.

Al Shorafa also pointed out that DMT has spent the last two years collecting extensive datasets across Abu Dhabi's districts, including traffic patterns, demographic trends, and community feedback.

These insights have allowed the government to shape infrastructure development with surgical precision.

By actively engaging residents and incorporating their feedback through AI-powered platforms, Abu Dhabi has launched several projects that directly reflect public demand, according to Al Shorafa. One result: the opening of more than 224 new parks in just one year.

He added that AI has also helped DMT identify the root causes of congestion and educational imbalances, such as mismatches between where people live and where schools are located, prompting targeted infrastructure responses.

Self-driving Rides, Electric Buses

As part of its wider efforts to build a future-ready city, Abu Dhabi is also integrating smart mobility solutions.

"Abu Dhabi was the first … in the region to deploy autonomous taxis. And we've been deploying autonomous buses and testing them for three years," Al Shorafa said.

Today, visitors can book a self-driving ride from the airport to key destinations via ride-hailing platforms.

Looking ahead, Al Shorafa said the city plans to fully electrify its public bus fleet by 2030, supported by a robust digital foundation that enables the rapid integration of new technologies.

Abu Dhabi has the necessary resources in place, he said, and it is actively updating policies to support its goals.

Smart, Integrated Urban Planning

The inaugural Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit is held in partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, and Abu Dhabi's DMT, and in collaboration with One Development.

"In a rapidly evolving world, smart cities are no longer a luxury - they are a strategic imperative. The focus is not solely on technology, but on how we harness it to boost efficiency, enhance quality of life, and accelerate development," said Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, in her welcoming speech.

"Abu Dhabi is advancing confidently toward a new urban model, one rooted in innovation and driven by data, with sustainability at its core. This summit serves as a vital platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration to build more resilient and inclusive cities. It aligns with the declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community, underscoring the UAE's dedication to placing people at the centre of urban progress," she added.

The summit brings together a cohort of real estate leaders, investors, innovators, and architects from across the region and around the world, serving as a platform to explore the future of smart cities, promote sustainable urban solutions, and highlight investment and development opportunities in the region's real estate sector.

The first day's programme featured keynote speeches and interactive panel discussions exploring the future of smart cities and the development of advanced infrastructure.

In his opening keynote, Eng. Mohamed Almansoori, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, highlighted smart and integrated urban planning as a cornerstone in the path toward sustainable development.

"The UAE continues to play a pioneering global role through distinctive initiatives, including the Urban Development Agenda Platform for Asia and the Pacific, which was launched in partnership with Malaysia and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to promote the exchange of expertise and knowledge in the field of sustainable urbanisation," he said.

The discussions also explored the critical role of effective policies and strategic public-private partnerships in accelerating development through institutional collaboration.

In his address, Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman of ONE Development, described the UAE as one of the most advanced and resilient ecosystems for private sector growth, especially in urban development.

He announced the launch of DO Hotels, an AI-powered hospitality concept developed in partnership with singer Amr Diab.

The day also featured an award ceremony honouring a group of the region's most influential real estate leaders, including prominent government officials, entrepreneurs and businessmen.

Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
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