Post by : Badri Ariffin

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi has successfully implemented a transformative two-year initiative that alters the delivery of municipal services, planning, real estate, and mobility throughout the emirate. This comprehensive approach integrates Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain City, and the Al Dhafra Region, ensuring residents and businesses benefit from streamlined access to services, both in person and via the TAMM platform.

Over 8,000 employees within DMT and its subsidiaries participated in this extensive overhaul, focusing on operational reorganization, modernization of infrastructure management, and solidifying the region's capacity for future expansion.

A focal point of the initiative was community planning, with the first phase of the Abu Dhabi Liveability Strategy reaching completion and securing a budget of AED 42 billion for upcoming development projects. Completion scores for districts rose significantly from 67% in 2023 to 81% by 2025, indicating substantial improvements in neighborhood quality and facilities. The Department also increased public engagement through workshops and surveys like the Dream Neighbourhood Survey, ensuring community input is central to urban planning.

In the realm of real estate, a pivotal change emerged with the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), consolidating over 250 municipal real estate services into fewer than 100, thereby creating a single access point for the sector. ADREC launched tools such as the first official residential Rental Index and a verified listings platform called Madhmoun, enhancing market transparency. Subsequent to these changes, real estate transactions surged by 24% in 2024, achieving AED 96.2 billion, bolstered by consistent foreign investment through 2025.

Infrastructure development progressed into a new method that entails planning, construction, maintenance, and long-term management. This strategy aims to ensure financial stability and align major projects with future requirements. The integration of digital monitoring and predictive tools has expedited proposal guidance and improved stakeholder collaboration.

In line with compliance and building safety, the phased Building Occupancy and Legalisation Certificate Programme commenced under Administrative Decision No. (1) of 2024. This initiative establishes clear safety protocols, starting with Conditional Occupancy Certificates. Through the Binaa platform, features like Building Information Modelling, AI, and augmented reality have expedited inspection and review processes by 70%.

Smart city technologies expanded rapidly throughout the programme. AI Inspection Vehicles engaged in 2023 now facilitate real-time cleanliness and maintenance audits, while the liveability digital twin and AI planning tools introduced predictive capabilities. At GITEX 2025, DMT unveiled LivAI, an enhanced liveability platform, and City Eye, an AI-operated city management system equipped with voice command functionalities. New mobility-centric technologies include the Real-time Intelligent Traffic Safety Management System that detects crash hotspots and anticipates risks.

Routine municipal services within parks, beaches, and health enforcement are now standardized across various regions. The increase in Al Tawajud Al Baladi Centres, which now total 17, continues to foster direct community engagement and feedback.

Transportation has also evolved, with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) launching the Abu Dhabi Mobility brand in 2024, expanding its jurisdiction to encompass land, maritime, aviation, and licensing services. Public transport utilization has surged, with over 90 million bus riders and 168,000 marine transport users logged last year. New ferry terminals at Al Aliah Island, Saadiyat Marina, and Rabdan Marina have significantly enhanced connectivity, while autonomous taxi services now extend to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands.

To bolster the transition towards sustainable mobility, the installation of 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations is currently in progress across the emirate. The ITC's Green Bus Programme aims to transition half of the public transport fleet to electric and hydrogen buses by 2030, as part of the Public Transport Green Zone initiative.

#Global News