Abu Dhabi's mobility strategy is building a safe, sustainable, and smart future
As Abu Dhabi Mobility Week approaches, the country plans to unveil its bold vision for mobility, which will address key issues and embrace a new era of smart transport.
Abu Dhabi is thriving, with a bourgeoning private sector contributing to record GDP growth of $310 billion (AED1.14 trillion) in 2023. But as the Emirate grows, further pressure is being placed on an already busy transport network.
Confronting challenges
From traffic congestion and road safety to improved accessibility and affordability, the city is at a critical juncture. However, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), a subsidiary of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi (DMT) is poised to address these challenges head-on with a new mobility strategy.
“We have observed increased demand for travel that is propelled by population growth, increased economic activity, and a surge in quick commerce and e-commerce,“ says H.E Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre. “Our new mobility strategy defines a bold vision for a more seamless, integrated, and sustainable mobility ecosystem in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.“
DMT will launch the mobility strategy at the inaugural Abu Dhabi Mobility Week (ADMW), which is being held between 24 April and 1 May 2024. Covering land, aviation, and maritime transport, ADMW will encompass forums, panels, and events to discuss the new plan, and how it will drive positive change for residents and visitors alike.
Driving innovation
ADMW will explore three key pillars of action - safety, smart mobility, and how to decarbonize the mobility sector.
Initiatives such as the Green Bus Assessment (GBA) Program will transition the city's public transport fleet to a sustainable model by 2050, in line with the UAE’s Net Zero commitment. The introduction of water taxis, trams, and ART (an electric Automated Rapid Transit system) will further encourage the rapid adoption of eco-friendly public transportation options.
The strategy is also supporting the individual transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with DMT building critical charging infrastructure. By installing rapid charging points in public locations and along major highways, Abu Dhabi hopes to meet escalating demand, making it easier than ever to own an electric vehicle in the UAE.
Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre
Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre
“The total number of Electric Vehicles (EVs) registered in Abu Dhabi is now over 10,000 and rapidly increasing,” says Al Marzouqi. “With improved infrastructure we believe we can significantly reduce pollution emitted from the transportation sector and help improve air quality.”
On safety, ADMW will showcase plans to improve road safety and achieve the Emirate’s Vision Zero commitment of near-zero traffic deaths and serious injuries by 2040. “Safety is foundational to our mobility strategy,” says Al Marzouqi. “While Abu Dhabi already boasts commendable traffic safety metrics, we recognize that we can always do better.”
Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre
Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre
School transport safety programs, along with safety awareness, speed management, and pedestrian safety programs, will all help to embed responsibility in the minds of all road users in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, the introduction of robot taxis and minibus services has already covered over 340,000km since 2022, with plans to bring this technology to all surface mobility in the future.
ADMW will also serve as a beacon of innovation in smart mobility. The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) will be spotlighted as a route for researchers and engineers to advance autonomous technologies, allowing them to experiment and refine systems in real-world environments.
Additionally, sessions will be held to showcase how DMT is leveraging AI and big data to optimize traffic flow and enhance overall mobility management – with the establishment of a Unified Smart Transport Platform for the public being hailed as a particular highlight. The platform integrates various transportation modes into an app, providing seamless mobility options for users.
A vision for the future
As Abu Dhabi Mobility Week approaches, it marks a significant milestone for the future of mobility. But this is just the beginning of a transformative journey orchestrated by ITC and DMT and the landmark mobility strategy.
“Progress is at the heart of our mobility strategy,“ affirms Al Marzouqi. “ADMW sets the stage for vast advancements in decarbonization, mass transit expansion, and smart mobility.“
Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre
Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre
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Abu Dhabi Mobility Week