Latest news with #AbuDhabiCanvas
Zawya
26-04-2025
- General
- Zawya
The Department of Municipalities and Transport completes one of the largest liveability initiatives in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has announced the successful completion of a major milestone in the Al Falah district liveability project, one of Abu Dhabi's the largest community enhancement initiatives. Designed to enrich residents' quality of life, the development introduces a wide range of facilities and amenities aimed at transforming the district into a model of vibrant, people-focused urban environment. The completed first phase has brought nearly 200 new recreational and activity facilities to Al Falah. Among these are 37 new parks, 43 children's play areas, over 30 sports courts, and 10 km of cycling tracks, including two junior cycling tracks, as well as four amphitheatres and three skate parks. Additionally, 30km of sidewalks have been completed in the originally zoned area of Al Falah, enhancing pedestrian accessibility. Other features include 11 fitness areas, 11 community gardens, three market spaces, three gallery spaces, and almost 200 parking spaces. Furthermore, dedicated spaces for women and senior citizens have been established to ensure that all residents are accommodated. "With each phase of the Al Falah initiative, we are ensuring that community needs are at the forefront of our planning," said Eng. Hamda Al Hashmi, Director of the Urban Design Division at the DMT. "By creating spaces that are both vibrant and functional, we are enhancing the overall liveability and fostering a sense of belonging among residents. This project is about building a future where everyone can thrive and connect in spaces that reflect their unique needs and aspirations." The second phase of the development – set to be completed by Q4 2025 – will introduce a variety of diverse facilities, including five mosques, three new play areas, five added sports courts, an additional fitness area, a fourth skate park, a grand celebration plaza, 5 public art features, 1 water feature and 1 event lawn. As part of this phase, Al Falah's existing communities are set to benefit from an additional 20 km of cycle tracks and 20 km of sidewalks, further improving mobility and walkability. Moreover, the refurbishment of the irrigation network across Al Falah is in progress, ensuring sustainable landscaping and green spaces. These enhancements will further expand opportunities for recreation and engagement throughout the district. To foster community spirit and celebrate local creativity, DMT has also collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to integrate student artworks as murals and on utility buildings throughout Al Falah as part of the Department's Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative. This initiative highlights the creative talents of young artists and reflects DMT's commitment to integrating art into public spaces across the Emirate. This development exemplifies DMT's dedication to building dynamic neighbourhoods that support the diverse needs of Abu Dhabi's residents while fostering a sense of connection and enhancing overall quality of life. Through thoughtful planning, the Department strives to create inclusive spaces that encourage social interaction, recreational activities, and a high standard of living for all.
Al Etihad
25-04-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi: DMT's community projects transforming Al Falah District into urban environment model
25 Apr 2025 18:09 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has successfully completed a major milestone in the Al Falah district liveability project, one of Abu Dhabi's largest community enhancement to enrich residents' quality of life, the development introduces a wide range of facilities and amenities aimed at transforming the district into a model of vibrant, people-focused urban completed first phase has brought nearly 200 new recreational and activity facilities to Al Falah. Among these are 37 new parks, 43 children's play areas, more than 30 sports courts, and 10km of cycling tracks, including two junior cycling tracks, as well as four amphitheatres and three skate parks. Additionally, 30km of pedestrian pavements have been completed in the originally zoned area of Al Falah, enhancing pedestrian features include 11 fitness areas, 11 community gardens, three market spaces, three gallery spaces, and almost 200 parking spaces. Dedicated spaces for women and senior citizens have also been established to ensure that all residents are Hamda Al Hashmi, Director of the Urban Design Division at DMT, said: "With each phase of the Al Falah initiative, we are ensuring that community needs are at the forefront of our planning. "By creating spaces that are both vibrant and functional, we are enhancing the overall liveability and fostering a sense of belonging among residents. This project is about building a future where everyone can thrive and connect in spaces that reflect their unique needs and aspirations." Second phase The second phase of the development – set to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2025 – will introduce a variety of diverse facilities, including five mosques, three new play areas, five added sports courts, an additional fitness area, a fourth skate park, a grand celebration plaza, five public art features, one water feature and an event part of this phase, Al Falah's existing communities are set to benefit from an additional 20km of cycle tracks and 20km of pedestrian pavements, further improving mobility and refurbishment of the irrigation network across the district is in progress, ensuring sustainable landscaping and green spaces. These enhancements will further expand opportunities for recreation and engagement throughout the foster community spirit and celebrate local creativity, DMT has also collaborated with the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to integrate student artworks as murals and on utility buildings throughout Al Falah as part of the department's Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative. This initiative highlights the creative talents of young artists and reflects DMT's commitment to integrating art into public spaces across the emirate. Through thoughtful planning, DMT strives to create inclusive spaces that encourage social interaction, recreational activities, and a high standard of living for all.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
25-04-2025
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi ranked as the fifth smartest city in the world – and here's why
Abu Dhabi is officially one of the smartest cities on the planet. The capital has soared to fifth place in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, climbing five spots from last year. From slick transport systems to park sensors and free Wi-Fi pretty much everywhere, it's no wonder residents are giving the capital top marks. The ranking, which surveys locals in 146 cities worldwide, shows just how far Abu Dhabi has come in five years – jumping from 14th place in 2020 to its current top 5 status. In a new global achievement, Abu Dhabi ranks among the top five smart cities worldwide in the IMD Smart City Index 2025, reflecting its leadership in urban development and smart governance, and its vision toward future-ready cities.#AbuDhabi #YearOfCommunity #SmartCityIndex — دائرة البلديات والنقل (@AbuDhabiDMT) April 23, 2025 According to His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), this rise is no fluke. He credits Abu Dhabi's smart transformation to a united government approach and a focus on making the city an even better place to live, work and explore. So, what makes Abu Dhabi so smart? For starters, it's traffic. Or lack thereof. More than half of residents said congestion isn't much of an issue and over 82 percent gave a thumbs up to public transport – with more than 90 million bus rides and 168,000 water transport trips taken last year alone. Not to mention the game-changing double-bridge project on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, which slashed peak-hour delays by up to 80 percent. We love to see it. Then there are the green spaces. In 2024 alone, DMT opened more than 200 parks and beaches and 84 percent of residents say they're happy with the access and upkeep. It's not just about numbers though – seven of those parks have gone full-on futuristic with smart sensors tracking everything from air quality to soil humidity. That's sustainability with a side of techy cool. There's also free public Wi-Fi all over the city – on buses, beaches and in parks thanks to Hala Wi-Fi – making it easier than ever to stay connected. Around 75 percent of survey respondents said it helped improve access to services, which played a big role in boosting the city's ranking. Add to that initiatives like Abu Dhabi Canvas – an urban beautification project using local creative talent to celebrate Emirati heritage – and the city's commitment to inclusive, forward-thinking development becomes crystal clear. With the new regional office for the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation (WeGO) now based in Abu Dhabi, the capital isn't just setting standards locally – it's positioning itself as a regional hub for smart city innovation, knowledge-sharing and sustainable urban growth. Fifth place never looked so good. More in Abu Dhabi Abu Dhabi has been named one of the most walkable cities in the world Time to get those steps in Everything happening in Abu Dhabi in 2025 From new openings to big events, this is shaping up to be quite a year It's official: Abu Dhabi Comedy Season is returning for a second edition with some huge names Wow, look at this line-up The 2025 concert line-up in Abu Dhabi just keeps getting better and better So many big names coming to the capital
TECHx
23-04-2025
- Business
- TECHx
Abu Dhabi Rises to 5th Spot in 2025 Global Smart City Ranking
Abu Dhabi has climbed to fifth place in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, moving up from tenth last year. The city's strong performance is credited to its green spaces, reliable public transport, free public Wi-Fi, and smooth traffic flow. It now ranks ahead of several major global capitals. HE Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), said the ranking highlights the success of Abu Dhabi's long-term smart city vision. Over the past five years, the capital has advanced from 14th to 5th place. He noted this reflects the whole-of-government approach and the city's focus on using technology and AI to benefit the community. The IMD survey ranks 146 cities based on residents' perceptions of their city's technology and infrastructure. In Abu Dhabi, over half of those surveyed said traffic congestion was not a common issue. Moreover, 82% were satisfied with public transport. Last year, there were more than 90 million rides on public buses. Over 168,000 passengers also used the water transport system. In 2024, DMT invested AED 3.4 billion in road and mobility projects. One such project, a new double bridge on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, reduced peak-hour delays by up to 80%. These improvements played a major role in the city's ranking. Green areas also contributed. About 84% of residents were happy with the availability and upkeep of parks. In 2024 alone, Abu Dhabi opened over 200 new parks and beaches. Some parks were upgraded with up to 1,400 sensors to monitor soil, air, and energy use. This 'smart parks' initiative improves sustainability and visitor experience. Free public Wi-Fi also stood out. Nearly 75% of residents mentioned it as a key benefit. Abu Dhabi offers Wi-Fi on buses, at beaches, and in parks through its Hala Wi-Fi network. To beautify public areas, the DMT launched the Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative. It uses UAE-based talent to reflect the country's culture and heritage in public spaces. Looking ahead, Abu Dhabi plans to continue expanding its smart city initiatives. The capital now hosts the MENA regional office of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organization (WeGO), making it a key center for innovation and smart city development in the region. Abu Dhabi's rise in the Smart City Index shows its ongoing progress in building a connected, efficient, and sustainable urban future.
Arabian Business
23-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Abu Dhabi climbs smart city ranking as free Wi-Fi, green spaces and traffic impress
Abu Dhabi's green spaces, free public Wi-Fi, public transportation and effective traffic management propelled it from tenth to fifth place in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, surpassing several major world capitals. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, said: 'Over the past five years, Abu Dhabi has steadily climbed the world's smart city rankings, moving from 14th place in 2020 to fifth place this year. This is a major achievement for the whole of Abu Dhabi and further cements our position as one of best places in the world to live, work, and visit. 'This international recognition provides further evidence of the success of the whole-of-government approach as our Capital continues to expand. Abu Dhabi smart city ranking 'Our ambition for 2025, the Year of Community, is to continue to use technology and AI to further empower our people and our businesses.' The IMD survey ranks 146 cities based on residents' perceptions of their city's structures and technology. More than half of those questioned stated that traffic congestion was not a prevalent issue in Abu Dhabi, with a further 82 per cent expressing their satisfaction with the public transport network. This is reflected in the over 90 million rides on public buses recorded last year, along with the more than 168,000 passengers making use of Abu Dhabi's water transportation network. In 2024, DMT invested AED3.4bn ($926m) in crucial mobility and road network projects, including a double-bridge project that reduced average morning peak-hour delays by up to 80 per cent on Abu Dhabi's Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Green spaces and public parks were highlighted in contributing to Abu Dhabi's Smart City Index score, with about 84 per cent of those surveyed expressing satisfaction at their availability and upkeep, which coincided with the Department announcing it has opened over 200 parks and beaches in 2024 alone. In line with its commitment to innovation and community welfare, the Department has upgraded seven parks with interconnected sensors as part of a wider 'smart parks' initiative. The facilities have up to 1,400 sensors that measure different variables, such as soil humidity, electricity consumption and air quality to improve visitor experience, sustainability standards and park management operations. To further improve public spaces, DMT launched the Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative last year to enhance the aesthetic of public areas while celebrating the country's rich culture and heritage, using UAE-based talent. Moreover, Abu Dhabi's connectivity and accessibility contributed significantly to its top-five ranking. According to the global index, nearly 75 per cent of respondents cited free public Wi-Fi, which the DMT provides on buses, at beaches, and in public parks through Hala Wi-Fi, as a key factor in improving access to public services. The Department remains committed to further enhancing Abu Dhabi's smart city status, with the capital being now being home to the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation's (WeGO) MENA regional office, positioning the Emirate as a hub for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and capacity-building to empower cities across the region in leveraging cutting-edge technologies for sustainable urban development.
