Latest news with #AlGhfeli
Al Etihad
08-05-2025
- Automotive
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Mobility advances electric vehicle charging infrastructure through new Charge AD stations
8 May 2025 14:47 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, has announced a significant investment in electric vehicle infrastructure.A number of operators have been appointed to manage EV charging stations under public-private partnership (PPP) contracts that cover the supply, installation, operation, and maintenance of charging stations across the capital, Abu project forms part of Abu Dhabi Mobility's ongoing efforts to support the transition to clean mobility, and reinforce the emirate's commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. The launch of the network marks an important step towards establishing an advanced public charging infrastructure that meets the needs of sustainable transport across the emirate, while promoting the shift to more efficient and environmentally friendly mobility initiative also reflects Abu Dhabi Mobility's dedication to providing innovative technology and infrastructure toward facilitating electric vehicle adoption and enhancing the quality of life in the first phase of the project includes the installation of 1,000 new charging stations at 400 strategic locations across Abu Dhabi Island, the Al Ain region and the Al Dhafra region, supported by a phased plan to increase the number of stations annually in line with demand. The new stations will operate under the unified brand name Charge AD, with standardised charging tariffs set at Dh0.70 per kilowatt-hour for AC regular chargers and Dh1.20 per kilowatt-hour for fast DC addition to public charging stations, the network will be further expanded through collaborations with relevant strategic partners to provide charging points at key locations, including at hotels and shopping centres, ensuring broader coverage to meet the needs of electric vehicle Abdulla Hamed Al Ghfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, emphasised that the strategic investment in building advanced electric vehicle charging infrastructure is a clear demonstration of Abu Dhabi's commitment to sustainable mobility and its support for the transition to smart, eco-friendly transport solutions."This strategic investment not only reflects Abu Dhabi's commitment to sustainable mobility, but also reinforces Abu Dhabi Mobility's role as a catalyst for technological transformation in the transport sector by delivering advanced infrastructure driven by innovation and artificial intelligence," he said."We believe that the establishment of a unified and extensive electric vehicle charging network is a fundamental pillar in promoting the adoption of electric vehicles and enabling a smarter, more sustainable community. This supports Abu Dhabi's vision of a future with reduced emissions and greater energy efficiency," Al Ghfeli Dhabi is witnessing rapid growth in electric vehicle registrations, with more than 15,000 EVs registered during the first quarter of 2025. This marks a 60 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Abu Dhabi Mobility aims for 50 per cent of vehicles on the emirate's roads to be electric by 2040, in support of the nation's vision to achieve carbon neutrality.
Khaleej Times
29-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
How Abu Dhabi Police uses tech, drones to ensure 'zero disruptions' during emergencies
When a Covid-19 outbreak hit Al Falah Police Station in Abu Dhabi, the police didn't halt operations – they moved them. 'We transferred all operations to Zakher Police Station,' said Lt Col Ahmed Al Ghfeli. 'We informed the public and placed signs in front of the affected station. The exact same services continued in Zakher.' It was one of many real-world tests faced by the Abu Dhabi Police's business continuity strategy – a framework that ensures critical police operations never stop, even during emergencies. Similarly, when torrential rains disrupted normal life in Abu Dhabi last year, the police force proved its readiness by ensuring that critical operations continued without pause. "Decision-making must never stop," he said. "Even when our personnel were impacted by crises, we ensured zero disruption to public services." Speaking at the Emergency, Crises and Disasters Management Centre Abu Dhabi's annual forum, Lt Col Al Ghfeli gave a rare behind-the-scenes account of how the police leadership planned, implemented, and evolved their crisis response systems. The forum focused on standards that ensure business continuity and flexibility during various emergencies. 'The Covid-19 pandemic was a true test of our business continuity system,' he said. 'Thanks to our systems, not a single service was interrupted.' Abu Dhabi Police has identified 338 "vital operations" that must not stop, even in the most extreme scenarios. These include patrols, prisoner transfers, and emergency response protocols. According to Al Ghfeli, more than 250 locations across the emirate, including Dalma Island, have been audited over three years to assess their risk exposure and continuity needs. "We don't focus on every task — only the operations that are truly vital," he said. A significant part of Abu Dhabi Police's resilience comes from its investment in cutting-edge technology. Lt Col Al Ghfeli highlighted how drones have been deployed to relay real-time visuals of emergency scenes, especially when visibility is poor or access is limited. "This helps commanders make faster, more informed decisions from the operations room," he explained. Another innovation is a unified crisis management platform, developed in-house, that connects all departments and key government partners. It warns operators when emergency response in one area risks leaving another under-resourced. "If six patrols are dispatched to a fire in Khalidiya, the platform alerts us to reinforce coverage in that zone," said Lt Col Al Ghfeli. This digital infrastructure includes an electronic documentation system, archiving all crisis plans, resources, and alternative locations for each department. The Ministry of Interior and other federal agencies now rely on the platform for their own planning. According to the force, crises don't only strain infrastructure – they take a toll on people. Recognising the psychological impact of the pandemic on frontline officers, Abu Dhabi Police introduced structured mental health support. "Some employees were hesitant to report for duty," Lt Col Al Ghfeli noted. "We had to step in and support them psychologically." The force worked with the Department of Health and internal wellness units to deploy mental health specialists during peak Covid periods. This initiative has now been formalised as part of Abu Dhabi Police's long-term crisis adaptation policy. In 2021, Abu Dhabi Police became the first law enforcement agency in the world to receive institutional resilience certification. The audit was based on UAE Standard 7000 as well as international benchmarks. "We were assessed during the height of Covid," Lt Col Al Ghfeli recalled. "Our performance during that time validated our systems." The certification process also pushed the force to create its own internal resilience standard – dubbed the 'Police Standard for Crisis Continuity' – which is now used to evaluate all departments annually. High-performing units are recognised and awarded. Additionally, Abu Dhabi Police mandates that every officer be trained on business continuity. As of early 2025, more than 9,000 staff have undergone certified training developed in partnership with the Saif Bin Zayed Police Academy. "Every field officer must know the answers to three questions: What is the continuity plan for your role? What is your backup location? And when does that plan activate?" Lt Col Al Ghfeli explained. "These answers can be found in the Golden Leader Decision System in the operations room — one of the modern tools we now use," he explained. "We have trained more than 7,600 staff in previous years, and over 1,600 in 2024 alone — nearly 9,000 since the initiative began." "We cannot reach every officer in the command because some are on shift rotations or patrol operations," he added. "But what matters is that each field officer knows their business continuity plan, their alternative site, and when that plan is activated. "What are the alternatives for your current role? Every officer in the field must know these and how to apply them.' Abu Dhabi Police also cooperates closely with external partners, including Civil Defence and other government agencies. Joint drills have been conducted over the past years to strengthen coordination. During the heavy rains last year, for example, some operations were affected. "We analysed the risks and developed response mechanisms to ensure continuity," Lt Col Al Ghfeli said. He also pointed to the Early Warning System implemented during past events, which is now regularly drilled to ensure a timely response and continued operations. "Some patrols respond to emergencies, while others continue with daily duties," he said. The force also works to enhance community awareness through workshops and outreach efforts. "We hold sessions in Al Gharbia's majlis in partnership with local councils, and we conduct awareness programmes in schools in cooperation with the Ministry of Education," he added.
Zawya
16-04-2025
- Automotive
- Zawya
The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) organises the 'No Distraction While Driving' forum
Abu Dhabi – As part of the 2025 GCC Traffic Week, the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, organised the 'No Distraction While Driving' forum. The event was attended by several officials and road safety experts, as well as representatives from the Federal Traffic Council, the Joint Traffic Safety Committee, and a range of relevant public and private sector entities. The forum was organised in partnership with the International Road Federation (IRF) with the aim of raising public awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. It also provided a platform to showcase best practices, as well as technological and legislative solutions that help reduce traffic accidents caused by driver inattention. The initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to build a safer, more sustainable mobility system and to enhance the quality of life for all members of the community. The forum aligned with global initiatives spearheaded by Abu Dhabi Mobility in collaboration with the IRF. These initiatives focus on sharing international insights and expertise to enhance global awareness of the risks associated with distracted driving, while encouraging both public and private sector entities to adopt technological and regulatory solutions aimed at reducing distraction-related road accidents. The forum welcomed the participation of representatives from GCC countries, including officials from government bodies and university professors, in a panel discussion titled 'Driver Distraction in the GCC'. The session addressed key themes focused on strengthening road safety awareness and curbing the use of mobile phones while driving. The session also explored ways to integrate AI technologies in monitoring driver behaviour, and highlighted the need to require car manufacturers to develop smart systems that help reduce distraction. In addition, it showcased leading regional practices and regulatory frameworks aimed at deterring such behaviour. In his opening address at the forum, Dr. Abdulla Hamad Al Ghfeli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, affirmed that enhancing road safety and reducing traffic accidents are key priorities within Abu Dhabi Mobility 's strategy. He reiterated the Centre's commitment to leveraging advanced technologies and legislative measures, in coordination with relevant entities, to address unsafe driving behaviours, with distracted driving being one of the leading causes of road accidents. Al Ghfeli noted that the forum, held in collaboration with the IRF, is part of Abu Dhabi Mobility 's broader efforts to raise community awareness, identify challenges, and implement effective solutions to improve road safety and security. These efforts support the ongoing development of the mobility system and contribute to enhancing the quality of life for all members of society. He also emphasised Abu Dhabi Mobility 's commitment to active participation in the global initiative to reduce distracted driving, under the patronage of the IRF, which aims to raise international awareness of the risks associated with distraction and foster global cooperation to achieve the highest standards in road safety. Brigadier Ahmed Saeed Al Naqbi, Head of the Awareness and Road Safety Team at the Federal Traffic Council, affirmed in his address at the forum that road safety is a national priority, in line with the country's commitment to protecting lives and property. He highlighted the Council's ongoing efforts to support national awareness initiatives and to strengthen the traffic legislation framework, with the aim of reducing road accidents and improving compliance with traffic regulations. Al Naqbi praised the efforts of Abu Dhabi, represented by the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), in organising the forum, which serves as an important platform for the exchange of expertise and best practices among GCC countries. He emphasised the importance of coordinated efforts between government entities, the private sector and the wider community to achieve a safer and more sustainable traffic environment. The forum also featured the announcement of an innovative awareness initiative launched in partnership with Yango. The campaign will deliver targeted safety messages through Yango's mobile applications for both passengers and drivers, focusing on the dangers of using mobile phones while driving or crossing the road. At the conclusion of the forum, an interactive session was held with youth and members of the public, during which they presented innovative proposals to address the issue of distracted driving. Among the most notable ideas were the use of AI and virtual reality to simulate accidents in educational settings, such as schools and universities, as well as the launch of digital awareness campaigns using modern, interactive methods to engage various segments of society through social media platforms. It is worth noting that the GCC Traffic Week, held under the patronage of the Federal Traffic Council, features a range of awareness initiatives and activities aimed at promoting a culture of road safety and supporting the nation's efforts to protect lives and property. It also contributes to realising Abu Dhabi's vision of developing a safe and sustainable mobility system that helps reduce accidents, fatalities and injuries, while enhancing the overall quality of life in the Emirate. About Abu Dhabi Mobility: Abu Dhabi Mobility is the brand identity launched by the Integrated Transport Centre, an affiliate of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, that is aligned with Abu Dhabi's ambitious vision to rank among the most advanced cities in the world, and deliver a safe, smart and sustainable mobility ecosystem across the Emirate. Abu Dhabi Mobility 's mandate includes overseeing land transport, aviation and maritime activities solidifying its commitment to shaping the future of mobility in the region. Abu Dhabi Mobility will harness technology, innovation, and sustainability to accommodate the Emirate's growing population, redefine urban living, and meet future mobility needs.
