Latest news with #DepartmentofMunicipalitiesandTransport
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Business
- Arabian Post
Abu Dhabi Sets Timeline for Major Highway Expansion
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport is on track to issue the main construction tender for the second phase of the Mid Island Parkway Project by the end of 2025. This phase encompasses approximately 11 kilometres of highway development, featuring a combination of three-lane, four-lane, and five-lane roads. The project aims to enhance connectivity between key islands—Um Yifeenah, Al-Jubail, Al-Sammaliyyah, and Sas Al-Nakhl—and mainland areas such as Khalifa City and the E10 highway. Integral to this phase are the construction of three significant interchanges: the E20, E10, and a dumbbell interchange on Al-Sammaliyyah Island. These interchanges are designed to facilitate smoother traffic flow and reduce congestion, aligning with Abu Dhabi's broader urban development goals under the Plan Capital Urban Evolution programme. ADVERTISEMENT The Mid Island Parkway Project, spanning a total of 25 kilometres, is a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's strategic infrastructure initiatives. It is designed to bolster the city's transportation network, improve accessibility, and support the emirate's economic growth by connecting emerging urban centres. Phase one of the MIPP included the construction of the Umm Yifeenah Bridge, a 3.8-kilometre overwater structure that links Al Reem Island, Umm Yifeenah Island, and Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street. This bridge, which accommodates up to 12,000 vehicles per hour, also features pedestrian and cycling paths, promoting sustainable modes of transport. The upcoming tender for phase two reflects the DMT's commitment to advancing Abu Dhabi's infrastructure in line with its urban planning vision. By enhancing connectivity between islands and the mainland, the project is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and support the city's expansion.
Al Etihad
3 days ago
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi 9th best city in the world for green spaces
29 May 2025 00:07 MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)There's more to Abu Dhabi than sun-kissed deserts and towering skyscrapers. The UAE capital has been named one of the top 10 cities in the world for green spaces and access to nature, according to Time Out's latest global city results are based on a poll of 18,500 people from major cities 20 that made the list had the largest share of "good" or "amazing" ratings for their green space and access to Dhabi stands out as the only Middle Eastern city to make the list, with an 83% positive rating, earning it the ninth recognition reflects its strategic investment in sustainable urban planning, from lush city parks to coastal mangroves and vast desert Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) reports that the emirate now has approximately 5 million trees, achieving a ratio of 2.7 trees per trees cover 7% of Abu Dhabi City, 15% of Al Ain, and 30% of the Al Dhafrah this extensive greenery are urban parks such as Umm Al Emarat Park, Khalifa Park and Reem Central Park, which have become popular hubs for families, fitness enthusiasts and tourists alike, offering shaded walkways, botanical gardens and water features that provide both leisure and environmental benefits.A must-visit highlight is the Mangrove National Park – a unique urban ecological haven offering kayaking, birdwatching and serene nature walks just minutes from the city Time Out list was topped by Medellín, Colombia, where 92 of residents rated their city's green offerings as the "City of Eternal Spring", Medellín has undergone a green transformation in recent years, including the creation of cooling "green corridors" throughout its urban core. Boston and Sydney followed closely behind, with strong scores for walkability and diverse natural offerings.
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
From digital twin to driverless cabs: How Abu Dhabi uses AI to shape ideal city for residents
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 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 tool allows planners to visualise and manage urban growth more efficiently and design infrastructure that aligns with real-time needs, Al Shorafa also enhances emergency response by ensuring safety teams gain quicker and more accurate access to critical infrastructure data, he 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 insights have allowed the government to shape infrastructure development with surgical 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 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 BusesAs 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 visitors can book a self-driving ride from the airport to key destinations via ride-hailing 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 Dhabi has the necessary resources in place, he said, and it is actively updating policies to support its goals. Smart, Integrated Urban PlanningThe 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 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 first day's programme featured keynote speeches and interactive panel discussions exploring the future of smart cities and the development of advanced 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 discussions also explored the critical role of effective policies and strategic public-private partnerships in accelerating development through institutional 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 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
Al Etihad
5 days ago
- Business
- Al Etihad
Forbes Middle East launches Building the Future Summit in Abu Dhabi
26 May 2025 18:21 ABU DHABI (WAM)The inaugural Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit kicked off Monday at Berkeley, Abu two-day event is being held in strategic partnership with the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represented by the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, and Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport, in collaboration with One summit brings together an exclusive 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 opening day was attended by Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport; Mohamed Almansoori, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme; Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre; Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman of ONE event also welcomed many prominent industry leaders, including Amira Sajwani, Managing Director of Sales and Development at DAMAC Properties, Founder and CEO of PRYPCO, and Cofounder and COO of Amali Properties; Hassan Allam, CEO of Hassan Allam Holding; and Rizwan Sajan, Founder and Chairman of the Danube first day's programme featured keynote speeches and interactive panel discussions exploring the future of smart cities and the development of advanced infrastructure, with a focus on seamlessly integrating elements of luxury, hospitality, and entertainment. Topics included interior design, mixed-use developments, and green infrastructure, as well as the fundamentals of smart urban planning, ranging from healthcare infrastructure to sustainable architecture powered by technology and discussions also emphasised the critical role of effective policies and strategic public-private partnerships in accelerating development through institutional addition, the sessions highlighted the UAE's ongoing efforts to reshape urban living by embracing smart digital infrastructure and data-driven urban Almansoori, Director General of the Sheikh Zayed Housing Programme, said in his opening keynote, "It is my honour to welcome you to this distinguished event, which aligns with the declaration of 2025 as the Year of Community in the United Arab Emirates, as part of a national vision based on strengthening social cohesion and placing the family at the heart of stability and growth."He. pointed out that housing is one of the fundamental pillars for building cohesive communities, explaining that the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program provides a supportive residential environment that enhances quality of life and aligns with the aspirations of emphasised that smart and integrated urban planning is 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 his opening address, Ali Al Gebely, Founder & Chairman of ONE Development, emphasised that "the future doesn't begin with structures—it begins with the human journey and experience."He described the UAE as one of the most advanced and resilient ecosystems for private sector growth, especially in urban development, "We ask ourselves: What do people truly aspire to? What connects them in a rapidly changing world? What transforms a place to live into a place to belong?"These questions, he said, shape ONE Development's philosophy and design Gebely also announced the launch of DO Hotels, an AI-powered hospitality concept developed in partnership with global icon Amr Diab. Set to launch in Dubai on May 28, 2025, Do Hotels blends music, AI, and wellness to deliver a new dimension in hospitality experiences."The integration of AI into urban development is not just strategic—it's essential," Al Gebely added."We are gathered today to address one of the most pressing and impactful issues of our time: how to build cities that are smarter, more efficient, and more sustainable. 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 center of urban progress," she day also featured an award ceremony honoring a group of the region's most influential real estate leaders, including prominent government officials and visionary entrepreneurs and businessmen, who are shaping the future of the Middle East's economy and positioning the real estate sector as a driving force in the global market. The summit will continue on Tuesday with more interactive sessions, exploring future trends in real estate, urban planning, and investment, with participation from leading industry experts and decision-makers from around the world.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
These are all the fines announced in Abu Dhabi this month
From outlawed event flyers to rooftop satellite dish chaos and even tree-trimming faux pas, Abu Dhabi is tightening the rulebook this May – and your wallet could feel it if you're not paying attention. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) and Abu Dhabi Police have dropped a stack of fresh fines to keep the capital clean, green and serene. Here's what to watch out for… New flyer fines Thinking of sticking your event poster on a lamppost or sliding flyers under windscreen wipers? Best not. Abu Dhabi has just outlawed unauthorised flyer distribution – and yes, the fines are real. Whether you're promoting a garage sale or the gig of the year, you now need explicit permission from the authorities before papering public spaces. Under Clause No. 56 of Law No. 2 of 2012, any printed material slapped onto poles, walls, or vehicles without a green light could cost you: Dhs1,000 for the first offence Dhs2,000 if you do it again Dhs4,000 for a third strike (and any after that) Abu Dhabi Municipality is rolling out a public awareness campaign, so the message is loud and clear: get the proper permits or get fined. Keep it clean, keep it classy – and keep your promo off people's windshields. New rooftop satellite fines Rooftop starting to look like a satellite dish graveyard? You could be in trouble. Abu Dhabi's new fine targets messy, unregulated dish installations – and it's not just about the aesthetics. Under Clause No. 61 of Law No. 2 of 2012, satellite dishes must follow strict standards set by building owners or authorised reps. That means no dish clusters, no spaghetti cabling and absolutely no balcony DIY setups. Here's the fine breakdown: Dhs1,000 for your first violation Dhs2,000 for round two Dhs4,000 if it happens again The DMT says this move aims to declutter rooftops, boost safety and keep the skyline spick and span. So before you mount that second dish for your secret K-drama binge, double-check if it's allowed – or pay up. Fine for damaging native trees Abu Dhabi has spoken: don't mess with the trees. The emirate has introduced a Dhs10,000 fine for anyone who damages or removes three of the UAE's most iconic indigenous trees – Al Ghaf, Al Samar and Al Sidr. These beauties are more than just pretty foliage; they're ecological heroes that support biodiversity, shelter wildlife and embody the UAE's natural heritage. Now officially coded and numbered by the authorities, these trees are tracked by law. So whether you're a gardener, landscaper, or just tempted to give your backyard a makeover, make sure none of these protected species are in your path. This is all part of Abu Dhabi's bigger eco-picture – one that previously saw fines of up to Dhs1 million for major environmental violations. So save the trees (and your bank account) and leave the pruning to the pros. Fine for blocking the road after a minor crash Credit: Wikimedia Commons Had a bumper-to-bumper moment? Don't just sit there – move along or pay the price. Abu Dhabi Police is cracking down on drivers who fail to shift to a safe spot after minor accidents, warning that staying put could land you a Dhs1,000 fine and six black points. And yes, there's an app for that. The Saed app lets you report non-injury incidents in just five minutes: Tap 'Report an Accident' Enter your mobile number Upload your driver's licence, car registration and clear photos of the damage Hit submit and get your accident report sent straight to WhatsApp The new rule is all about keeping traffic flowing and roads safer. No injuries? No excuses. Use the app, skip the traffic jam and avoid that hefty fine. You might also like… Abu Dhabi's best restaurants: Everywhere you should eat at least once Your dinner inspo is sorted 12 fantastic road trips across the GCC Fill up the tank and go Abu Dhabi to Dubai by bus: How to travel between the two cities Everything you need to know, from getting a Nol card to bus timetables Old Abu Dhabi: 15 best spots to uncover the history of the capital Peel back the layers of time
