The Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT) announced today that 2024 marked the successful completion of AED4 billion ($1.09 billion) worth of key projects that are part of a broader set of long-term initiatives with a total budget exceeding AED75 billion.
DMT re-affirmed its position as a significant contributor and driver of growth, stability and safety in Abu Dhabi, highlighted by the emirate being named the number one most liveable city in the MENA region by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index, and one of the safest in the world according to the Crime and Safety Indices by Numebo.
Abu Dhabi was also ranked one of the top ten smartest cities in the world by the International Institute for Management Development.
“The future-focused AED75 billion-plus budget embodies an ambitious vision to enhance infrastructure, elevate services, and promote urban development across the emirate. We strongly believe that these investments are a vital step towards building a solid, holistic foundation for the future,” stated Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of DMT.
Key projects completed in 2024
Abu Dhabi’s DMT invested AED3.4 billion in the completion of key mobility and road network projects including the expansion of the Helio-Abu Al Abiyad Road in Al Dhafra Region; and a double-bridge project with a total value of AED315 million that reduced average morning peak-hour delays by up to 80 percent on Abu Dhabi’s Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street.
Other notable roadworks completed in the last 12 months include a complete overhaul of the Al Ain Region’s 760-meter landmark Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, which now features a new 1.5-kilometer cycling track, an event plaza, and landscaping with over 780 trees in addition to shade structures.
Abu Dhabi also added 247 kilometers of new cycling paths, bringing the total length of dedicated tracks to more than 1,200 kilometers.
“These initiatives reaffirm our dedication to our leadership’s vision of enhancing the quality of life for our communities as well as meeting residents’ aspirations for smart city living and environmental sustainability,” added Al Shorafa.
Community-centric projects drive development
Last year, Abu Dhabi’s DMT also prioritized the development of community-centric projects, many of which were delivered through Al Tawajud Al Baladi. These centers, which operate over 20 facilities across the emirate, serve as vital hubs for engaging with residents, addressing local needs, and enhancing public services.
The developments included the opening of more than 200 parks and beaches across the emirate in addition to the reopening of the landmark Al Bateen Ladies Club, which underscores DMT’s focus on creating inclusive and accessible spaces for all.
Moreover, the introduction of the Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative further highlighted DMT’s efforts to enrich Abu Dhabi’s urban landscape through creativity and innovation.
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Region’s first passenger-carrying drone trials
Abu Dhabi’s DMT also supported efforts to advance mobility solutions in 2024, with the inaugural Abu Dhabi Mobility Week showcasing the industry’s best-in-class innovations while providing an open forum for stakeholders to collaborate in realizing their visions through real-life practical use cases.
This advancement was witnessed through the region’s first passenger-carrying drone trials, marking a milestone in urban air mobility. The event featured two test flights: the first showcased a five-seater drone capable of traveling more than 25 kilometers with a payload of up to 350 kilograms, while the second demonstrated a smaller drone that carries two passengers, covering up to 35 kilometers in approximately 20 minutes.
Further solidifying its leadership in next-generation transport, Abu Dhabi also announced a government-wide partnership with Joby Aviation to establish the emirate’s first fully autonomous, electric air taxi ecosystem.
DMT in 2024 also saw past investments in public transportation yielding positive results, with over 90 million rides recorded in public buses and well over 168,000 passengers making use of Abu Dhabi’s water transportation network, along with more than 28 million air passengers, highlighting the emirate’s cutting-edge infrastructure and seamless transport connectivity.
