Abu Dhabi Completes Milestone Projects Worth $1.09bln In 2024

Abu Dhabi’s DMT Marks 2024 with AED4 Billion in Completed Projects, Paving the Way for a Smarter, Greener Future

The Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT) has wrapped up 2024 with major achievements that underscore its commitment to building a world-class, smart, and sustainable city. With over AED4 billion worth of projects completed during the year, DMT continues to drive urban transformation across the emirate as part of a long-term investment roadmap exceeding AED75 billion.

Abu Dhabi Completes Milestone Projects Worth $1.09bln In 2024

This remarkable progress aligns with Abu Dhabi’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart city living, safety, and quality of life. The capital was crowned the most live able city in the MENA region by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Livability Index. It also earned global praise for its safety, ranking among the world’s safest cities, according to Numbeo’s Crime and Safety Indices. Additionally, Abu Dhabi was listed among the top ten smartest cities worldwide by the International Institute for Management Development.

Future-Driven Development Backed by AED75 Billion Vision

DMT’s forward-looking agenda, supported by a AED75 billion+ budget, aims to boost infrastructure, improve community services, and promote sustainable urban growth. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, emphasized, “Our long-term investments reflect our commitment to the leadership’s vision—enhancing residents' quality of life through innovation, inclusivity, and future-ready city planning.”

Transforming Mobility: Roads, Public Transport, and Air Taxis

A large portion of DMT’s 2024 investments focused on enhancing Abu Dhabi’s mobility infrastructure. Over AED3.4 billion was allocated to road network projects, including the Helio–Abu Al Abiyad Road expansion in Al Dhafra and a major double-bridge development on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. The latter successfully cut down peak-hour traffic delays by up to 80%.

In Al Ain, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street underwent a major revamp, introducing a 1.5 km cycling track, an event plaza, and over 780 new trees, creating a greener, more pedestrian-friendly space. Across the emirate, 247 km of new cycling paths were added, bringing the total to over 1,200 km—reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s push for healthier, eco-conscious travel.

DMT also reported a record 90 million public bus rides, over 168,000 passengers on the water transport network, and more than 28 million air travelers—highlighting seamless integration across land, sea, and air mobility systems.

Flying into the Future: Passenger Drones and Smart Mobility

Abu Dhabi made headlines by conducting the region’s first passenger drone trials. Two drone types were tested—a five-seater capable of flying over 25 km with a 350 kg payload, and a smaller two-seater that traveled 35 km in just 20 minutes. This milestone came as part of the inaugural Abu Dhabi Mobility Week, an industry-first event that brought together global innovators.

Adding to the excitement, Abu Dhabi inked a strategic agreement with Joby Aviation to create the UAE’s first fully autonomous electric air taxi network—ushering in a new era of urban air mobility.

Enriching Communities with Green Spaces and Cultural Innovation

DMT prioritised inclusive, community-driven urban development in 2024. Through its network of 20+ Al Tawajud Al Baladi centres, the department delivered numerous resident-focused initiatives. More than 200 new parks and beaches were opened across Abu Dhabi, offering fresh leisure options for families and individuals alike.

The reopening of the iconic Al Bateen Ladies Club stood out as a milestone in gender-inclusive public spaces. Meanwhile, the launch of the Abu Dhabi Canvas initiative added artistic flair to the city’s streets and buildings, blending creativity with modern city design.

Real Estate Boom: Over AED96 Billion in Transactions

2024 also saw Abu Dhabi’s real estate market flourish. The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), a DMT affiliate, recorded 28,249 property transactions—marking a 24.2% year-on-year increase. The transactions totaled AED96.2 billion, including AED58.5 billion in sales and AED37.7 billion in mortgage deals.

These numbers reflect the emirate’s growing appeal as a safe, lucrative, and innovation-led investment destination.

AI at the Heart of Smart City Evolution

Artificial Intelligence played a central role in DMT’s 2024 strategy. The department unveiled a real-time, AI-powered digital twin platform that helps city planners assess and improve community liveability in every district. This 3D system analyzes data from across the city, making decisions faster and more accurate.

Additionally, DMT launched an AI-based architectural review tool that speeds up construction approvals by leveraging generative AI and 3D model evaluations. The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) also adopted AI to study commuter behavior, improving how large-scale mobility systems are managed.

Setting Higher Standards in Construction and Safety

DMT launched several initiatives to raise safety, compliance, and engineering excellence. These included a new Building Occupancy and Legalisation Certification Programme and a performance review system for engineering firms. Licensed engineers must now pass mandatory certification exams—ensuring world-class standards in construction and design.

Expanding Global Partnerships and Innovation Networks

On the global stage, DMT strengthened Abu Dhabi’s international presence by forging new alliances. The department signed twin city agreements with Shenzhen and a Friendship City pact with Seoul—two of Asia’s most tech-forward cities.

Furthermore, DMT partnered with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) to launch the DMT Future Hub, a center of excellence dedicated to smart mobility and sustainable development. The department also established the MENA regional office of the World Smart Sustainable Cities Organisation and secured the 2025 WeGO Executive Committee Meeting for Abu Dhabi.

Looking Ahead: More Projects on the Horizon

DMT has hinted at the announcement of more high-impact projects in the near future, designed to reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as one of the most liveable and innovative cities in the world. These efforts are part of a bold, long-term roadmap to position the capital as a global leader in urban sustainability, smart infrastructure, and quality of life.