Abu Dhabi's DMT Implements Comprehensive Overhaul of Municipal Services

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi has finalized a transformative two-year initiative that has revamped the delivery of municipal services, urban planning, real estate, and transportation within the emirate. This extensive overhaul connects Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain City, and Al Dhafra Region under a unified framework, offering residents and businesses streamlined access, both in-person and via the TAMM platform.

Over 8,000 DMT employees have actively participated in reorganizing operations and modernizing infrastructure management, thereby enhancing the emirate’s capacity for future growth.

Key to this transformation was community planning, culminating in the completion of the first phase of the Abu Dhabi Liveability Strategy. An approved budget of AED 42 billion has been set for new development projects, with average district completion scores improving from 67% in 2023 to 81% by 2025, signaling better neighborhood quality and amenities. The Department has also broadened its public engagement through surveys and workshops, such as the Dream Neighbourhood Survey, ensuring community needs shape urban planning efforts.

In real estate, the launch of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) marked a significant structural shift. More than 250 municipal real estate services were consolidated into under 100, establishing a central access point for the sector. ADREC also introduced innovative tools like the emirate’s inaugural rental index and the verified listings platform, Madhmoun, to foster market transparency. Real estate transactions surged by 24% in 2024, reaching AED 96.2 billion amidst robust foreign investments extending into 2025.

Infrastructure development has advanced with a value chain approach, addressing planning, construction, maintenance, and long-term management. This strategy seeks to uphold financial resilience and ensure that major projects correspond with future requirements. Increasingly, digital monitoring and predictive technologies are guiding proposals, expediting reviews, and enhancing stakeholder coordination.

Regarding compliance and safety, the phased Building Occupancy and Legalisation Certificate Programme was launched following Administrative Decision No. (1) of 2024. This system outlines clear safety mandates starting with Conditional Occupancy Certificates. The Binaa platform now integrates features like Building Information Modelling, AI, and virtual or augmented reality, reducing inspection times by 70%.

The initiative also accelerated the expansion of smart city technologies. AI Inspection Vehicles introduced in 2023 aid in real-time cleanliness and maintenance monitoring. The digital twin for liveability and AI planning tools now feature predictive capabilities. At GITEX 2025, DMT launched LivAI, an upgraded platform for liveability, alongside City Eye, an AI-enhanced city operations system capable of voice commands. Mobility-focused innovations like the Real-time Intelligent Traffic Safety Management System have been implemented to identify risk areas.

Routine municipal services in public spaces such as parks and beaches have been standardized across all regions. The introduction of 17 Al Tawajud Al Baladi Centers furthers direct community interaction and feedback.

Transportation sees a new horizon as the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) launched the Abu Dhabi Mobility brand in 2024. This expanded mandate encompasses land, maritime, aviation, and licensing services. Public transport usage has seen remarkable growth, with over 90 million bus passengers and 168,000 marine transport users reported last year. Connectivity improvements include new ferry terminals at Al Aliah Island, Saadiyat Marina, and Rabdan Marina, along with autonomous taxis now operating on Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands.

In alignment with clean mobility initiatives, installation of 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations is in progress throughout the emirate. The ITC’s Green Bus Programme aims to transition half of the public transport fleet to electric and hydrogen buses by 2030 as part of the Public Transport Green Zone initiative.