Transport
From The Report: Abu Dhabi 2023
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Abu Dhabi’s transport sector is an important driver of economic growth. The completion of stage two of the Etihad Rail network and the imminent opening of a new terminal at Abu Dhabi International Airport are among the sector’s key milestones. This sector has experienced significant gains, with tourism and commercial activities rebounding in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Abu Dhabi continues to pioneer innovative solutions, such as autonomous vehicles, water taxis and artificial intelligence-driven traffic management, aimed at easing congestion and reducing pollution. However, the deployment of advanced technologies also presents regulatory and partnership challenges. Navigating these hurdles will require agile regulators and robust public-private collaboration.

Innovation not only benefits Abu Dhabi residents, but also offers valuable insights for observers around the world who are keen to learn from the emirate’s experiences in pioneering modern transport solutions.
This chapter contains interviews with Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport; and Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group.

Articles from this Chapter

Overview

In motion: Rail network extensions and airport infrastructure complement the expansion of urban transport options in the emirate
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The transport sector in Abu Dhabi is developing at a rapid pace. Most notably, stage two of the Etihad Rail network project has been completed, and a new terminal is expected to open at Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) before the end of 2023. Transport firms from air to ports have posted large gains, with tourism and commercial activity resuming across the emirate after the Covid-19 pandemic. Structure & Oversight The Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) administers…

Interview

Working together: Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), on modernising surface transport to drive sustainable mobility
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Interview:Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa How is policy being framed to ensure a balance between modernisation and sustainability? MOHAMED ALI AL SHORAFA: Modernisation and sustainability are complementary concepts. As we strive to modernise, it is crucial to incorporate sustainable practices. Moreover, our efforts include the development and implementation of comprehensive policies and infrastructure to promote environmentally responsible transport alternatives. One example of this is the government’s…

Interview

Closer links: Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, AD Ports Group, on near-sourcing and improving supply chains
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Interview:Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi Where do you see opportunities for ports and logistics operators to contribute to the localisation of supply chains and attract investment? MOHAMED JUMA AL SHAMISI: Reduced access to products during the Covid-19 pandemic forced businesses to re-evaluate their approach to the production and distribution of goods beyond the traditional far-sourcing model. We have seen a shift in global supply chains towards the more robust near-shore and on-shore sourcing of…

Analysis

Smart solutions: Digitalisation and public-private partnerships are enabling the deployment of smart, safe and sustainable transport systems
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As the UAE prepares to host the COP28 UN Conference on Climate Change in late 2023, Abu Dhabi’s transport stakeholders have been working to elevate the emirate’s profile as a test bed for future mobility concepts. With the overarching goal of advancing smart, safe and sustainable mobility, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport has emerged as a key player in this area. Safe & Sustainable Mobility While the emirate’s transport sector…

Analysis

On the right track: The long-awaited GCC Railway project gains steam as countries renew investment commitments for transport infrastructure
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Following delays, the long-awaited GCC Railway looks likely to be revitalised – a move that could transform trade and connectivity across the Gulf. The project was given a significant boost in December 2021, when leaders of the six GCC countries approved the establishment of the GCC Railways Authority, the body that is expected to oversee the ongoing coordination of the project. The decision marks a potentially significant development for rail infrastructure throughout the Gulf. After being debated…