DMT to Field Over 500 IoT-Linked, Low-Emission Cleaning Vehicles in Abu Dhabi

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has announced a major deployment of more than 500 next-generation cleaning vehicles before year-end, aiming to raise public cleanliness standards while lowering the emirate’s environmental footprint.

The fleet will include automated street sweepers, high-pressure washers, heavy-duty units, water tankers and specialised boats for shoreline cleaning. These combined assets are expected to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 40 per cent — roughly 1,775 tonnes of CO₂ annually.

Connectivity is central to the programme: all vehicles will link into an Internet of Things (IoT) network to support live tracking, smart route optimisation and improved coordination among crews. Several vehicles will carry 360-degree cameras to enhance situational awareness, while other units will use AI-enabled scanners to classify waste, flag violations and map incidents with precise geolocation.

The platform will integrate with DMT’s Public Cleanliness Platform to streamline crew deployment, monitor assets remotely and reduce reliance on manual inspections.

A preparatory pilot will see 10 existing vehicles retrofitted with AI systems, operating initially across Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra before expansion to Al Ain and additional areas of the emirate. Full fleet capabilities will be activated in line with the official launch.

The move follows Abu Dhabi’s rise to fifth place in the IMD Smart City Index, underscoring the capital’s growing role in urban sustainability and technology-driven services.

By pairing advanced sensors, data-driven operations and greener machinery, the DMT initiative seeks to set a new standard for clean, connected and sustainable urban services in the emirate.