Major Transformation by DMT Redefines Municipal Services in Abu Dhabi

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi has successfully wrapped up an extensive two-year overhaul that has completely transformed the delivery of municipal services, planning, real estate, and mobility across the emirate. This initiative establishes a cohesive framework linking Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain City, and the Al Dhafra Region, allowing residents and businesses to enjoy more efficient services in-person and through the TAMM platform.

Over 8,000 employees from DMT and its affiliates participated in this transformation to streamline operations, upgrade infrastructure management, and bolster the emirate’s future readiness.

A pivotal focus of the programme was community planning. The inaugural phase of the Abu Dhabi Liveability Strategy has been completed, with a budget of AED 42 billion allocated for new development initiatives. District completion scores saw an increase from 67% in 2023 to 81% in 2025, indicating tangible upgrades in neighborhood quality and amenities. Additionally, public engagement efforts were broadened through workshops and surveys, including the Dream Neighbourhood Survey, to ensure urban planning meets community needs.

In the real estate sector, a significant shift occurred with the establishment of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC). More than 250 municipal real estate services were consolidated to under 100, creating a unified entry point for the sector. ADREC has implemented new tools, such as the emirate’s first official residential Rental Index and the verification platform Madhmoun, enhancing market transparency. Real estate transactions surged by 24% in 2024, culminating in AED 96.2 billion, driven by robust foreign investments that continued into 2025.

Infrastructure development has progressed into a new phase with a value chain strategy encompassing planning, construction, maintenance, and long-term management. This model aims to sustain financial resilience and align major projects with future expectations. Digital monitoring and predictive technologies are increasingly employed to inform proposals, expedite reviews, and facilitate coordination among stakeholders.

In terms of compliance and building safety, the phased introduction of the Building Occupancy and Legalisation Certificate Programme was initiated after Administrative Decision No. (1) of 2024. This system outlines transparent safety requirements, starting with Conditional Occupancy Certificates. Through the Binaa platform, innovations like Building Information Modelling, AI, and virtual or augmented reality have reduced inspection and review periods by 70%.

Smart city technologies have rapidly advanced under this initiative. AI Inspection Vehicles deployed in 2023 are now utilized for real-time cleanliness and maintenance oversight. The liveability digital twin and AI planning technologies have since integrated predictive functionalities. At GITEX 2025, DMT launched LivAI, an upgraded liveability platform, along with City Eye, a voice-controlled AI-driven operations system. New mobility-centric technologies feature the Real-time Intelligent Traffic Safety Management System, which identifies accident hotspots and anticipates risks.

Standardized municipal services in parks, beaches, and public health enforcement are now uniform across all regions. The proliferation of Al Tawajud Al Baladi Centres—now totaling 17—continues to enhance avenues for direct community engagement and feedback.

Transport has also entered a transformative era with the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) launching the Abu Dhabi Mobility brand in 2024, which reflects an expanded mandate covering land, maritime, aviation, and licensing services. Public transport usage has surged, with over 90 million bus riders and 168,000 marine transport users reported last year. New ferry terminals at Al Aliah Island, Saadiyat Marina, and Rabdan Marina have enhanced connectivity, while autonomous taxi services have extended to Al Reem and Al Maryah Islands.

To facilitate the transition to clean mobility, the installation of 1,000 electric vehicle charging stations is in progress throughout the emirate. The ITC's Green Bus Programme aims to convert 50% of the public transport fleet to electric and hydrogen buses by 2030, as part of the Public Transport Green Zone initiative.