Abu Dhabi is on track to become one of the most advanced smart cities in the world, a top international researcher has said. Abudhabi has sustainable mobility plan, rich transport infrastructure and deployment of transformative technologies in order to be the most advanced.
Professor Jalel Ben Othman, an expert in intelligent transportation management, noted that Abu Dhabi has a Surface Transport Master Plan (STMP), which aims to deliver a sustainable transport
Othman is in Abu Dhabi as part of a Dh10-million Visiting International Professorships (ViPs) research funding programme by Aspire to attract the highest-calibre researchers from leading institutes to build international networks and further advance meaningful research in priority areas for the emirate. Aspire is the programme management pillar of Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC).
In line with STMP, Othman through his projects under the Aspire programme will monitor traffic, propose solutions, and exchange information in a seamless way through leveraging ICT — directly adding value to the city’s mobility landscape.
Dr Ray O. Johnson, CEO, Technology Innovation Institute and Aspire, pointed out that the ViP programme aims is to bring exceptional people, ideas, resources, and technologies together to help solve society’s most complex challenges.
Abu Dhabi tops the list of capitals with the least traffic congestion, according to the TomTom Traffic Index for 2021. The local transport authorities, Othman said, have been instrumental in ensuring the fluidity of transport movement within the city to prevent unnecessary traffic congestion.
Othman underlined that the future of transport will be completely different from what it is today. He pointed out that the rise of city mobility apps and smart panels have greatly enhanced the way people travel through Abu Dhabi today.
Autonomous taxis, buses and trams are currently serving residents and tourists on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island. Abu Dhabi is also a ‘Bike City’. Dr Johnson noted that the adoption of driverless technology in the UAE transportation ecosystem is among the top smart mobility solutions, not only in the country, but around the world.
Othman said Abu Dhabi has an advanced transportation network in place and is working to further streamline transport planning to not only enhance mobility, but also ensure a positive ecological impact. Othman’s research focuses on intelligent transportation management.
He believes it is crucial to identify the current mobility trends to develop theoretical mobility models that can be customised to meet specific use cases in different areas of the city. Another aspect that needs to be considered is the reduction of gas emissions in line with the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative.
