Abu Dhabi reaped the rewards of its strategic investments in the mobility sector in 2024, as the number of public bus journeys surpassed 90 million, while public maritime transport accommodated more than 168,000 passengers. Air travel also saw a significant surge, with over 28 million passengers passing through the emirate’s airports—reflecting the robustness of Abu Dhabi’s integrated transport infrastructure and mobility systems.

These figures were revealed in the Department of Municipalities and Transport’s (DMT) annual report, which highlighted a year of transformative progress and innovation across the emirate.

The DMT placed strong emphasis on the development of community-focused projects, many of which were executed through Municipal Presence Centers located in more than 20 areas across Abu Dhabi. These centers act as key touchpoints for engaging with residents, addressing local needs, and enhancing public service delivery. Among the community initiatives was the opening of over 200 parks and beaches across the emirate, along with the reopening of the Al Bateen Ladies Club—reinforcing the department’s commitment to inclusive, accessible public spaces. Additionally, the launch of the “Abu Dhabi Sign” initiative added a creative and innovative layer to the city’s urban landscape.

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center, affiliated with the DMT, recorded remarkable growth, completing 28,249 real estate transactions—a 24.2% increase compared to the previous year—pushing the total market value to AED 96.2 billion. This included 16,735 sales transactions worth AED 58.5 billion and 11,514 mortgage transactions valued at AED 37.7 billion, reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a premier investment destination.

The year 2024 also marked a turning point in the mobility sector with the launch of Abu Dhabi Mobility Week, which served as a platform to showcase the latest innovations in the field and foster collaboration among stakeholders through practical applications.

One of the year’s most significant milestones was the successful testing of passenger drones in the region, signaling a breakthrough in urban air mobility. The event featured two test flights: the first involved a five-seat drone capable of flying over 250 kilometers with a payload of up to 350 kilograms, while the second tested a smaller drone designed to carry two passengers over a distance of up to 35 kilometers in about 20 minutes.

Further reinforcing its leadership in advanced transport solutions, Abu Dhabi announced a groundbreaking government-level partnership with Joby Aviation to establish the emirate’s first integrated ecosystem for autonomous electric air mobility.

Abu Dhabi’s transportation milestones—including more than 90 million public bus users, over 168,000 maritime transport passengers, and upwards of 28 million air travelers—highlight the emirate’s world-class transport infrastructure and comprehensive mobility network.

The DMT also demonstrated a strong commitment to embracing artificial intelligence in both operational processes and the daily lives of residents. This was exemplified through a centralized platform powered by real-time data, enabling urban planners and policymakers to elevate quality-of-life standards based on the specific needs of neighborhoods across the capital. The dynamic 3D modeling system, which employs AI-driven digital twin technology, has become a core component of Abu Dhabi’s smart city management strategy and urban development framework.