Abu Dhabi: Abu Dhabi Municipality completed major development projects worth over Dh 4 billion in 2024, contributing to its goal of becoming the Middle East and North Africa's most livable city, according to global indicators. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) announced these achievements, highlighting a year of significant progress and innovation.

The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) highlighted its key achievements for the year, marking significant progress and innovation in Abu Dhabi. The department successfully delivered a variety of strategic projects, with a total value of AED 4 billion, aimed at benefiting all segments of society as part of its comprehensive development plan, supported by a total budget exceeding Dh 75 billion.

DMT also reinforced its role as a key driver of growth, stability, and safety in the emirate. This was further emphasized by Abu Dhabi being ranked as the most livable city in the MENA region by the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index and one of the safest cities worldwide according to Numbeo's Crime and Safety Indices. Additionally, Abu Dhabi City was recognized as one of the top ten smartest cities globally by the International Institute for Management Development.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of DMT, stated, "The forward-looking Dh 75 billion budget reflects an ambitious vision to enhance infrastructure, improve services, and foster urban development across the emirate. We are confident that these investments are a crucial step in building a solid foundation for the future. These efforts align with our leadership’s vision of improving the quality of life for our communities and fulfilling residents’ aspirations for smart city living and environmental sustainability."

DMT invested Dh3.4 billion in the completion of key mobility and road network projects, including the expansion of the Helio-Abu Al Abiyad Road in the Al Dhafra Region and a double-bridge project with a total value of Dh 315 million, which reduced average morning peak-hour delays by up to 80 per cent on Abu Dhabi’s Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street.

Other notable roadworks completed in the last 12 months include a complete overhaul of Al Ain Region’s 760-meter landmark Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, which now features a new 1.5-kilometer cycling track, an event plaza, landscaping with over 780 trees, and shade structures. Abu Dhabi emirate also received 247 kilometers of new cycling paths, bringing the total length of dedicated tracks to more than 1,200 kilometers.