Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates, has taken a significant step towards enhancing its smart city infrastructure by launching free public Wi-Fi coverage across the entire emirate. The initiative, spearheaded by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), is a collaborative effort with leading UAE service providers. This move aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to promote smart city development and advance its digital infrastructure.
Expanding Connectivity: The newly introduced public Wi-Fi service covers a wide range of locations, including buses, beaches, and public parks. The initiative extends to 19 public parks in Abu Dhabi, 11 in Al Ain, and 14 in the Al Dhafra Region. The DMT has also revealed plans to expand Wi-Fi coverage to popular destinations such as the Abu Dhabi Corniche beach and Al Bateen beach.
Smart City Recognition: Abu Dhabi’s commitment to smart city development has earned it recognition on the global stage. According to the IMD Smart City Index 2023, Abu Dhabi secured the 13th position out of 141 cities, reaffirming its dedication to openness, innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability. The city retained its title as the smartest city in the Middle East and North Africa for the third consecutive year, thanks to its advanced infrastructure and digital services.
DMT Chairman’s Statement: Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, expressed pride in offering this service, emphasizing the importance of connectivity for everyone across all locations. Al Shorafa highlighted Abu Dhabi’s smart city achievements, citing the city’s impressive global ranking and its commitment to continuous development.
Partnerships for Smart City Advancements: The DMT has forged strategic partnerships with prominent city service and technology providers, including e& Group and Huawei. These collaborations aim to propel smart city projects forward, implement cutting-edge AI solutions, and capitalize on the latest technology trends in smart city development. Such partnerships reflect Abu Dhabi’s dedication to staying at the forefront of technological innovation.
Automated Rapid Transit (ART) Project: In October, Abu Dhabi marked another milestone in its smart city journey with the launch of the pilot phase of the Automated Rapid Transit (ART) project on Abu Dhabi Island. Implemented by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the DMT, the ART project focuses on developing an integrated and smart public transportation system to enhance mobility options for residents and visitors.
Abu Dhabi’s deployment of free public Wi-Fi across the emirate is a testament to its commitment to building a smart and connected city. With ongoing initiatives like the ART project and strategic partnerships with leading technology providers, Abu Dhabi is poised to maintain its status as a regional leader in smart city development. The city’s focus on innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability positions it as a model for other urban centers aspiring to embrace the opportunities presented by the digital era.
