Abu Dhabi’s DMT Partners with NUS Cities for Smart Urban Growth
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has entered into a strategic partnership with NUS Cities, a multidisciplinary research center housed within the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) College of Design and Engineering. This collaboration is part of the DMT Future Hub initiative and aims to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s progress toward smart, sustainable, and resilient urban development.
Advancing Climate-Resilient and Data-Driven Urban Solutions
Through this alliance, DMT and NUS Cities will focus on critical aspects of urban development, including climate-resilient design, liveability research, mobility solutions, and data-driven governance. By leveraging NUS Cities’ extensive expertise in sustainable infrastructure, advanced data analytics, and green technology integration, this partnership is expected to drive forward innovative solutions that enhance the quality of urban life in Abu Dhabi.
His Excellency Fady El Borno, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs at DMT, expressed the significance of this partnership, stating:
“Our collaboration with NUS Cities reinforces Abu Dhabi’s steadfast commitment to pioneering excellence in urban growth. By working with one of the world’s leading institutions in urban innovation, we are not only introducing cutting-edge expertise to Abu Dhabi but also accelerating our vision of establishing the emirate as a global benchmark for liveable, future-ready cities.”
This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader urban development strategy, which emphasizes sustainability, intelligent infrastructure, and community well-being. By integrating research and innovative urban planning approaches, the city aims to create dynamic environments that cater to present and future needs.
Strengthening UAE-Singapore Bilateral Ties
His Excellency Kamal R Vaswani, Singapore’s Ambassador to the UAE, welcomed the collaboration as a key step toward mutual growth in urban innovation. He stated:
“I am pleased to witness this partnership between DMT and NUS Cities. Both Abu Dhabi and Singapore share a common goal of developing forward-thinking cities that prioritize liveability and sustainability for their residents. This year marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and the UAE, making this collaboration particularly significant. I am confident that it will open the door for further joint initiatives between our nations.”
With both Singapore and Abu Dhabi recognized globally for their advancements in smart city development, this partnership allows for knowledge-sharing and the exchange of best practices in sustainable urban planning.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainable Urban Development
Professor Khee Poh Lam, Provost’s Chair Professor of Architecture and the Built Environment and Director of NUS Cities Advisory, underscored the importance of the partnership in driving impactful urban solutions. He noted:
“NUS Cities is honored to collaborate with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi, in our shared mission to create cities that are liveable, sustainable, and resilient. Our approach will be rooted in a people-centric framework that integrates multi-scale solutions, supported by real-time data and measurable performance metrics. This collaboration will not only enhance urban infrastructure but also align with the economic and well-being aspirations of the broader community.”
The NUS Cities initiative brings together a diverse network of academics, industry leaders, and urban planning experts who specialize in designing cities that address contemporary challenges such as climate change, population growth, and sustainable mobility.
Building on Previous Collaborations for Future Growth
This new partnership builds upon the previously announced collaboration between DMT and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT) Senseable City Lab, which is one of the founding partners of the Future Hub. The MIT Senseable City Lab focuses on the intersection of cities, people, and technology, using research, data analytics, and knowledge exchange to enhance urban environments. By incorporating insights from both MIT and NUS Cities, DMT aims to develop a well-rounded, cutting-edge approach to urban planning and development in Abu Dhabi.
As urban landscapes continue to evolve, Abu Dhabi’s commitment to integrating data-driven strategies and smart city principles positions it as a leader in modern urban development. With sustainability and innovation at the core of these initiatives, the emirate is set to serve as a global model for intelligent and adaptable city planning.
The Role of NUS in Global Urban Development
Ranked eighth globally, the National University of Singapore (NUS) is internationally recognized for its contributions to education, research, and forward-thinking urban solutions. NUS Cities, in particular, has gained a strong reputation for its pioneering work in urban planning, sustainable development, and smart city innovations. Its expertise in designing resilient and inclusive urban spaces aligns with Abu Dhabi’s ambition to enhance liveability and infrastructure efficiency.
By collaborating with globally renowned institutions such as NUS Cities and MIT, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport is positioning the emirate at the forefront of sustainable and intelligent urban growth. This strategic vision underscores the city’s dedication to fostering a connected, efficient, and environmentally friendly urban landscape for future generations.
As Abu Dhabi continues to implement cutting-edge initiatives in urban development, this partnership with NUS Cities will play a crucial role in shaping the emirate’s transformation into a global smart city leader. By leveraging expertise in data-driven governance, climate resilience, and sustainable infrastructure, the emirate is setting a new standard for future cities worldwide.
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