Space42 and DMT Collaborate to Build Smarter, Sustainable Cities
A new collaboration between Space42 and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) is set to accelerate Abu Dhabi’s journey toward AI-powered city planning. The two entities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop geospatial and artificial intelligence solutions that enhance infrastructure management and sustainability.
The partnership aims to merge Space42’s satellite imaging and analytics capabilities with DMT’s expertise in urban planning. Together, they will improve how Abu Dhabi manages transportation systems, green spaces and energy use. Moreover, the initiative aligns with the city’s broader goal of using data-driven tools to optimize decision-making across all urban systems.
Data as the Heartbeat of Smart Cities
“Cities are living systems, and data is their heartbeat,” said Hasan Al Hosani, CEO of Smart Solutions at Space42. “Our partnership with DMT aligns national priorities with Space42’s ambition to be a global leader in geospatial intelligence AI platform services, making cities smarter, safer and more responsive to people’s needs. Together, we are helping shape Abu Dhabi’s global leadership in AI-enabled city management.”
The collaboration will also involve the creation of digital twins—virtual models that simulate real-world elements such as transport networks, parks and energy flows. With these models, decision-makers can test scenarios, predict challenges and design more sustainable solutions. Additionally, both organizations plan to carry out pilot projects, offer specialized training and conduct joint research focused on integrating space technology into urban development.
Supporting Abu Dhabi’s Digital Vision
Dr Saif Sultan Al Nasri, Acting Undersecretary of the DMT, said the agreement marks “a major step forward” in Abu Dhabi’s smart city journey. “Through this collaboration with Space42, we are harnessing advanced geospatial data to gain deeper insights into how our urban environments function, enabling us to design a more agile, adaptive and future-ready city infrastructure,” he said.
As part of the agreement, Space42 will supply AI mapping tools and satellite data services to support DMT in the maintenance and expansion of the emirate’s infrastructure. Importantly, the initiative complements Abu Dhabi’s Government Digital Strategy 2025–2027, which dedicates AED 13 billion to AI and cloud technologies. This strategy underscores the city’s commitment to modernizing public services and promoting a data-centric approach to governance.
