Abu Dhabi: The Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities in Abu Dhabi has launched the pilot phase of the five-year plan for Smart Cities and Artificial Intelligence (2018 – 2022) named Zayed Smart City Project, a top official said here on Monday.

“It is a pioneering project for managing the infrastructure by using the Information Technology and the Internet of Things. The project aims to envision the future, drive innovation and provide infrastructure at world-class standards,” said Badr Al Qubaisi, generalmManager of Abu Dhabi City Municipality (ADM).

“It reflects that we are progressing simultaneously on several tracks leading to the digital future in the implementation of the vision of our government, which is endeavouring to run ahead of time. This goal will be complemented by the end of this year when all services of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities go digital,” he said at a workshop titled ‘How can Artificial Intelligence (AI) shape smart cities’ at the ADM headquarters.

“The Smart Cities project stems from the vision of Abu Dhabi, and the implementation of the municipal system’s policies aimed at achieving sustainability, and improving the quality of living in Abu Dhabi emirate. The municipality has actually embarked on the implementation of the five-year plan for Smart Cities and AI,” Al Qubaisi said.

A presentation was made highlighting Zayed Smart City by teams of IT and Infrastructure at the ADM.

Al Qubaisi said: “Holding the AI seminar is indicative of the seriousness of the digital drive in all our lives.”

This will help build future by focusing on digitisation, evolution, and modernity to improve the quality of life and bring happiness. The seminar addressed the trends, challenges, and ideas about the role of the Internet of Things in building Smart Cities and shaping smart cities and Abu Dhabi’s vision for the next generation, the official said.

The findings of the workshop will contribute to driving the digital transformation of municipal services, said an ADM press release issued on Monday.

Participants at the workshop included experts from government entities, including Eng. Yousef Al Marhoon from IT Division at the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi, who made a presentation about applying AI in improving transportation. Eng. Imad Al Hashimi, from the General Directorate of Civil Defence – Abu Dhabi, delivered a speech about the efforts of Civil Defence in applying AI in support of their services and abilities. Marwan Al Marzouqi, from Abu Dhabi Waste Management Centre (Tadweer) presented a paper about the use of AI in the transportation of waste.