Abu Dhabi’s DMT Prioritises Environmental Sustainability

Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has put environmental sustainability at the top of its priorities by setting strict policies and procedures to ensure the emirate is prepared to face the impact of climate change challenges.

DMT is continuing to implement the ‘Plan Maritime: Abu Dhabi Coastal and Marine Framework Plan’, developed in coordination with a host of government agency stakeholders, as a component of its strategy to ensure the long-term viability of the coastal and marine areas.

It has established stringent policies and procedures for developing waterfront areas across Abu Dhabi, which include a minimum sea protection standard and a habitable space ground-level standard.

The framework provides strategic planning guidance and direction for all waterways and coastal and maritime areas within the emirate.

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The plan ensures that investments and projects in Abu Dhabi’s marine and coastal regions are sustainable by establishing a comprehensive, streamlined, and up-to-date regulatory framework.

Falah Al Ahbabi, chairman of the DMT, said: “We are implementing several initiatives and policies across different sectors to ensure the overall long-term impact of all our efforts can be enjoyed by future generations.

“For example, design standards and building codes are crucial to making cities more resilient to climate change. Changes in building height, foundation design, moisture build-up, and debris damage can increase the resilience of cities.

"We have incorporated shatter-resistant film in all windows, doors and glass surfaces as one of the necessary specifications of new buildings to make its cities more resilient to climate impacts and allow them to recover faster.”

DMT also launched its sustainability initiative, estidama, the first of its kind tailored to the Middle East region to plan sustainable developments concerning the traditions embedded within the rich local culture on the one hand and the harsh climatic nature of the region on the other.

As part of its Pearl Rating Systems, estidama encourages water, energy, and waste minimisation, as well as local material usage, to improve supply chains for sustainable and recycled materials and products.

Through the Transportation Mobility Management Strategy (TMM) and Surface Transport Master Plan, Abu Dhabi is working towards providing sustainable mobility solutions by responsibly using resources, reducing pollution, and preserving Abu Dhabi’s unique environment.

It incorporates public transport infrastructure powered by renewable energy technology and alternative fuels, a commitment to lower CO2 emissions from design to construction to operation, and a commitment to encourage walking, cycling, and respect for the natural environment.

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