MOEI Launches Smart Mobility Think Tank To Shape Future Trends

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI) today launched the Smart Mobility Think Tank, in cooperation with Etihad Rail, Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government (MBRSG), the American Center for Mobility, and The Routing Company.

The new venture is the outcome of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed between the five entities at a special event held on the sidelines of the World Government Summit 2023.

The Think Tank will bring together experts and decision makers from the public and private sectors and academia to build and share knowledge on smart mobility, develop innovative transport solutions, and inform related policies and legislations. Its outcomes will consolidate the UAE’s position as a global center of excellence and innovation for smart mobility.

The Smart Mobility Think Tank is in line with the UAE Smart Mobility Strategy that aims to establish the UAE among leading countries in smart intermodal mobility by 2032.

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H.E. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said: “As our economies and populations grow, so does the demand for a sustainable, affordable, and effective transport system for people and goods.

"This demand can only be met by rethinking our transportation modes and shifting towards smart mobility. The Think Tank will help us do this by shaping an innovative transport ecosystem and tackling the challenges and opportunities in the mobility sector.”

He added: “The transportation sector is one of the largest contributors to climate change, accounting for a quarter of all energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

"The new venture will support efforts to achieve the country's goals on sustainable development and climate action by reducing carbon emissions produced by the transport sector.

"In the Year of Sustainability, we are integrating sustainability principles across all aspects of our lives and look forward to advancing collective climate action through collaboration and partnerships at the 28th UN Climate Change Conference (COP28).”

H.E. Eng Shadi Malak, CEO, Etihad Rail, said: “The MoU with the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure comes in line with Etihad Rail’s efforts to strengthen cooperation with government entities, to build the country’s transportation system.

"With this MoU, we look forward to working together to drive the growth of the industry in a sustainable way, while placing focus on smart mobility and technology initiatives.”

H.E. Dr Ali Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said: “As a research foundation, MBRSG’s primary focus is on public policies in the UAE and the region. One of our core roles is developing research that can influence and enhance future policies and strategic initiatives.

"We are committed to leveraging our extensive research capabilities and expertise in areas such as digital transformation and socioeconomic and environmental policies to provide research-based evidence and data-driven recommendations and join forces with our partners to support efforts to develop the mobility sector in the UAE.”

‏Reuben Sarkar, President and CEO of the American Center for Mobility, said: “The emerging mobility sector represents a convergence of many diverse industries and players.

"Smart mobility is inherently interdisciplinary. It takes a diversity of thinkers working across organizational, industry, public, and private sector boundaries to develop the complete perspective for deploying smart mobility at scale.

"This Think Tank will bring together the necessary meeting of the minds to advance smart mobility and provide a forum where stakeholders come together to provide insights for the mobility sector in the UAE.

"The American Center for Mobility is proud to contribute to the global advancement of safe, sustainable, efficient, reliable, seamless transport for all.”‏

‏James Cox, CEO of The Routing Company, said: “The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has a bold vision to develop a truly connected city, powered in part by the revolutionary nationwide Smart Mobility Think Tank announced today.

"The Routing Company is honored to partner with the Ministry to bring this project to life, and to provide innovative shared demand responsive transportation services in the UAE.

"As a pioneering company, we are driven by a mission to power more sustainable cities with convenient and reliable transportation for all – and partnering with MOEI will help us do just this. Together, we are innovating mobility, improving quality of life, and enhancing the competitiveness of the UAE.”

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