Thu 15 Feb 2024
Abu Dhabi and Shenzhen Ink Twin City Pact to Foster Smart City Development
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, and Shenzhen, China, have formalized a Twin City agreement aimed at sharing expertise and collaborating on smart city initiatives spanning various domains.
These encompass infrastructure, urban planning, eco-friendly transportation, cutting-edge technology, autonomous systems, sustainability, and urban growth.
Located in southeastern China, Shenzhen stands as one of the world’s rapidly expanding metropolises, boasting a population of 17.5 million in 2020 and recognized for its advanced infrastructure and technological prowess.
The accord was sealed during the inaugural Abu Dhabi x Shenzhen Innovation Forum (ADSZIF) convened in Shenzhen. Signatories to the agreement included Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), and Qin Weizhong, Mayor of Shenzhen.
Al Shorafa emphasized, “Abu Dhabi aspires to lead globally in sustainable and intelligent urban development. We are committed to harnessing innovation and technology to revolutionize urban lifestyles and enhance the well-being and experiences of all individuals connected to the UAE capital and beyond.”
He underscored the importance of strategic collaborations in realizing ambitious visions, highlighting Shenzhen’s status as one of the world’s most advanced cities. Al Shorafa expressed confidence that the agreements inked during the forum would amplify the attractiveness of both cities to residents, tourists, businesses, and investors in the forthcoming years.
Weizhong echoed this sentiment, stating, “Shenzhen is pleased to enter into the Twin City agreement with Abu Dhabi and eagerly anticipates direct collaboration with DMT to exchange insights and strategize on smart city initiatives.”
He emphasized that the partnership not only solidifies longstanding relations between China and the UAE but also sets the stage for innovative advancements that will define future global cities.
Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) further solidified its commitment to smart mobility and partnerships during ADSZIF by forging strategic alliances with Shenzhen Urban Transport Planning Centre (SUTPC), Huawei, Templewater Hong Kong Limited, and Kowloon Motor Bus Company.
With SUTPC, DMT will establish an international joint laboratory focused on smart city and mobility training programs to enhance transport systems in Abu Dhabi, culminating in the development of an Intelligent Mobility Command and Control Centre (IMCCC) to optimize urban transportation.
The collaboration with Huawei aims to bolster data centers, IT infrastructure, and explore innovative mobility solutions, while the partnership with Templewater involves the exploration of sustainable public transportation solutions, including the development of a green bus depot and hydrogen complex.
Kowloon Motor Bus Company’s involvement seeks to enhance public transport services in Abu Dhabi, marking significant strides in the emirate’s journey toward smart and sustainable urbanization