Al Ain and Abu Dhabi deploy AI to revolutionize road and traffic systems
Al Ain City Municipality has begun a new project to improve road quality using smart technology. The initiative collects and analyses data on road conditions across the city, aiming to boost safety and sustainability.
In a separate move, Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre has teamed up with Google on two AI-driven transport schemes: the Green Light project and real-time traffic prediction.
The Al Ain project covers all roads in the city, including urban and external routes. By May, data had been gathered for 2,551 kilometres of roadway. Engineer Rashid Hamad Al Nuaimi, Director of the Assets Management Department, oversees the effort.
Advanced tools like LiDAR create precise 3D models of road features. High-precision lasers check asphalt surfaces for cracks, ruts, and roughness. Ground-penetrating radar also measures pavement thickness and examines layers beneath the surface. Artificial intelligence and geographic information systems then process the data for better accuracy. The goal is to detect serious defects early and fix them before they worsen. This shift from emergency repairs to planned maintenance is expected to cut costs and improve road safety. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre has partnered with Google to enhance transport sustainability. The Green Light project uses AI to optimise traffic signals, reducing congestion and emissions. A second initiative predicts traffic in real time, helping authorities manage flow more efficiently.
The Al Ain project will rely on smart technology to maintain roads more effectively. By using AI and high-precision tools, the municipality aims to extend road lifespan and reduce long-term costs.
Abu Dhabi’s AI-based transport schemes with Google will also support smoother traffic and lower environmental impact. Both efforts reflect a broader push toward smarter, more sustainable infrastructure.
