Abu Dhabi’s extensive road cleaning initiative reaches new heights
During the first half of 2026, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) successfully cleaned over 205,000 kilometers of road, a distance comparable to circling the globe five times. This massive undertaking involved teams from Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra targeting 1,661 priority zones, including residential neighborhoods, cycle tracks, and public transport hubs. By addressing dust, litter, and debris, the initiative aims to maintain seamless mobility for drivers and pedestrians alike, with officials emphasizing that this effort is a strategic commitment to public infrastructure rather than just routine maintenance.
The operation is heavily supported by a sophisticated fleet of over 500 AI-powered vehicles equipped with IoT tracking and 360-degree cameras, which now manage around 50,000 tasks daily. Beyond just standard cleaning, the teams removed over 137,000 tonnes of combined waste and litter, often intensifying their efforts during peak summer heat and sandstorms. According to Rashed Al Kaabi, Acting Executive Director of Operations Support, the data gathered from these efforts is essential for future planning, ensuring that municipal services remain responsive and efficient as the emirate continues to expand.