The Integrated Transport Centre showcases smart and sustainable transport projects at Liwa Date Festival 2025
ITC is participating in support of national efforts to promote sustainability and harness modern technology to enhance the mobility sector. Its involvement also reinforces the festival's role as a platform that brings together heritage, innovation, and sustainable development, in line with the 2025 'Year of the Community'. ITC's presence at the event further underscores its dedication to community engagement and to delivering smart, sustainable mobility solutions that serve all segments of society.
As part of its participation, the ITC showcased a selection of its leading initiatives in smart and sustainable mobility. Among them was the Autonomous Mobility project, which saw the expansion of autonomous taxi operations to include the roads leading to Zayed International Airport, building on the services already available on Saadiyat and Yas Islands.
The Centre also highlighted its ongoing efforts to enhance and expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure, in support of the emirate's shift towards sustainable mobility and its goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
As part of its efforts to develop and regulate the freight transport sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Integrated Transport Centre has worked to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of freight vehicle operations through the implementation of the freight transport regulations via the 'Asateel' digital platform. The platform is designed to empower operators and individual owners of freight vehicles, particularly those serving the agriculture and livestock sectors, to monitor and track their vehicles in real time through a fully integrated electronic system that uses advanced tracking devices.
The Asateel platform provides users with real-time data on vehicle locations, driver behaviour, and operating schedules. This contributes to more efficient fleet management, reduced operational costs, and improved compliance with approved regulations and standards. The Centre noted that the project forms part of a broader strategy to upgrade the digital infrastructure of the transport sector and enhance both safety and efficiency, in line with Abu Dhabi's digital transformation vision and its commitment to sustainable development across various economic sectors.
During its participation, the Integrated Transport Centre also highlighted key achievements in the maritime transport sector through a number of pioneering projects, including 'MARSDNA' – an advanced digital tool developed to support companies operating within the framework of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards. The platform, accessible via an online questionnaire on the Abu Dhabi Maritime website, generates tailored executive reports to assess sustainability readiness and provide a clear, actionable roadmap.
The Centre also presented the updated 'Al Nalia' application, which has been transformed into a unified and integrated platform for all marine services for waterway users. The app now includes several features such as weather updates, safety maps, e-services, ticket booking, and maritime alerts, as well as enabling users to report violations. These enhancements improve the overall user experience and contribute to a well-organised and safe maritime environment.
As part of its efforts to expand sustainable maritime transport, the Centre showcased 'Skoun', the largest boat made using 3D printing technology. This project represents an innovative step towards enhancing eco-friendly mobility options in Abu Dhabi's waters.
Alongside its participation in the festival, the Centre presented the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Disclosure Report for the maritime sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The report outlines the ESG framework for the sector and aims to provide guidance on integrating sustainability principles into maritime operations, supporting the sector's journey towards sustainability and reinforcing Abu Dhabi's position as a regional leader in ESG practices.
In the aviation sector, the Centre highlighted its work in developing regulations and legislation for unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). It has contributed to a significant transformation in Abu Dhabi's drone regulatory framework by issuing guidelines for civil use and related activities. This is achieved through the Federal Drone Traffic Management System (UTM), a comprehensive platform designed to regulate and manage drone activity in the airspace, ensuring safe operations, maintaining airspace integrity, improving system efficiency, and minimising the risk of incidents.
It is worth noting that the Liwa Date Festival is one of the United Arab Emirates' leading cultural and agricultural events. The festival highlights the importance of the palm tree in the national identity, raises awareness about sustainable farming, and supports local farmers. It also contributes to economic and tourism activity in the Al Dhafra region and serves as an annual platform that bridges authentic heritage with modern development.
About Integrated Transport Centre:
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), affiliated with the Department of Municipalities and Transport, is the legislative, regulatory, and supervisory authority responsible for managing and developing the transport sector in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. It formulates policies and frameworks aimed at establishing a smart, safe, and integrated mobility system that supports the Emirate's aspiration to be among the most advanced cities in the world.
ITC oversees all land, maritime, and aviation transport activities across the Emirate, ensuring the integration and advancement of the mobility system in line with urban expansion and population growth. It also strives to harness the latest technologies, innovation, and sustainability tools to meet future mobility demands, enhance quality of life, and redefine urban living standards by embedding advanced solutions and promoting sustainable mobility practices.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Today
a day ago
- Gulf Today
DEWA firm on empowering students and teaching staff
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is committed to empowering pupils, university students and teaching staff with insights into the latest clean and renewable energy technologies. By expanding their knowledge and refining their talents, DEWA fosters a spirit of research, creativity and innovation, inspiring young people to pursue scientific studies. Additionally, DEWA introduces pupils and university students to its key projects, initiatives and programmes that support national goals, strengthen Emirati identity and authentic values, and advance sustainable development. These efforts embody DEWA's social responsibility and dedication to nurturing future generations who will shape a more prosperous and sustainable tomorrow. 'We are keen to fulfil the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to equip young people with the skills necessary to sustain progress and prepare a generation that is confident in its capabilities, proud of its values and identity, and able to compete globally across all fields. This will support the journey of anticipating, shaping and implementing a sustainable future,' said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. 'At DEWA, we believe in the importance of collective efforts to ensure optimal investment in human capital. We are dedicated to playing our social and national role by providing an educational environment that enhances the readiness of future generations to seize opportunities, face challenges and adapt to ongoing developments. This also fosters engagement and co-operation across all segments of society. 'During the Year of Community in the UAE, we are accelerating our efforts to firmly position Dubai as a premier hub of continuous innovation, knowledge advancement and sustainable development, thereby solidifying its status as a global leader in ongoing progress and lasting empowerment, and a global destination for youths who strive for excellence,' Al Tayer added. DEWA welcomes delegations of schoolchildren and university students to explore its major projects, most notably the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the largest single-site solar park in the world. Pupils and students also learn about the Sustainability and Innovation Centre, a global incubator for clean and renewable energy innovations, and the Research and Development Centre, which features unique, world-class laboratories. Additionally, they can attend the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), one of the world's largest specialised exhibitions and the region's largest in energy, water, smart and sustainable cities, electric vehicles, sustainability and other related sectors. This offers them the opportunity to explore the latest innovations from thousands of local and international companies. In 2024, DEWA's power stations hosted 43 school visits, comprising 24 in-person and 19 virtual visits, with a total of 2,990 pupils from various schools in the UAE. The Sustainability and Innovation Centre welcomed 2,353 pupils and students, while the Research and Development Centre received 44 visitors. In addition, 3,776 students visited WETEX. DEWA also organises an annual summer camp for children and youths, offering a mix of educational and recreational activities and workshops in areas such as environment, technology and innovation. The camp aims to enhance personal skills and promote values such as teamwork and social responsibility. Moreover, DEWA runs a training programme for schoolchildren and university students during the summer to integrate them into the work environment and equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to build a strong professional future. It also organises two annual 'Future Engineer' camps (summer and winter) for the children of DEWA employees, aimed at developing skills in areas such as cyber security, information technology and various engineering disciplines. As part of its broader community outreach, DEWA delivers in-person and virtual awareness lectures in collaboration with government and private entities across the UAE and Dubai. Additionally, on Emirati Children's Day, DEWA holds a range of educational, cultural and recreational activities at its five childcare centres. The Sustainability and Innovation Centre also runs the CleanTech Youth Programme, which aims to prepare a new generation of clean energy and sustainability leaders.
Zawya
a day ago
- Zawya
West African advisers to boost agribusiness e-commerce
Small agribusinesses in Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire are eager to tap into regional markets, but limited digital skills and poor access to online platforms hold them back. Without targeted support, these businesses struggle to embrace e-commerce and expand beyond their local base. To close this gap, the International Trade Centre trained national advisors and support institutions to help agribusinesses go digital and sell across borders. Many small agribusinesses in West Africa face barriers to reaching broader markets due to poor digital skills, low online visibility, and little access to e-commerce. These challenges hold back their potential to scale and engage in regional trade. To help close this gap, the International Trade Centre (ITC), under its ECOWAS Agricultural Trade (EAT) programme, organized a regional training of trainers in April in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The five-day workshop brought together six newly appointed e-commerce advisors (three from each country) and eight representatives from business support organizations in Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire. They received the tools and knowledge to support 30 agribusinesses—15 in each country—to trade online across the region. The participating advisors were selected for their potential to act as national champions for e-commerce capacity building. They were joined by eight representatives from four partner business support organizations: the National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTS) and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire (CCI-CI) and the National Chamber of Agriculture of Côte d'Ivoire (CNA-CI). This diverse mix fostered strong cross-border peer learning and established the foundation for sustained collaboration between national institutions. 'In my view, agro-processors will need this hands-on training to increase their visibility," said Ibrahima Bamba, Agricultural Advisor at the National Chamber of Agriculture of Côte d'Ivoire. Anuoluwapo Odubanjo, e-commerce Advisor for Nigeria added: 'Thanks to this training, I'm ready to support agribusinesses in developing tailored e-commerce strategies—from choosing the right platforms to managing online sales—so they can scale up their operations." The training covered digital marketing, online payment systems, shipping logistics, and customer service. Using interactive tools such as real-life case studies and peer learning, the sessions fostered collaboration and built confidence among participants. The impact is evident: 11 participants reported a significant improvement in their skills, and many left with action plans to support small businesses in their communities. From training rural entrepreneurs to helping businesses list on e-commerce platforms, the new advisors are ready to make a tangible impact. Since its launch in 2018, the programme has worked to bridge digital gaps and promote trade-ready agribusinesses in West Africa. By investing in local expertise, ITC's EAT programme is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and digitally connected agricultural economy in West Africa. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
Zawya
2 days ago
- Zawya
Women producers in Togo to join international markets
Togo took a bold step toward inclusive trade. One hundred women entrepreneurs from across the country gathered in Lomé for a series of intensive trainings that aimed to do more than just transfer skills. The goal? To equip women entrepreneurs with the tools, confidence, and networks needed to enter and compete in international markets. As part of GIZ's PROCOMP initiative, the AMI COMMERCE Togo project, led by the International Trade Centre (ITC), brought together more than 100 women entrepreneurs with one goal: to expand their businesses beyond national borders. PROCOMP promotes competitiveness across Togo's private sector, and with the support of ITC's SheTrades Initiative, women were placed at the centre of this economic transformation. The collaboration ensured that as Togo strengthens its export capacity, women-led businesses are not only included but also empowered. Practical, tailored training Held throughout June, the trainings targeted the real needs of women-led mico, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), many of whom operate informally or have limited access to capital and market information. Sessions were adapted to participants' digital and export readiness. For women less familiar with digital tools, the training focused on using WhatsApp Business, social media, and low-cost platforms to reach more customers. Export-ready participants explored EU buyer requirements, documentation, and trade fair preparation. Additional sessions supported those in agri-food and fresh produce, covering export logistics and sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Building skills, confidence and collaboration The trainings combined technical knowledge with interactive methods—roleplays, group work, and mock buyer meetings brought concepts to life. Participants reflected on their business models, shared challenges, and developed solutions together. Importantly, the sessions strengthened market-related soft skills like communication and negotiation, critical for pitching products, responding to buyer inquiries, and navigating trade fairs. Many women gained more confidence to formalize their businesses and expand their reach. Beyond skills-building, the sessions created a supportive environment for connection and collaboration. For many, it was the first time being in a space fully dedicated to their growth as entrepreneurs. Participants left not only with strategies but with new networks and a sense of community. Toward inclusive economic growth As Togo deepens its regional integration and export potential, women entrepreneurs are vital to achieving inclusive, resilient growth. With targeted support, they are now better equipped to enter international markets—not as a distant dream, but as a tangible opportunity. In parallel, the project also strengthened key national trade facilitation mechanisms. The Mécanisme d'Alerte aux Obstacles au Commerce (MAOC) was relaunched with institutional backing and regional outreach, enabling businesses to report and resolve trade barriers more effectively. In addition, the Togo Trade Portal was developed as a digital one-stop shop for import-export procedures, offering transparency and easier access to essential trade information, including for products commonly traded by women entrepreneurs. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
