ABU DHABI: The Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi (DMT) today announced the launch of the inaugural edition of Abu Dhabi Mobility Week, which will take place from 24 April to 1 May 2024. A dynamic series of events are set to redefine the future of transportation in the Emirate, this week-long celebration will feature groundbreaking announcements, thought-provoking forums, and thrilling showcases aimed at reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global leader in smart and autonomous mobility.
The DMT will kick off Abu Dhabi Mobility Week by unveiling a comprehensive mobility strategy for the Emirate on 24 April. Encompassing land transport, aviation, and maritime activities, as well as driver and vehicle licensing services, this strategic framework solidifies DMT’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility in the region.
Reflecting on the significance of the week-long initiative, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the DMT, said: ‘Abu Dhabi Mobility Week encapsulates our steadfast commitm
ent to spearheading transformative advancements in mobility. The ground-breaking mobility strategy to be revealed during this seminal event will not only underscore our unwavering dedication to innovation but also serve as an authoritative testament to our enduring vision for progressive transformation within the realm of transportation.’
The DMT also revealed that it will be the official host for the inaugural edition of DRIFTx, which is set to take place from 24 to 26 April. Organised in collaboration with the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), the multi-disciplinary leadership and exhibition platform will see international leaders and innovators, including organisations, regulatory bodies, and more, converge in Abu Dhabi to discuss and explore smart, autonomous, and sustainable mobility solutions across air, land, and sea.
Highlighting the significance of the conference, Badr Al-Olama, Director General of ADIO, said: ‘DRIFTx is more than an e
vent; it’s an unparalleled global nexus for visionaries and innovators, where the future of transportation is forged. We’re excited to bring DRIFTx to Abu Dhabi and welcome the partnership with the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi as the official host of this global and cutting-edge event. In this transformative space, and with the recent launch of the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI) Cluster, Abu Dhabi solidifies its status as a pioneering force in smart and autonomous mobility, charting a course that transcends boundaries and advances us into a future defined by innovation, connectivity, and endless possibilities.’
Racing enthusiasts will be in for a unique adrenaline-pumping treat on 27 April. The Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League (A2RL) will debut its high-profile autonomous races at Yas Marina Circuit, featuring teams from the UAE, USA, Europe, China, and Singapore. The event promises to be a thrilling spectacle with a prize fund of USD $2.25 million (approximately AE
D 8 million) while showcasing the cutting-edge driverless Dallara Super Formula SF23 open-wheel cars.
The week concludes with the Mobility Live ME conference from 30 April to 1 May at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, of which the DMT is a strategic partner. It will bring together industry professionals, technology experts, and experiences to foster collaboration and exploration in sustainable mobility.
Commenting on the event, Abdulla Al Marzouqi, Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), said: ‘Abu Dhabi Mobility Week, coupled with the impactful presence of DRIFTx complemented by Mobility Live ME, speaks to our unwavering commitment to future-ready sustainable modes of transport. This collective effort not only showcases our dedication to fostering innovation but also serves as a meaningful platform for industry professionals to collaboratively shape tomorrow’s mobility landscape. Together, these events lay the groundwork for a future where collaboration seamlessly merges with inn
ovation, steering us towards a sustainable and transformative era in mobility.”
In addition to the main events, Abu Dhabi Mobility Week will feature a series of activations, including safety initiatives, health and fitness events, research collaborations with universities, and mobility-inspired activities in schools. This multifaceted approach aims to engage the community and inspire the next generation of innovators in the field of mobility.
Source: Emirates News Agency
Amman: The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has appealed to countries that have suspended their support to reconsider their decision, so that the agency does not have to take drastic measures to reduce its operations in March, including its operations in the Gaza Strip.
“The suspension of funding by 16 donor countries to the agency following allegations against some UNRWA employees in Gaza could deprive the agency of more than 51 percent of its expected income for 2024, which puts the critical humanitarian response in Gaza, healthcare, education, relief, social services, and economic support for the Palestine refugee community in general in the region, including Jordan, at great risk,” UNRWA’s Director of Communications, Juliette Touma, said in a press conference on Tuesday.
Touma warned of a famine in northern Gaza, which is barely receiving aid after the closure of the Kerem Abu Salem crossing for six days, pointing out that there are many restrictions
on the entry of aid. Before the war, 500 trucks entered the Strip, and now there are 100 trucks at best.
Regarding the situation in Rafah, Touma said, “We need at least a humanitarian truce, and the fear in Rafah is currently increasing steadily in light of the presence of more than 1.4 million displaced people there with a lack of infrastructure and a sad humanitarian situation.”
She underlined that UNRWA was the backbone of aid in Gaza even before the war, and it employs about 13,000 employees, 4,000 of them on the front lines, in the field of food and healthcare in mobile clinics and water and sanitation services, adding that 156 employees have been martyred since the outbreak of the war.
UNRWA’s Director of Affairs in Jordan, Olaf Becker, said, “We are deeply concerned about the suspension of UNRWA funding, and if the current situation remains unchanged, we face uncertainty about our ability to continue providing all of our services.”
Source: Jordan News Agency