- Showcased projects advance road networks, infrastructure and community facilities while enhancing quality of life
- ‘Municipal Presence’ programme strengthens community partnership and direct engagement with residents to address their needs and aspirations
Abu Dhabi, UAE: Development projects and initiatives presented by the Department of Municipalities and Transport, represented by Al Dhafra Region Municipality, drew strong public interest and positive engagement during Al Dhafra Dates Festival 2026.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in the Al Dhafra Region, the festival was held in Zayed City from 16-25 October 2026. Visitors showed particular interest in projects designed to develop infrastructure and community facilities and enhance quality of life across the region’s cities, highlighting their importance in meeting community needs and supporting aspirations for a more advanced and sustainable urban future.
The Department took part in the festival as part of its efforts to engage directly with the community and raise awareness of its development projects and municipal services. Its participation also supported a national event that celebrates Emirati heritage and reinforces Al Dhafra Region’s position as a destination for heritage and cultural events.
The festival gave the Department an opportunity to present a range of projects designed to develop road networks, infrastructure and public facilities, while better preparing cities and residential and industrial areas for urban and economic growth. It also created a platform for direct engagement with residents and visitors and highlighted the Department’s work to create an integrated urban environment that responds to community needs and supports balanced development across the region.
Tahnoon Mohammed Al Mazrouie, Acting Municipal Services Executive Director at Al Dhafra Region Municipality, said: “Our participation in Al Dhafra Dates Festival reflects Abu Dhabi’s approach to achieving balanced urban development by combining a forward-looking outlook with the preservation of cultural heritage and national identity. The festival is particularly significant as a platform for celebrating Emirati heritage and highlighting Al Dhafra Region’s economic and tourism assets.”
Al Mazrouie added: “Al Dhafra Region occupies an important place in the emirate’s comprehensive development plans. Through the combined efforts of the Department and its affiliated entities, we remain committed to developing the region’s infrastructure, facilities and services while preserving its distinctive cultural and heritage character. This approach enables us to keep pace with community needs and capitalise on the region’s promising potential. The festival also gave us an opportunity to engage with community members and listen to their views and suggestions. We firmly believe that residents’ participation is essential to the development of cities and communities and to ensuring that projects and services reflect their needs and future aspirations.”
Development projects strengthen urban connectivity and support urban growth:
During the festival, the Department presented a series of initiatives to develop road networks and improve connectivity between the cities and communities of Al Dhafra. Key projects included the improvement and development of the Al Maqatra – Hamim Road (E65), the development of the Hamim – Arada Road (E90), the design and construction of a dual carriageway leading to Mugharraq Port in Jebel Dhanna, and the installation of lighting along the Zayed City – Ghayathi Road (E13). Together, these projects will support the development of the region’s road network and improve its efficiency.
Visitors were also introduced to projects designed to better prepare residential and industrial areas for future development and upgrade essential service and utility networks across Al Dhafra Region. The projects cover Zayed City, Ghayathi, Al Mirfa, Al Sila and Delma Island, and include the construction and upgrading of infrastructure in existing and newly established residential areas, improvements to services and facilities in industrial areas, the construction of internal roads, and upgrades to stormwater drainage networks. Together, these projects will help to create an integrated urban environment that supports sustainable development and enhances quality of life across the region.
The Department also highlighted plans to develop community facilities and public spaces. These included the Al Mirfa City Abattoir Project, alongside several projects to develop parks and recreational destinations and broaden the range of community activities available. Among them were the Public Park Project in Liwa City, the Al Mirfa City Public Park Development Project, the construction of a lake in Ghayathi City, and the design and construction of cycling tracks across Al Dhafra Region with a total length of 140 kilometres.
Community engagement brings services closer to residents:
The ‘Municipal Presence’ programme, presented by Al Dhafra Region Municipality during the festival, engaged people of all ages through a variety of interactive, heritage-focused and recreational activities. These included competitions and activities for children and families, as well as information about municipal services and initiatives to develop public facilities and improve the services provided to the community.
The programme enabled the Municipality to engage directly with community members and hear their enquiries, feedback and suggestions on municipal services. This helped to strengthen dialogue between the Municipality and residents and encouraged greater community involvement in developing and improving services. The programme reflected the Municipality’s commitment to placing community needs at the heart of efforts to create cities that are more responsive to residents’ aspirations.
