Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM) signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a French firm for the delivery of urban services that will contribute towards a sustainable urban environment in Abu Dhabi.
Falah Al Ahbabi, chairman of the DPM, and Jean-Charles Decaux, chairman of the executive board and Co-CEO of JCDecaux, signed the MoU in the presence of Ludovic Pouille, the French Ambassador to the UAE, said a press release issued by the DPM on Sunday.
The collaboration between DPM and JCDecaux, the largest outdoor advertising corporation in the world, focuses on research and development that will help enhance the quality of life of residents.
The MoU establishes a framework for DPM and JCDecaux to work closely together to enhance the urban landscape in Abu Dhabi applying innovative technology to design smart and sustainable street furniture that meets the needs of an ever-more connected and mobile population, while creating a strong visual identity for the city that reinforces its cultural value and heritage.
Ludovic Pouille said: “Disruptive technologies are changing the way we live in cities. French companies in the UAE, such as JCDecaux, with their numerous innovative solutions are ready for the task. This agreement strengthens the strategic partnerships between France and Abu Dhabi, firmly focused on the future by supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to become the leader in sustainable and smart living.”
The signing of the MoU echoes the recent announcement by UN-Habitat of Abu Dhabi hosting the 10th edition of the World Urban Forum in February 2020, the first edition of the WUF to be held in the Arab region. WUF operates as an open-ended think tank for the future of cities, providing a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, and public-private collaboration.
Al Ahbabi, chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities (DPM), said: “WUF 2020 in Abu Dhabi will reframe the global conversation around urban sustainability, by integrating urban development with the technologies of the 4th Industrial Revolution. It is all about agile urban governance that anticipates the future needs of the citizen and adapts to meet expectations and stay at their service.”
