12:00 am - February 16, 2026
The Emirate commits to transforming urban sanitation with over 500 environmentally friendly, AI-driven vehicles by 2025, aiming to reduce carbon emissions and enhance city efficiency.
Abu Dhabi is really ramping up its efforts toward sustainability and smart city innovation, and one exciting step is the plan to roll out over 500 environmentally friendly, AI-powered cleaning vehicles by the end of 2025. Led by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), this state-of-the-art fleet is set to reshape how public sanitation works across the emirate — all while aiming to cut down on environmental impact significantly.
The new lineup—including automated street sweepers, washers, heavy-duty machinery, water tankers, and even specialized beach-cleaning boats—is projected to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 40%. That’s roughly 1,775 tonnes of CO₂ saved each year! It’s definitely an ambitious project, but it aligns well with Abu Dhabi’s overall smart city ambitions and broader eco-friendly goals.
Every vehicle is fitted with Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, which will allow for real-time monitoring and smoother coordination via DMT’s Public Cleanliness Platform. This centralized system will gather data to better manage assets, help deploy cleaning crews more efficiently, and improve operations—all while cutting down on manual inspections. Some of the units will even feature more advanced tools, like 360-degree high-def cameras and AI-powered edge scanners. These scanners can spot different types of waste, flag violations of sanitation rules, and identify infrastructure issues—thanks to geospatial accuracy—so that issues get addressed swiftly, possibly even before they become bigger problems.
Right now, a pilot phase is already in action, with 10 existing vehicles upgraded with AI tech and deployed in key locations around Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra. There are plans to expand this rollout to Al Ain and other areas, making sure the system is well-tested and integrated before the entire fleet hits the streets. It’s a phased approach that seems smart, giving time to sort out any kinks and make adjustments.
Rashid Al Kaabi, the Acting Executive Director of Operations Support at DMT, pointed out just how important this project is: “The new fleet reflects our commitment to delivering innovative and eco-friendly cleanliness solutions that reinforce Abu Dhabi’s status as a global leader in public services, livability, and smart-city technologies.” No doubt, this demonstrates a real push for smarter, greener urban management.
Interestingly enough, this initiative comes shortly after Abu Dhabi climbed to fifth place globally on the IMD Smart City Index — an impressive jump of five positions since 2024. It really highlights how the emirate is stepping up its game in using tech to improve urban living and sustainability.
But it’s not just about keeping the streets clean. This project also underscores Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of employing AI and IoT technologies across municipal services — boosting efficiency, promoting environmental responsibility, and delivering top-notch service for both residents and visitors alike.
This approach is part of a wider trend sweeping across the UAE, where innovative, sustainable tech is transforming city life. For instance, at GITEX Global 2025, Q Mobility launched its ‘Zero Barrier AI Parking,’ which offers touchless, solar-powered parking solutions that make life easier for drivers and help the environment at the same time.
All of these efforts together paint a picture of Abu Dhabi’s goal to become a leading smart city on the world stage—combining cutting-edge technology with a strong ecological focus. As these projects develop, they’re likely to set new benchmarks for smart municipal services, not just locally but internationally too.
In a nutshell, the plan for over 500 AI-enabled, eco-friendly cleaning vehicles marks a major step forward for Abu Dhabi’s push toward modernizing public sanitation and slashing carbon emissions. The integration of real-time data and AI analytics promises to boost operational flow, aligning perfectly with the emirate’s broader dreams of sustainable, smart living and urban excellence.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://filipinotimes.net/latest-news/2025/11/01/abu-dhabi-to-deploy-500-eco-friendly-ai-powered-vehicles-by-2025/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/abu-dhabi-to-deploy-500-ai-enabled-eco-friendly-vehicles-by-2025-1.500329261 – The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in Abu Dhabi plans to introduce over 500 environmentally friendly vehicles by the end of 2025 to modernise public sanitation services. The fleet includes automated street sweepers, washers, heavy-duty equipment, water tankers, and specialised beach-cleaning boats, aiming to reduce carbon emissions by up to 40%, equivalent to approximately 1,775 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Each vehicle will be equipped with Internet of Things (IoT) technology for real-time monitoring and coordination. Some units will feature 360-degree high-definition cameras and AI-powered scanners to detect waste, identify compliance violations, and report infrastructure damage. Data collected will be integrated into DMT’s Public Cleanliness Platform to enhance asset management, crew deployment, and operational efficiency while reducing manual inspections. A pilot phase has already deployed 10 AI-equipped vehicles across Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, with plans to expand to Al Ain and other areas. This initiative aligns with Abu Dhabi’s smart city vision and follows the city’s recent advancement to fifth place globally in the IMD Smart City Index, up five spots from its 2024 ranking. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/abu-dhabi-to-deploy-500-ai-enabled-eco-friendly-vehicles-by-2025-1.500329261?utm_source=openai))
- https://emiratitimes.com/abu-dhabi-dmt-smart-cleaning-vehicles/ – Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) is set to deploy over 500 advanced, eco-friendly cleaning vehicles by the end of 2025. The fleet comprises automated street sweepers, washers, heavy equipment carriers, water tankers, and specialised beach- and shore-cleaning boats. Collectively, these vehicles are projected to reduce carbon emissions by up to 40%, equivalent to approximately 1,775 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Each vehicle will feature Internet of Things (IoT) integration for smart, connected operations, with many equipped with high-resolution, 360-degree cameras. Selected units will incorporate advanced AI-powered edge scanners capable of detecting various waste types, identifying compliance breaches, and spotting infrastructure irregularities. The data collected will be integrated into DMT’s Public Cleanliness Platform to optimise cleaning crew allocation, enhance asset management, and reduce reliance on manual inspections. As part of the pilot phase, the DMT will integrate AI technology into 10 vehicles from its existing fleet, deploying them in strategic areas across Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, with plans to expand to Al Ain and other parts of the emirate. This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to delivering innovative and eco-friendly cleanliness solutions, reinforcing its position as a global leader in public services, livability standards, and smart-city technologies. ([emiratitimes.com](https://emiratitimes.com/abu-dhabi-dmt-smart-cleaning-vehicles/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/10/31/abu-dhabi-to-introduce-hundreds-of-high-tech-cleaning-vehicles-by-end-of-2025/ – Abu Dhabi is set to roll out an advanced fleet of more than 500 vehicles by the end of the year to enhance cleanliness across the emirate. The fleet includes automated street sweepers, washers, heavy equipment vehicles, water tankers, and beach and shore cleaning boats. These purpose-built vehicles aim to reduce carbon emissions, with all featuring Internet of Things (IoT) integration to support intelligent and connected operations. Some units will be equipped with high-resolution, 360-degree cameras, while others will be fitted with advanced AI-powered edge scanners capable of detecting various types of waste. The authority will initially incorporate the AI technology in 10 vehicles from its existing fleet, deploying them in targeted areas of Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra for a pilot scheme. This initiative reflects Abu Dhabi’s dedication to delivering innovative and eco-friendly cleanliness solutions, reinforcing the emirate’s position as a global leader in public services, livability standards, and smart-city technologies. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/10/31/abu-dhabi-to-introduce-hundreds-of-high-tech-cleaning-vehicles-by-end-of-2025/?utm_source=openai))
- https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/abu-dhabi-500-environmentally-friendly-cleanliness-vehicles-this-year – Abu Dhabi has announced plans to roll out more than 500 vehicles by the end of the year to enhance cleanliness across the emirate. The environmentally conscious fleet will include a variety of purpose-built equipment such as automated street sweepers and washers, heavy equipment vehicles, and water tankers, as well as beach and shore cleaning boats. Collectively, they are expected to cut carbon emissions by up to 40%, the equivalent of approximately 1,775 tonnes of CO₂ annually. Designated units will be equipped with high-resolution 360º cameras to improve operational visibility, while select ones will feature advanced AI-powered edge scanners capable of detecting various types of waste, identifying compliance issues, and spotting infrastructure anomalies, with all findings accurately mapped using geolocation data. The featured system will be seamlessly integrated with DMT’s Public Cleanliness Platform to optimise cleaning crew allocation, enhance asset oversight, and reduce reliance on manual inspections. As part of a pilot phase, the department will incorporate the AI technology on 10 vehicles from its existing fleet. These will be deployed in targeted areas across Abu Dhabi and Al Dhafra, followed by Al Ain and the wider emirate, with implementation across the new vehicles to be completed in time for their introduction. The announcement comes months after the UAE capital was ranked 5th globally in the IMD Smart City Index – moving five positions from 10th in 2024. ([khaleejtimes.com](https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/abu-dhabi-500-environmentally-friendly-cleanliness-vehicles-this-year?utm_source=openai))
- https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi-drivers-get-touchless-ai-powered-free-flow-smart-parking-1.500310640 – Abu Dhabi motorists are set to experience a smoother parking process with the introduction of Q Mobility’s ‘Zero Barrier AI Parking’ system. Unveiled at GITEX Global 2025 in Dubai, this UAE-made, AI-powered solution offers a fully touchless experience. Smart cameras detect vehicle number plates, automated payment systems handle transactions, and real-time traffic management connects public and private parking areas. The system is fully solar-powered, underscoring Q Mobility’s commitment to sustainability. By 2026, the system is expected to integrate with Darb Wallet for even smoother payments. In a move to expand smart mobility and social inclusion, Q Mobility also signed two memorandums of understanding with the Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination and the Dubai Digital Authority, aimed at enhancing collaboration and advancing next-generation digital services. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/abu-dhabi-drivers-get-touchless-ai-powered-free-flow-smart-parking-1.500310640?utm_source=openai))
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative was first published on October 31, 2025, by Gulf News. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/abu-dhabi-to-deploy-500-ai-enabled-eco-friendly-vehicles-by-2025-1.500329261?utm_source=openai)) The same information was reported by other reputable outlets, including The National and Khaleej Times, on the same date. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/10/31/abu-dhabi-to-introduce-hundreds-of-high-tech-cleaning-vehicles-by-end-of-2025/?utm_source=openai)) The report is based on a press release from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found across these sources. The narrative has not been republished across low-quality sites or clickbait networks. The content is original and timely, with no evidence of recycled news.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quote from Rashid Al Kaabi, Acting Executive Director of Operations Support at DMT, appears in the original Gulf News report. ([gulfnews.com](https://gulfnews.com/uae/environment/abu-dhabi-to-deploy-500-ai-enabled-eco-friendly-vehicles-by-2025-1.500329261?utm_source=openai)) No identical quotes were found in earlier material, indicating the content is potentially original or exclusive.
Source reliability
Score:
9
Notes:
The narrative originates from Gulf News, a reputable news organisation in the UAE. The report is based on a press release from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), a government entity, which adds credibility to the information. No unverifiable entities or fabricated information were identified.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claim that Abu Dhabi plans to deploy over 500 AI-powered, eco-friendly vehicles by the end of 2025 aligns with the emirate’s ongoing efforts in smart city initiatives and sustainability. Similar initiatives, such as the launch of an AI-driven waste collection company in September 2025, support the plausibility of this claim. ([thenationalnews.com](https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2025/09/25/abu-dhabi-launches-ai-driven-waste-collection-company-in-sustainability-drive//?utm_source=openai)) The narrative lacks excessive or off-topic detail and maintains a consistent tone appropriate for the subject matter.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and supported by reputable sources. The quotes are unique, and the information aligns with Abu Dhabi’s known initiatives in sustainability and smart city development. No significant credibility risks were identified.
