By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The eThekwini Municipality embarked on a strategic engagement mission in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), in a bid to reinforce its commitment to sustainable urban development, cutting-edge transport systems, and smart city transformation.
This mission comes on the heels of fruitful discussions with influential institutions in Abu Dhabi, which set the groundwork for further collaboration.
The primary focus is to enhance the integrated mobility, refining urban planning, and adopting progressive digital governance practices.
This strategic diplomatic and business initiative was led by eThekwini City Manager Musa Mbhele.
“As urban landscapes evolve, the integration of smart transport systems, thoughtful urban planning, and municipal coordination has become more crucial than ever,” Mbhele stated.
“We are in the United Arab Emirates to leverage international best practices. By embracing innovation and strategic planning, we pave the way for a connected and resilient urban future for our city of Durban.”
The delegation’s discussions further extended into Abu Dhabi’s intelligent mobility and digital infrastructure sectors, where Dr Emily Mogano, Vice President of Partnerships at Sheikh Maktoum NEO Technologies Office, welcomed the burgeoning collaboration.
Additionally, senior representatives, including Minister Abdulla Al Hashmi, Director of Traffic Systems at the ITC, imparted valuable insights into Abu Dhabi’s Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS).
Al Hashmi emphasised the UAE’s readiness to collaborate with eThekwini on solutions tailored for Durban’s urban context.
These engagements underscores eThekwini’s commitment to proactive global cooperation and innovation-driven development, positioning Durban as a hub for international investment, mobility innovation, and smart governance.