Al Ain City Municipality has rolled out a new smart technology project to monitor and analyse road conditions across the city, aiming to improve road safety, enhance efficiency, and reduce long-term maintenance costs.
According to Engineer Rashid Hamad Al Nuaimi, Director of the Assets Management Department, the initiative covers all urban and external roads in Al Ain and surrounding areas. By May, data had been collected for 2,551 kilometres of roads, with 1,005.77 kilometres already analysed using advanced digital systems.
The project uses high-precision laser scanners to detect surface defects such as cracks, ruts, and unevenness, while ground-penetrating radar is employed to assess pavement thickness and subsurface layers. LiDAR technology is also used to capture detailed 3D models of road features, including pavements and lighting infrastructure. These tools are supported by artificial intelligence and geographic information systems to improve accuracy and decision-making.
Al Nuaimi said the system will help authorities identify serious road defects early, allowing for quicker repairs and improved safety. The shift from emergency repairs to preventive, data-driven maintenance is also expected to reduce costs and support long-term sustainability.
The initiative aligns with broader efforts across the UAE to use AI and smart data for transport planning. Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre has already introduced AI-based projects with Google, including traffic signal optimisation and real-time congestion prediction, to improve traffic flow and reduce carbon emissions.
