Abu Dhabi is ready to revolutionize traffic management with the introduction of a new AI-operated smart traffic light system. Designed to address congestion and increase road efficiency, this state -of -the -art technology will dynamically adjust traffic light timing based on real -time data, helping Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street help to regulate the vehicle flow at significant entry points.
Smart traffic system to combat crowds
On August 30, 2025, the Integrated Transport Center (ITC) announced the deployment of a smart traffic light system with the aim of improving vehicle flow and reducing congestion. Using a combination of AI-operated cameras, sensors and a ramp metering system, the system monitors traffic density at seven consecutive main entry points that are leading to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street. This adjusts the signal timing, for the reality traffic conditions and controls the vehicle entry to ensure the smooth flow and reduces the congestion. The AI-competent system works by adjusting the traffic signal depending on the traffic volume. During peak traffic hours, it limits the number of vehicles entering the road, preventing the congestion. Conversely, during off-pack time, the system allows a high vehicle throwput, road capacity adaptation and reduced traffic flow. This dynamic flexibility ensures that traffic management is responsible for changing conditions, improves both road efficiency and security. According to ITC Acting Director General Abdullah Hamad Alaghfeli, “The launch of the smart traffic light system to regulate the vehicle flow is an important step in traffic management.” He emphasized that the system is not only designed to improve traffic liquidity, but also to contribute to more durable and efficient transport network in Abu Dhabi.
How it works: Real -time monitoring and adaptive signal
The system is equipped with refined sensors and AI-operated cameras that are placed at major traffic entry points. These technologies constantly track traffic flows, adjusting signal timing in real time depending on the current traffic density. In addition, a ramp metering system is activated at significant entry points, which mainly controls the number of vehicles entering. If the congestion is detected, the system automatically reduces the vehicle entry from the ramp, ensuring smooth traffic flows on the main road. During the period of lighter traffic, the system allows more vehicles to pass through, preventing unnecessary delays. This dynamic adaptation capacity helps maintain control over traffic, optimizing conditions during both high-virtue and mild traffic periods, and eventually ensure a consistent and efficient flow on the Abu Dhabi roads. The ITC has confirmed that smart signals will only be active when the crowd is detected, making sure that the system will be efficient and responsible throughout the day. As Dr. Abdullah Hamad Alghli further said, “Thanks to Artificial Intelligence and Smart System, we can now monitor and analyze traffic density in real time, allowing us to manage vehicle flow with high precision.” This allows real -time capacity system to increase traffic liquidity, reduce congestion and improve overall road efficiency.
Seven major entry points
AI-powered traffic light system will be turned on at seven major entry points, leading to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street, which are important for controlling traffic flows in one of the busiest areas of Abu Dhabi. These entry points are:
- Sheikhbout bin Sultan Street
- Dhafar Street
- Headbut al -Gubainah Street (Outbound)
- Salma Bint Batty Street
- Al Dhafra Street
- Rabdan Street
- Umm Yifina Street Exit (Inbound)
The implementation of this advanced system comes in view of increasing traffic pressure due to rapidly growing population. According to the latest data from the Statistics Center -Abu Dhabi (SCAD), the population of Abu Dhabi increased by 7.5% in 2024, reaching a total of 4,135,985 people. In the last decade, the city’s population has increased by 51%, with 2.7 million in 2014 to more than 4.1 million in 2024. This growth has placed additional tension on the city’s infrastructure, making the introduction of AI-managed traffic management even more important.
ITC role in transport development of Abu Dhabi
The Integrated Transport Center (ITC), which has since been re -designed as Abu Dhabi dynamics, plays an important role in Emirates’ comprehensive transport strategy. Established in November 2016, the ITC oversees public transport, management of parking sites and roadways, and is responsible for the development of permanent mobility solutions in Abu Dhabi. The launch of this AI-operated system aligns with the ongoing efforts of ITC to modernize the transport sector of Abu Dhabi. ITC has been at the forefront of adopting new technologies, such as electric buses and advanced traffic management solutions, to create a smart, more durable dynamic ecosystem to suit the vision of Emirates. Dr. Alaghfeli commented, “It improves traffic liquidity, reduces crowds, and directly contributes to increasing the quality of life and strengthening the stability of the transport system of Emirates., In addition to smart traffic lights, ITC is working on several projects designed to increase road safety and effective dynamics for the city’s expanded population.
