The eThekwini Municipality (Durban) has embarked on a strategic international engagement mission in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) reinforcing its commitment to sustainable urban development, cutting-edge transport systems, and smart city transformation.
City Manager Musa Mbhele is leading a series of high-level strategic engagements with government and business leaders in Abu Dhabi which are aimed at unlocking economic opportunities and leveraging on advanced infrastructure innovations in the UAE.
Following a successful initial round of discussions with key Abu Dhabi institutions, which laid a robust foundation for collaboration in integrated mobility, urban planning, and digital governance, the current leg of the mission, from 16 to 19 June 2025, aims to deepen these engagements and broaden their scope.
Key objectives of this mission include:
- Finalising agreements with the Integrated Transport Center (ITC) and the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) to implement forward-looking transport innovations aligned to the needs of the eThekwini region.
- Exploring technology-driven investment platforms with Maqta Technologies, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Ports Group, focusing on digital investment portals such as the Single Window and the proposed “Invest in KZN” prototype.
- Consolidating the Abu Dhabi-Dubai-KZN knowledge exchange corridor, focusing on smart logistics, sustainable infrastructure, and advanced technologies in customs clearance and risk analytics through platforms like BorderVision, RiskLab, and BorderMeter.
Mbhele who is joined by Project Executive in the Chief Operations Office, Mr. Lungelo Buthelezi, and Acting Head of eThekwini Transport Authority, Ms. Nelisiwe Zama, led constructive discussions on 16 June with senior leaders in Dubai’s Department of Municipalities and Transport. The meetings focused on building urban spaces where mobility is seamless, sustainable, and intelligently connected.
“As urban landscapes evolve, the integration of smart transport systems, thoughtful urban planning, and municipal coordination has become more crucial than ever. 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,” said Mbhele.
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 eThekwini delegation also met with key figures from Abu Dhabi’s intelligent mobility and digital infrastructure sectors. Dr. Emily Mogano, Vice President of Partnerships at the Sheikh Maktoum NEO Technologies Office, expressed enthusiasm for the growing collaboration.
Senior representatives from the Ministry, led by Minister Abdulla Al Hashmi, Director of Traffic Systems at the Integrated Transport Center (ITC), shared insights on Abu Dhabi’s Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) sector, including smart mobility advancements, traffic infrastructure optimisation, and road safety enhancements driven by cutting-edge technologies.
Minister 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.
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