Abu dhabi: A senior government delegation led by Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), has concluded an official visit to Shanghai and Hangzhou to strengthen municipal ties through engagements, site visits, and technology demonstrations with leading government, academic, and industry representatives.
According to Emirates News Agency, during the trip, Al Shorafa met with Zhang Xiaohong, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, to discuss strategic municipal cooperation and future priorities, as well as highlight each city’s urban planning innovations. Al Shorafa emphasized that the visit reinforced their commitment to developing urban environments that enhance daily life through public service and collaboration. Insights gained from meetings and site visits in Shanghai and Hangzhou are expected to guide future developments in Abu Dhabi, focusing on connected neighborhoods and civic spaces.
In Shanghai, the delegation participated in a technical workshop with Tongji Architectural Design Group and Tongji University, exploring integrated transport, landscape, and infrastructure design models. This was complemented by tours of Shanghai’s historic waterfront, The Bund, and the revitalized Rockbund heritage district, which provided insights into heritage continuation. They also assessed a similar development at Yangpu Riverside.
The delegation explored modular housing systems with Q Home and examined AI technology applications in energy storage at the Shanghai Artificial Intelligence Centre. They also witnessed advanced construction technologies, including 3D printing for infrastructure, with Zevo Technology. The technology incorporates over 60 percent recycled materials and integrates digital modeling with on-site automated printing.
Additionally, the Abu Dhabi officials observed Rechsand Technology Group’s Sponge City Rainwater Purification and Reuse Programme at the Shanghai World Expo China Pavilion, which uses advanced materials to support sustainable development.
In Hangzhou, a design session with ‘100architects’ addressed placemaking and youth-centric public space design. The delegation also visited the Hangzhou City Planning Exhibition Hall to study immersive models and AI-driven urban planning simulations, highlighting the city’s infrastructure development and adaptive urban regeneration strategies.
The delegation included Hamad Hareb AlMuhairi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Housing Authority; Eng Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre; and Rashed Musabbeh Al Manei, Director-General of Al Ain City Municipality.