The Department of Municipalities and Transport has launched a new automated messaging service via WhatsApp, adding an additional communication tool for emergency cases and allowing users to obtain support and track the status of their requests.

The new service provides an interaction hub with the relevant affiliated entities of the DMT so as to improve the customer experience and enable a fast and efficient response to their requests. It aims to unify the department's communication channels through artificial intelligence technology and provide a fast and efficient service connecting all the services of the department and its affiliated entities, including the municipalities of Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and the Al Dhafra region, and the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC).

Abu Dhabi residents can subscribe to the service, which is available 24 hours a day, by adding the number 02 678 8888 to their contact list under a suitable name on "WhatsApp", and sending the word "hello" to communicate directly with the service and see the options available. Residents can also directly call the DMT emergency number, 993.

The new interactive platform, available in both Arabic and English, offers a variety of services, including options for users to easily navigate between municipalities and the Integrated Transportation Centre ITC, and provides technical assistance for emergencies related to the department's services and its affiliates, such as the storm water system, lighting, general city appearance, public safety, road problems, etc. Opportunities to report emergencies vary depending on the municipality or region for which it is responsible.

The WhatsApp messaging service platform allows users to identify emergency situations and send related case images to report and document them, or share the location of the emergency by forwarding a link from Google Maps, in addition to the ability to track previous requests and their status. For example, a user can photograph an example of potholes or cracks in the asphalt on roads, environmental pollution (emptying or disposal of waste in places not intended for this purpose), or fallen trees, and share them via the new service and track the status of the request.

This service is part of the ongoing efforts of DMT and its subsidiaries to raise the level of services by adopting a proactive and effective resource management strategy, including the adoption of the best technologies, in order to facilitate user-transactions and reduce the time spent on implementing services so that customers can save their time and effort.