UAE municipal system concludes a successful visit to Melbourne City

A delegation from the Department of Municipal Affairs (DMA) and the municipalities of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi City, Al Ain City, and the Western Region, concluded a successful visit to the City of Melbourne that set solid grounds for future collaboration in infrastructure asset management within the Municipal System. 

During the visit, the nineteen members of the delegation participated in an international conference on Asset Management in the Municipal system and governmental sector, and met officials of the Melbourne City Council. 

“We had a very successful trip to Melbourne City that set the foundation for future cooperation between both sides and enhanced ties with the Melbourne City Council. We also shared our collective knowledge on asset management in the Municipal System,” said H.E. Dr Abdullah Ghareeb Albloshi, Executive Director of the Municipal Affairs Support Sector at the DMA, who headed the Municipal Delegation visit to Australia. 

Melbourne City Council presented their successful programs in the public realm with emphasis on the management of public art and demonstrated ways to activate public parks and other recreational areas with community arts projects. They also showcased their CH2 building demonstrating the sustainability advantages in Municipal Facilities minimizing energy, water and waste and the creation of a health work environment for Municipal staff in a clean room (naturally ventilated) work space. 

The DMA and the municipalities of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi also held a meeting with key experts from the Department of Treasury and Finance in Melbourne which is part of the municipal system’s commitment to ensure the best return on infrastructure spending. 

Melbourne’s model of public sector finance governance was discussed, as Melbourne is continually showcased to the world as one of the leading best practices in this area and hosts many delegations from around the world. 

“We at the DMA look forward to working relationship with the Victorian Department of Finance in the future, to share our approaches to financial systems and procedures that will maximize the impact of our Municipal budgets," added H.E. Dr Abdullah Ghareeb Albloshi. 

The five-day visit took place as part of the Municipal System’s consideration to establish an asset management system which will enhance the process of infrastructure management and improve efficiency and productivity and services.