Deputy Minister Nikolova: Bulgaria can benefit from the experience of the United Arab Emirates in the field of digitalisation, urban development and road safety

Bulgaria can use the experience of the United Arab Emirates in the field of information technology and digitalisation in building the so-called “smart cities”. This was commented by the Deputy Minister of Regional Development and Public Works - Denitsa Nikolova, who visited an exhibition on innovative digital technologies within the World Urban Forum, which is being held in the capital Abu Dhabi. This type of investment is among the priorities for urban development in the next programming period. The management of urban systems is inextricably linked to the topic of implementing green and environmental solutions, which are also widely used in modern urban planning, presented at the forum. According to Nikolova, Bulgarian urban planners, regionalists, architects and builders can apply good practices from the UAE in the implementation of projects related to the construction and modernisation of the infrastructure and the natural combination of urban elements with nature.

In the field of road safety, our country can study the experience of reducing speed in critical road sections (intersections, footpaths, local lanes) by combining different types of road surfaces, such as asphalt and pavers, as well as traffic management systems. In order to improve safety, our country can gradually begin to replace the road markings, which instead of paint to be differentiated with built-in embossed reflectors. The experience in the field of urban furniture and the accessible environment will be especially valuable for Bulgaria.

The digitisation of cultural and historical heritage and its display for tourist visits is also a topic of possible partnership. Following the example of modern cultural institutions in Abu Dhabi, Bulgarian museums and galleries can present some of their exhibitions by computer technology, where tourists by just clicking on displays would be able to better view an exhibit and learn more about it.

Fitness equipment for outdoor or office exercise is becoming more and more relevant for modern cities. During the exhibition, devices for training in 3D virtual reality were demonstrated. They transport the athlete to a forest path, and the cyclist – on a bike path in nature. This stimulates active sports, especially in urban areas where there are no conditions for outdoor sports.

Deputy Minister Nikolova also examined specialised equipment for moving large trees. The technology allows old and large plants to be moved during repair and construction activities. In this way, there will be no conflicts with the society when it is necessary to cut down a tree or prune it, and the old green system of the cities will be preserved.

During the exhibitions, large projects related to the development of a modern urban environment through the construction of new neighboуrhoods in Moscow, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and others were presented. The projects combine “conflict-free coexistence” of high and low construction, more green space and the inclusion of natural resources in the environment by opening the neighboуrhoods to existing water bodies, natural formations, etc.

Deputy Minister Denitsa Nikolova symbolically placed Bulgaria and the capital city of Sofia on the world map located at the exhibition.