From Bricks to Blueprints: Ali Al Sammarraie’s Vision for the Future of Urban Mobility and Sustainable Cities

Global Infrastructure & Construction Series had the pleasure of sitting down with Ali Al Sammarraie, PMP, LEED AP ND , a passionate urban designer and mobility expert, to dive into his journey from architecture to city planning and mobility strategy. Ali’s take on infrastructure is as lively as it is insightful — filled with humor, excitement, and a forward-thinking vision for cities. Read on as Ali shares his unique perspective on what it takes to design livable, lovable cities and how technology, sustainability, and innovation are shaping the future of transport in the GCC.

TICs Global Series: Can you start by giving us a short introduction about yourself and your journey in the infrastructure industry?

Ali: Hey there! I’m your friendly neighborhood urban designer and mobility specialist, but let’s rewind a bit. Once upon a time, I dabbled in architecture—building dreams one brick at a time. But then I realized my real passion was tackling the urban jungle's messiness, so I dove headfirst into city planning and urban science. Think of it as trading my architect’s hat for a planner’s cape.

Fast forward through a whirlwind of public service gigs, where I got cozy with the finance side of city operations. Spoiler alert: cities don’t run on good vibes alone; they need a solid financial plan to keep things equitable and just.

After my stint with the US government, it hit me like a runaway bus: mobility isn’t just about getting from A to B; it’s the secret sauce that empowers people. So, I set off on a quest to transform our roads, public spaces, and urban landscapes into places that not only move people but also inspire them. And mind you, this journey through transportation and infrastructure is all about making cities livable, lovable, and—dare I say—fun!

TICs Global Series: If you had unlimited budget and resources, what would be your dream infrastructure project, and why?

Ali: Oh, if I had an unlimited budget and resources—grab your hard hats and sunscreen, folks, because we’re diving into a dream project that’ll make the Gulf shine like a diamond in the desert! I’d team up with the brilliant Martha Schwartz to take our Linear Urban Forests to the next level. Imagine lush, cooled outdoor spaces weaving through the heart of the Gulf, where folks can stroll, socialize, and sip their iced coffees without feeling like they’re walking on the sun.

Right now, we’ve got a pilot rolling out in Springfield, and the excitement is real! As the Linear Urban Forests cascade across the city streets, I can practically see the macro impact: cooler temps, happier people, and a green city vibe that’s off the charts. And once we crack the code there, I’m chomping at the bit to unleash this methodology here in the GCC. Think palm trees, shaded walkways, and a little oasis of cool in a geography that truly needs it.

TICs Global Series: How do you see technology playing a crucial role in improving efficiency and sustainability in infrastructure projects?

Ali: Ah, technology—the double-edged sword of our time! Sure, it can complicate our lives like trying to explain quantum physics to a toddler, but let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater. When wielded wisely, it’s a game-changer, making our urban lives smoother, easier, and downright snappier!

Think of technology as our trusty sidekick in the quest for efficiency and sustainability. It’s the magic wand we can use to transform those pesky inefficiencies lurking in our cities into shiny, green solutions. From harnessing solar power to catching those elusive winds for energy generation, tech helps us turn the urban landscape into a sustainable powerhouse.

And let’s not forget about stormwater management and micro-climate mitigation! We can repurpose underutilized spaces into green havens that not only soak up the rain but also cool down our concrete jungles. So, whether it’s smart grids or eco-friendly building materials, technology is the key to unlocking a more efficient, sustainable future.

TICs Global Series: If given the opportunity, what specific tasks or challenges would you want AI to take over in your projects?

Ali: If I had the chance, I’d hand over my most repetitive, brain-numbing tasks to AI faster than you can say “machine learning!” Seriously, scheduling meetings and managing those monotonous tasks that drain my creativity? That’s like watching paint dry on a rainy day—utterly soul-sucking.

Let the AI wizards handle the logistics while I channel my inner visionary! I want to focus on brainstorming new avenues of innovation and dreaming up wild ideas that could revolutionize our projects. Let’s face it: while AI manages the mundane, I can dive into the juicy stuff that really sparks joy—like crafting the next big sustainable infrastructure marvel or brainstorming ways to make our cities cooler, literally and figuratively!

TICs Global Series: Looking ahead, what major trends do you believe will shape the future of transportation infrastructure in the GCC region?

Ali: When we gaze into the crystal ball of transportation infrastructure in the GCC, it's like looking at a blockbuster lineup at the cinema: EVs and AEVs are the headliners, ready to steal the show! Think of them as the superheroes swooping in to save us from the evil clutches of traffic jams. But wait, there's more! We’ve got UAVs buzzing around like eager interns trying to deliver your lunch, and high-speed trains zooming through the desert faster than you can say "why are we still using cars?"

These game-changers aren’t just going to tweak our daily commutes; they’ll completely redefine how we strut our stuff on the streets and reshape our cities. The future of transportation is not just about getting from point A to point B—it's about transforming our social behaviors and creating spaces that make us want to dance in the streets (safely, of course).

If you're interested in learning more about these advancements and engaging with experts from the municipality and other key industry leaders, we invite you to join us at the Transport Infrastructure Construction Summit UAE 2024. This event is the perfect platform to connect, share ideas, and explore the future of transportation infrastructure.