By Edward Lim
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2025 opened on June 18 with a solid agenda to redefine urban growth and livability for the future.
More than 2,500 attendees from around the world, including over 70 global speakers and 30+ exhibitors gathered for this event, taking place on June 17 and 19, at Abu Dhabi Energy Center.
The summit underscored the United Arab Emirate’s commitment to building world-class, people-centric cities that set new standards for sustainability, innovation and economic resilience.
Infrastructure a Catalyst for Progress
H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa (below), Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport, spoke about Abu Dhabi’s proactive role in shaping the future of urban living.
He highlighted the emirate’s drive to lead globally in both economic competitiveness and quality of life through strategic infrastructure investments.
Abu Dhabi’s visionary approach is a testament to the future of urban living as it transcends traditional infrastructure by prioritising integrated digital systems, advanced healthcare, world-class education, and innovative housing solutions.
This strategy is not just about building infrastructure but also about weaving technology and human-centric design into the very fabric of the city to enhance the quality of life for residents and attract global investment.
By focusing on seamless digital connectivity and smart infrastructure, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself at the forefront of the world’s most liveable cities, where quality of life and economic opportunity go hand in hand.
The commitment to advanced healthcare and education further demonstrates a forward-thinking mindset that ensures that the city’s growth is both sustainable and inclusive for generations to come.
Ultimately, this futuristic vision reflects the UAE’s determination to set new global benchmarks and make Abu Dhabi a model for how cities can thrive in the 21st century and beyond.
Impressive Growth
H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, revealed that the construction sector has grown by more than 40 percent in the past five years.
It plays a pivotal role in economic diversification and growth, increasing GDP contribution from AED76.7 billion (7.8 percent of total GDP) in 2020 to AED107.4 billion (9.1 percent of GDP) in 2024.
Ambitious Roadmap
H.E. Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid (below), Director General, Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC), unveiled the ADPIC Five-Year Strategic Roadmap with ambitious objectives such as climate action, increased private sector participation, local content sourcing, and the expansion of modular construction.
With more than AED200 billion committed to projects, Abu Dhabi is reinforcing its status as the Middle East and North Africa’s most liveable city.
Global partnerships were a central theme, with organisations such as the International Project Finance Association, Turkish Contractors Association, and Emirates Green Building Council lending expertise to advance the UAE’s vision for sustainable, resilient cities.
Leveraging Technology
Sessions at the summit spotlighted the transformative potential of advanced construction methods, artificial intelligence (AI) and building information modelling (BIM). These technologies are enabling rapid scaling of affordable housing, smarter urban ecosystems and more efficient project management.
The summit also highlighted initiatives such as the national In-Country Value Programme and the Abu Dhabi SME Champion Programme to empower local procurement, talent and manufacturing capabilities. These efforts are diversifying supply chains and strengthening the UAE’s economic resilience.
Hosted by Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre, the second and final day of the summit continues today based on the theme lifestyle development.
Entelechy Asia 