- A Global Platform Driving Innovation, Sustainability, and Urban Excellence
The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre has officially announced the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS), set to take place from 12th to 14th May 2026 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. As the emirate’s flagship event for infrastructure and urban development, ADIS 2026 returns with an expanded vision, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global leader in building sustainable, future-ready cities.
Held under the theme “Urban Evolution: Rethinking Cities, Redefining How We Live,” the summit will convene global leaders, policymakers, CEOs, investors, and innovators to accelerate transformative solutions for resilient and people-centric urban environments.
Abu Dhabi: A Global Benchmark for Infrastructure Excellence
Backed by a remarkable US$57 billion infrastructure pipeline, Abu Dhabi continues to set new standards in integrated urban development. The pipeline spans key sectors including housing, transport, education, culture, and social infrastructure—demonstrating the emirate’s commitment to holistic and inclusive growth.
According to ADPIC’s latest Achievement Report, 100 capital projects were successfully delivered in 2025, reflecting Abu Dhabi’s proven capability to execute large-scale developments with precision, efficiency, and measurable impact.
Leadership Vision: Building Cities Around People
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, emphasized that ADIS is more than a showcase of projects—it is a platform demonstrating how cities can be designed and delivered with people at their core.
He highlighted Abu Dhabi’s integrated approach, combining advanced mobility systems, world-class infrastructure, and sustainable planning to create connected communities that enhance quality of life.
Responding to Global Urban Challenges
With nearly 70% of the world’s population projected to live in urban areas by 2050, the demand for smarter, more sustainable cities is rapidly increasing. Abu Dhabi is proactively addressing this challenge, supported by strong economic growth—its economy reached AED325.7 billion in Q3 2025, while the construction sector expanded by 13.9% year-on-year.
ADIS 2026 serves as a global response to these trends, showcasing how the UAE translates ambitious visions into tangible, scalable outcomes.
Driving Collaboration and Investment Opportunities
Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director-General of ADPIC, reaffirmed Abu Dhabi’s commitment to global collaboration, stating that the emirate’s success lies not only in ambition but in execution. He invited international partners, investors, and innovators to contribute to shaping the future of urban development in Abu Dhabi.
The summit will feature:
- A multi-day high-level conference
- A dynamic international exhibition
- Structured B2B matchmaking opportunities
These elements are designed to foster partnerships, unlock investment, and accelerate project delivery.
Focus Areas Shaping the Cities of Tomorrow
ADIS 2026 will spotlight four critical pillars driving global urban transformation:
- Delivery-focused infrastructure
- Urban wellbeing and livability
- Smart and digital solutions
- Sustainability and resilience
The programme will address governance frameworks, digital infrastructure, sustainable housing, and advanced construction technologies—ensuring practical, execution-driven outcomes.
Strengthening Global Standards and Partnerships
In a significant step toward global best practices, ADIS 2026 will collaborate with the International Federation of Consulting Engineers to host dedicated sessions on contracting, dispute resolution, and project governance. This reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to transparency, efficiency, and internationally aligned delivery standards.
The summit will also see expanded international participation from key markets such as Singapore, China, and Türkiye, building on successful global engagement initiatives that generated multiple agreements and strategic partnerships in 2025.
Positioning the UAE as a Hub for Sustainable Urban Innovation
ADIS 2026 reinforces the UAE’s leadership in shaping the future of cities through innovation, collaboration, and sustainability. By bringing together the world’s top minds and industry leaders, Abu Dhabi continues to position itself as a hub for transformative infrastructure development—where visionary ideas are turned into real-world solutions that benefit communities worldwide.
The summit stands as a powerful testament to the UAE’s commitment to building smarter, greener, and more inclusive cities for generations to come.
BY: The Times Union
