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Abu Dhabi set to host infrastructure summit

Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) has announced the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS), set to take place from 12-14 May 2026 at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi.

Positioned as the emirate’s flagship platform for infrastructure and urban development, the event will return with an expanded agenda, reflecting rising global demand for scalable and sustainable city solutions. Held under the theme ‘Urban evolution: rethinking cities, redefining how we live’, the summit will convene policymakers, industry leaders, investors and developers to explore practical approaches to building resilient, people-focused urban environments.

The event is underpinned by Abu Dhabi’s US$57bn infrastructure pipeline, covering sectors such as transport, housing, education and culture. According to ADPIC, the emirate delivered 100 capital projects in 2025, highlighting its ability to execute large-scale developments efficiently.

Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said the summit goes beyond showcasing future plans. “ADIS is a platform to demonstrate how cities can be designed and delivered with people at their core,” he said. “Through integrated planning and advanced mobility systems, Abu Dhabi continues to create connected, sustainable communities that enhance quality of life.”

He added that global collaboration will be central to addressing urban challenges. “Cities today require coordinated efforts at an unprecedented scale. ADIS 2026 brings together international expertise to develop solutions that support responsible growth while meeting the needs of communities.”

With urban populations expected to account for around 70% of the global total by 2050, the pressure on infrastructure systems is intensifying. Abu Dhabi’s economic performance reflects this momentum, with GDP reaching AED325.7bn in Q3 2025 and construction activity rising by 13.9% year-on-year.

Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of ADPIC, said execution remains at the heart of the emirate’s strategy. “Abu Dhabi has established itself as a benchmark for infrastructure delivery through consistent performance,” he said. “This summit reinforces our commitment to working with global partners to shape how cities are planned, financed and delivered.”

ADIS 2026 will feature a multi-day conference, exhibition and targeted networking sessions, focusing on key themes such as infrastructure delivery, urban wellbeing, smart technologies, sustainability and resilience. The programme will also include dedicated sessions with the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, addressing contracting frameworks and project governance.

The summit is expected to attract increased international participation, building on strong engagement from global markets and reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s role as a hub for infrastructure innovation and investment.