Abu Dhabi Advances $57bn Infrastructure Pipeline Amid Global Volatility
Abu Dhabi is accelerating the delivery of one of the world’s largest infrastructure pipelines, valued at over $57 billion, as global markets face mounting pressure from supply chain disruptions, energy security concerns, and economic uncertainty.
The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) announced the second edition of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, set to take place from May 12–14 at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi. The announcement coincided with the release of ADPIC’s Achievement Report, which revealed the successful delivery of 100 capital projects in 2025.
Held under the theme “Urban Evolution: Rethinking Cities, Redefining How We Live,” ADIS 2026 will convene global policymakers, investors, developers, and industry leaders to accelerate the development of sustainable, resilient, and people-centric cities.
Driving Infrastructure at Scale
Anchored by Abu Dhabi’s expansive infrastructure pipeline, the summit will highlight projects spanning housing, transport, education, culture, and social infrastructure. The initiative reinforces the emirate’s ambition to translate long-term urban planning into measurable outcomes.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said the summit is not only a platform to showcase projects but also a forum to demonstrate how cities can be designed and delivered with people at their core.
He emphasised that integrated urban planning, advanced mobility systems, and world-class infrastructure are key to building connected and sustainable communities, while also calling for greater global collaboration to address urban challenges.
Strong Economic Momentum
The announcement comes as Abu Dhabi’s economy recorded AED325.7 billion in Q3 2025, with the construction sector expanding by 13.9% year-on-year. With an estimated 70% of the global population expected to live in urban areas by 2050, the need for scalable and sustainable infrastructure solutions continues to grow.
Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director General of ADPIC, stated that Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure success is driven by execution, not just ambition. He highlighted that the emirate’s project pipeline is open to global partners, inviting collaboration to shape the cities of the future.
Global Collaboration and Innovation
ADIS 2026 will feature a multi-day conference, exhibition, and structured business matchmaking, focusing on four core themes: delivery-first infrastructure, urban wellbeing, smart solutions, and sustainability.
For the first time, the summit will host dedicated sessions in collaboration with the International Federation of Consulting Engineers, focusing on contracting standards, dispute resolution, and governance frameworks under Abu Dhabi’s Capital Projects Framework.
The event is also expected to see increased international participation from Singapore, China, and Türkiye, building on momentum from ADPIC’s 2025 global roadshows, which resulted in nine memoranda of understanding and over 30 business-to-business meetings.
Building on a Successful Debut
The inaugural edition of ADIS, attended by Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, welcomed more than 4,100 participants from over 100 countries and concluded with 15 strategic agreements.
With an expanded format and broader global reach, ADIS 2026 aims to move beyond dialogue and accelerate real-world infrastructure delivery, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global benchmark for sustainable urban development.
