ADIS 2026 Day Two Highlights Smart Infrastructure, Mobility, and Urban Wellbeing

Technology

ADIS 2026 Day Two Highlights Smart Infrastructure, Mobility, and Urban Wellbeing

The second day of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2026 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC) focused on the technologies, investment models, and integrated systems shaping the future of urban development.

Held under the theme “The Urban Evolution: Rethinking Cities, Redefining How We Live,” the summit explored how future cities will rely on connected mobility, housing, energy, and digital systems to create more efficient and sustainable urban environments.

The event also witnessed the signing of 12 additional Memoranda of Understanding across governance, infrastructure delivery, and partnership initiatives. Among the key agreements, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) partnered with the Institute of Applied Technology to strengthen applied learning and workforce development through internships, guest lectures, capstone projects, the Buna Talent Development Programme, and curriculum integration.

Another agreement saw ADPIC collaborate with FIABCI, the International Real Estate Federation, to align Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure development programme with the global real estate sector.

Future mobility and infrastructure delivery

A major panel discussion titled “Future Mobility Networks: Last Mile Logistics and Mobility Systems for the Next Decade” examined how cities are preparing for autonomous vehicles, electric transport, air taxis, and advanced logistics systems.

The discussion featured senior representatives from the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), Abu Dhabi Mobility, ADPIC, Etihad Airways, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Archer Aviation, focusing on building integrated transport systems that improve economic resilience and daily urban life.

Another session, “Execution Excellence: Delivering at Scale, Speed, and Efficiency,” addressed the challenges of delivering large infrastructure projects while maintaining quality and long-term value. Speakers highlighted the importance of collaboration between developers, consultants, and contractors, alongside the growing role of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in project delivery.

The panel included representatives from the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) Abu Dhabi, Egis, Modon Real Estate, Aldar, and Orascom Construction.

Circular economy and wellbeing-focused urban design

Sustainability remained a major focus during the session “From Linear to Regenerative: Circular Economy in Infrastructure and Construction,” where industry leaders discussed reducing waste and promoting the reuse of construction materials through urban mining and digital supply platforms.

Representatives from CEMEX, Holcim, and Surbana Jurong highlighted how circular construction approaches can reduce landfill dependency while supporting resilient infrastructure development.

The summit also explored how infrastructure can improve public health and quality of life through the panel “Humanising Cities: Infrastructure for Health and Wellbeing.”

Speakers from the DMT Abu Dhabi, Masdar City, 100 Architects, LEAD Development, and the Institute of Healthier Living Abu Dhabi discussed how wellness-focused urban planning, preventative health principles, and nature-led communities are becoming central to future city design.

The day concluded with a session on “Co-Branded Luxury Developments: The New Frontier of Urban Placemaking,” which explored how branded residences are evolving beyond hospitality into partnerships with fashion, automotive, wellness, and cultural brands to create more integrated urban experiences.

Recognising summit partners

ADIS 2026 also hosted a Partner Recognition Ceremony acknowledging organisations supporting the summit’s vision.

Modon returned as Headline Partner for the second consecutive year, while Aldar Properties and Bloom Holding participated as Lead Partners. Strategic Partners included Abu Dhabi Housing Authority (ADHA), Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Reportage Group, and LEAD Development.

Additional government and industry partners included Abu Dhabi Mobility, the Department of Municipalities and Transport, the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, Etihad Airways, Trojan Construction, SaaS Properties, Hassan Allam Holding, Hydropower, Sobha Realty, Al Geemi Contracting, Bunya Enterprises, Khatib and Alami, Orascom Construction, Sichuan Transportation Construction Group, and Speed House Prefab.

The summit concludes with a dedicated programme delivered in partnership with the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), focusing on procurement, contract management, dispute avoidance, and risk management in live infrastructure projects.