Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center (ADPIC) director general H.E. engineer Maysarah Mahmoud Eid tells Economy Middle East how Abu Dhabi is blending tradition with urban design to set higher standards for liveability, resilience, and sustainable innovation.
There are over 600 projects valued at more than $54 billion in Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure pipeline. Could you elaborate on the key strategic priorities driving this massive infrastructure investment, and which sectors will see the most transformative development?
Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure strategy is driven by a clear and ambitious vision, enhancing liveability, sustainability, and economic resilience. At ADPIC, our work is anchored in three strategic pillars — social welfare, economic diversification, and environmental sustainability — ensuring every project delivers lasting value and fosters vibrant, inclusive communities in line with Vision 2030.
Housing is a major priority, with $38 billion allocated to 140 projects. Innovations like the Modular Villas Program use off-site construction to reduce delays, increase efficiency, and lower emissions.
Cultural investment is equally strong, with $6 billion supporting iconic projects like the Guggenheim and Zayed National Museum, positioning Abu Dhabi as a global cultural destination. Moreover, sustainability isn’t just a goal for ADPIC — it’s a guiding principle. With $8 billion invested in 163 transport initiatives, Abu Dhabi is reimagining urban mobility.
These projects focus on expanding public transportation, reducing congestion, and integrating low-emission transit options. From electric buses to smarter infrastructure, the aim is to create a cleaner, more connected city that supports both environmental goals and the evolving needs of its people.
ADPIC actively works with the private sector on its infrastructure projects. What are the key benefits of this approach for delivering infrastructure projects in Abu Dhabi, and how does ADPIC facilitate successful collaboration with private companies?
Working with the private sector is a cornerstone of ADPIC’s infrastructure delivery strategy, allowing us to harness expertise, drive innovation, and accelerate timelines. These partnerships help ensure that projects are delivered efficiently and with long-term value for the community.
We facilitate this collaboration through transparent procurement processes, a supportive regulatory environment, and platforms that enable shared planning and delivery. ADPIC is continuously collaborating with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) to enhance visibility into capital project investment opportunities at earlier stages of the approval process.
This strategic move is expected to increase the number of projects evaluated for public sector partnership models, paving the way for greater private sector engagement. By combining public ambition with private capability, ADPIC is building resilient, inclusive, and high-performing infrastructure systems that support long-term growth and opportunity.
The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) on June 17-18 aims to present designing tomorrow’s way of life. In what tangible ways will these infrastructure investments improve the quality of life for residents and visitors beyond traditional metrics of economic growth?
At ADPIC, we see infrastructure as the backbone of a thriving society. All our infrastructure investments are designed to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors in a multitude of tangible ways, going far beyond traditional metrics of economic growth. We are focused on creating a city that is not only prosperous but also healthy, happy, and fulfilling.
Take mobility, for instance. The expansion of Abu Dhabi’s cycling network is transforming how people move across the city. It aims to increase public transport ridership to 327,000 and expand the cycle track network by an impressive 2,750 km, making daily commutes easier, healthier, and more environmentally friendly.
Various communities we spearhead in Abu Dhabi integrate schools, healthcare facilities, and recreational spaces, fostering vibrant, well-connected neighbourhoods. Equitable access to housing is another prime example. Initiatives like the Modular Villas construction project, which we successfully piloted in Al-Muzun (North Baniyas), demonstrate the transformative impact of innovative solutions.
Completed within just three months, this project significantly reduces the waiting period for UAE nationals to receive housing — from 8 years to just 2 years. By cutting construction time by 30 percent and minimizing material waste, the initiative not only enhances social well-being for UAE nationals but also aligns with the emirate’s sustainability goals.
Also, investments in cultural destinations provide visitors with access to world-class art and culture, enriching their experiences and strengthening community identity. By designing infrastructure that prioritizes well-being, accessibility, and inclusivity, we’re shaping a future where quality of life is measured by healthy lifestyles, strong community bonds and enriching experiences, not just economic output.
The ADIS event features sessions on ‘Themed Luxury Development’ and ‘Building a Billion-Dollar Wellness Economy’. How is Abu Dhabi positioning itself to compete in the global luxury lifestyle market, and what unique advantages does it offer investors in this space?
Our approach is rooted in creating developments that blend exclusivity with authenticity, catering to global audiences. The city offers unparalleled connectivity, making it an ideal hub for luxury tourism and commerce. Iconic developments, such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, teamLab Phenomena and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Natural History Museum and Zayed National Museum, exemplify our ability to deliver world-class destinations.
Moreover, Abu Dhabi’s integrated master planning ensures seamless access to premier amenities, exclusive retail, and high-end hospitality, enhancing the overall luxury lifestyle offering. This strategic focus creates compelling opportunities for investors seeking to engage with a market that combines cultural richness with modern sophistication.
Sustainability and innovation are the key themes at the ADIS event. Given the environmental challenges facing the Gulf region, what specific sustainable construction and design principles are being prioritized in these 600-plus projects?
At ADPIC, sustainability is embedded across all our infrastructure projects through innovative materials and advanced technologies. We are pioneering the use of carbon-negative cement developed in partnership with Partanna, which significantly reduces carbon emissions by absorbing CO2 during curing. Energy efficiency is another key focus, with smart building systems designed to optimize consumption and minimize waste.
Additionally, we are also prioritizing sustainable transport infrastructure to reduce reliance on private vehicles and promote eco-friendly mobility. By integrating these principles into every phase of development, we are addressing the environmental challenges while setting new standards for responsible and forward-looking urban growth.
At the ADIS summit, ADPIC aims to enter partnerships with international stakeholders across multiple sectors. What specific opportunities do you see for foreign companies and investors who may not have previously considered Abu Dhabi, and how does the summit support their entry into the market?
Abu Dhabi is rapidly emerging as a global hub for innovation and investment, offering international stakeholders a wealth of opportunities across advanced manufacturing, technology, tourism, and finance. A prime example is Gridora — a new infrastructure platform launched by ADQ, IHC, and Modon Holding — which recently signed its first MoU with ADPIC.
This agreement lays the groundwork for strategic transport infrastructure development and long-term collaboration between the public and private sectors. With ADPIC overseeing a project pipeline valued at $54 billion, the partnership signals a strong commitment to scalable, high-impact development.
ADIS plays a vital role connecting global investors and businesses with Abu Dhabi’s public and private sectors, fostering partnerships that align with the city’s long-term strategic goals. Through targeted networking, knowledge sharing, and showcasing flagship projects, the summit provides a unique gateway for newcomers to navigate the market and contribute to Abu Dhabi’s evolving economic landscape.
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