Attracting over 4,000 participants from more than 100 countries and witnessing the signing of 15 MoUs and strategic partnerships across two days, the first edition of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2025 concluded successfully on June 18.
The summit was anchored around the theme Future Cities: Rethinking Infrastructure for Better Lifestyles.
The event offered a deep dive into the intersection of forward-thinking infrastructure, strategic collaboration, and advanced technology — demonstrating how these elements are combining to build urban environments that are liveable, appealing, and economically robust.
The closing day picked up seamlessly from the momentum of Day 1, focusing on the central theme of Lifestyle Development. It opened with an impactful welcome speech by H.E. Engineer Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid, director general of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Center (ADPIC).
Read: Global investors convene in Abu Dhabi to explore infrastructure opportunities at ADIS 2025
H.E. Eid described the summit as a “critical connection for global thought and action in infrastructure.”
He stressed that infrastructure goes beyond being a mere physical structure, asserting that it serves as the “backbone” reflecting a city’s values, identity, and preparedness for the future — an idea that underpinned the discussions of the day.
Urban Excellence: Lessons from the World’s Most Innovative Cities
A panel comprising Daniel Liu, executive director at MORROW Intelligence; Emre Arolat, founding partner and principal at Emre Arolat Architecture; Asma Aljassmi, executive director of Projects Control and Operations at Aldar Projects; and Greg Bargull, executive director of Development at Modon, examined how cities are reshaping urban life through inclusive growth, sustainability, and cultural authenticity.
Liu highlighted the value of people-centric frameworks in evaluating infrastructure outcomes.
Arolat emphasized how design can embody local character and influence everyday experiences.
Aljassmi pointed to the importance of robust public-private partnerships in developing liveable, flourishing communities.
Bargull discussed how placing infrastructure within a human-focused framework is essential to ensuring cities thrive in the long term.
Collectively, the panellists offered perspectives that align closely with Abu Dhabi’s forward-looking urban development strategy.
Beyond Steel and Concrete: Connecting to Nature in Urban Development
The subsequent fireside chat featured Paul O’Brien, chief development officer at Modon, and focused on the global trend of integrating nature into urban design.
O’Brien spoke about how Modon’s operational scale allows it to embed sustainability at every stage of development, leading to increased efficiencies and long-term value.
He also reinforced Modon’s leadership in the sector, noting that the company is exporting its nature-integrated urban planning model globally — proving that cities perform better when they collaborate with, rather than oppose, natural and technological systems.
Redefining Public Spaces: Smart Mobility and Multifunctional Urban Hubs
A lively panel then explored how cities are reimagining public spaces into flexible, multi-use ecosystems that combine transport, commerce, and social engagement — centered on people and supported by existing infrastructure.
Panellists included Omran Malek, head of the SAVI Cluster, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Dr. Talib Alhinai, general manager – UAE, Archer Aviation, Salam Ilayyan, advisor, ADPIC, and Prashant Kapila, board member, International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC).
Ilayyan noted: “Every citizen expects public spaces to be functional, open, human-accessible, safe, and climate-resilient, with integrated technology and sustainability features.”
Expanding on this, Malek discussed how Abu Dhabi is innovating in smart mobility: “We are looking at how existing infrastructure, like helipads and parking lots, can be leveraged for multi-modal transport, making the most of every space.”
Dr. Alhinai presented a glimpse of urban air mobility’s future: “Archer’s mission is to replace 60 to 90-minute car drives with 10 to 20-minute electric air taxi flights, widening access to efficient urban mobility.”
The panel also addressed the importance of strong governance and collaboration in realizing advanced urban strategies.
Themed Luxury Development: Deeper Brand Immersion
The afternoon featured an engaging panel with Michael Belton, CEO of MERED; Kristina Zanic, CEO and Founder of Kristina Zanic Consultants; David Harman, CDO of Modon Real Estate; Mulham G. Kheriba, CDO of Reportage; and Kourosh Salehi, partner and global design principal at LWK + Partners.
The session examined how luxury developments are evolving to deliver personalised lifestyle experiences and immersive brand interactions.
Zanic shared: “Luxury is now defined in different ways, bringing in well-being elements like water and air purification, and designing units to connect with the outside.”
Harman added: “Luxury continues to evolve… it’s now more focused towards feelings, sense of security, and the introduction of well-being, connecting real estate with nature.”
Kheriba outlined Reportage’s business model: “We operate with zero leverage, no financial debt, because we control the entire process from design to execution, passing cost savings to our buyers.”
Salehi concluded: “The core of any sustainable development is the quality of the building, the public realm, and the amenities it offers, fostering interaction with the wider city,” adding that Abu Dhabi no longer needs to look outward for development inspiration.
Lifestyle Infrastructure: Building a Billion-Dollar Wellness Economy
The day’s final fireside chat brought together H.E. Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Financial Affairs executive director at ADPIC, and Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.
The discussion focused on the fast-expanding wellness industry and its integration into urban planning, with special attention to Abu Dhabi’s distinctive approach.
H.E. Al Suwaidi noted: “Abu Dhabi’s unique approach to wellness blends its heritage and cultural traditions with advanced technology, creating a distinct and comprehensive experience.”
Haber highlighted the emirate’s growing status: “Abu Dhabi has become a center of gravity for healthcare and wellness, attracting top talent through its unparalleled infrastructure and environment.”
Throughout Day 2, discussions consistently underscored Abu Dhabi’s leadership in merging economic strength with enhanced quality of life. The emirate’s strategy of utilizing technology, fostering partnerships, and advancing progressive urban policy was evident across all sessions.
ADIS 2025 has firmly positioned itself as a leading global forum for infrastructure dialogue, demonstrating Abu Dhabi’s bold and forward-looking urban development agenda. The summit’s debut featured over 70 distinguished speakers, offering insights that are expected to shape and influence the future of global urban planning and development.
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