ADIS 2025: Experts highlight Abu Dhabi's shift toward people-focused infrastructure
18 June 2025 00:15
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Abu Dhabi has been shifting from traditional infrastructure development toward integrated, community-focused planning and smart execution, experts highlighted at the opening session of Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2025.The emirate's infrastructure investments are guided by community needs — not just engineering goals, Dr. Saif Sultan Al Nasseri, Undersecretary at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), said during the session titled 'Abu Dhabi: The Capital of Lifestyle Development'.'We have committed Dh75 billion to long-term infrastructure investment—but what matters most is that we are shaping it around people. Our residents are co-creators of this future,' he said.Badr Al-Olama, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), stressed that infrastructure planning is no longer about roads and bridges alone.'It is not about the next 50 years - it is about the next 20. And the next five are critical,' he said in the same session. 'Infrastructure investment is shifting toward smart health, sustainability, and AI.'Al-Olama noted that Abu Dhabi stands apart for its long-term, relational approach to development.'We do not do just projects—we build cities, communities, emotional connections.'Another panellist, Dr. Mohamed Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, reflected on the evolution of Yas Island into a global entertainment hub in just 18 years.'This is only possible in a city like Abu Dhabi - safe, open, and full of opportunity,' he said.Adel Al Breiki, CEO of Aldar Projects, spoke of the challenges and rewards of implementing the government's ambitious infrastructure mandate since 2020.
'At first, it was daunting. But with stakeholder alignment and private sector support, we have delivered,' he said. 'Execution requires not just hard work, but continuous coordination under a unified vision.'
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