Abu Dhabi: Over 600 projects worth Dh200 billion to create smart cities in UAE capital
Abu Dhabi is undergoing a major infrastructure transformation, with 619 government projects already underway and a new wave of initiatives set to be unveiled this October. These include developments focused on housing, public amenities, and smart cities, designed to shorten construction timelines, enhance liveability, and deliver long-term impact for citizens. 'We are currently managing more than 600 projects, and in total we have invested more than Dh200 billion,' said Maysarah Salem Eid, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Projects and Infrastructure in an interview with Khaleej Times, on the sidelines of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit.
The upcoming October announcement will mark a significant milestone, added the director general, aligning with Abu Dhabi's modern construction plan. While specific details are under wraps, the new projects are expected to further expand housing, social infrastructure, and urban development initiatives across the emirate. 'There are numbers and projects that will be announced soon, but I prefer that they be announced at the end of October because it will be in line with the modern construction plan,' he said.
From one year to four months construction time
At the heart of the transformation is Abu Dhabi's growing reliance on off-site modular construction, particularly for residential villas. Working with local developers such as Aldar and Roshn, the centre has reduced construction timelines by more than 40 percent. 'If a project takes a year, the future project will take four months,' Eid said, explaining that buildings are now constructed in closed environments and then transported to site for installation. This approach offers multiple benefits, improved quality, lower pollution, and faster delivery to citizens, with the ultimate goal of enhancing family stability and societal wellbeing. 'Our goal is to provide residential villas to the citizens as soon as possible,' he pointed. 'The end user receives the housing in a shorter time, and this has a positive impact on the family's stability.'
Parks, schools, police stations
Of the 619 projects currently underway, 65 percent are dedicated to housing and home preservation. An additional 18 percent are allocated for school construction, while others cover civil defence centres, police stations, museums, and tourism infrastructure. Last year alone, the centre delivered more than 73 gardens as part of Abu Dhabi's efforts to embed nature and wellbeing into everyday neighbourhoods. The strategy includes both large-scale central parks and smaller 'pocket gardens' to serve residential clusters. 'The direction of the Abu Dhabi City Council is to improve the quality of life in all areas,' the official said. 'The goal is to improve the efficiency of all the areas in the city... to the same level and more.'
While details remain confidential until October, the official confirmed that new projects in Al Ain will aim to enhance urban living through modern housing and public spaces. In Al Dhafra, the focus will be on limiting travel time between cities by upgrading roads and transport connectivity.
Smart cities and future-ready design
The push for smart infrastructure is also at the forefront; Eid outlined how Abu Dhabi is positioning itself as a regional leader in smart urban development by integrating international best practices into local planning. 'Our role at the regional level is to bring international experience to develop infrastructure. We aim to develop infrastructure for the society — to improve the quality of life, and to have a direct impact on all the members of the family,' he said.
Smart cities will feature 'intelligent traffic systems, digital governance, and sustainable construction methods' - enabling faster, greener, and more adaptive growth. 'Khalifa City is one example,' he said, describing it as a complete, liveable area with schools, cycling tracks, parks, walkways and health centres. 'The goal is to improve the efficiency of all areas to the same level and more.'
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