Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi plans to invest more than Dh240 billion in infrastructure projects over the next seven to 10 years to support its growing population and accelerate its transformation into a next-generation smart city, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), said at Abu Dhabi Finance Week on Monday.
The announcement comes amid an “influx of residents, investors and contributors who see a lot of opportunities in Abu Dhabi”, Al Shorafa said. This rising demand has driven the launch of the 2040 urban plan to prepare the emirate for sustained future growth.
Recent data released by the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD) shows that Abu Dhabi’s population grew 7.5 per cent in 2024, reaching a total of 4,135,985.
Al Shorafa emphasised that targeted infrastructure investment generates significant economic multiplier effects across sectors, including construction, transport, healthcare, education and hospitality.
While the government has substantial resources to deploy, he added that private-sector participation will be essential to accelerate project delivery and maximise returns.
‘Livable and Lovable’
Abu Dhabi is designing its growth around people, not just concrete. DMT will roll out Liveability 2.0 in early 2026, building on Liveability 1.0 launched a year and a half ago.
Al Shorafa noted that the initiative includes 120 quality-of-life metrics, from green spaces and cycling tracks to healthcare and education access. The goal is to make the emirate “liveable and lovable” by improving day-to-day life for residents, nationals, and visitors alike.
He further highlighted the gains of Abu Dhabi’s Smart City programme, launched only two and a half years ago.
These include the digital twin programme, autonomous vehicles on the road and AI-enabled transport systems, in addition to leveraging real-time mobility data to optimize traffic and urban planning.
Abu Dhabi moved up five positions to secure the 5th spot globally in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index (SCI).
“This tells you that our leadership’s North star has already been implemented and is being developed,” Al Shorafa said.
