Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The second edition of Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) commenced on Tuesday with a focus on building smarter, faster, more resilient, and more human-centric urban environments.
Held under the theme "The Urban Evolution, Rethinking Cities, Redefining How We Live" and running until Thursday at ADNEC Abu Dhabi, the event brings together government leaders, developers, investors, and global experts to explore the systems, partnerships, and investments shaping the next generation of cities.
Speaking to Aletihad on the sidelines of the event, representatives of Abu Dhabi government entities highlighted how the emirate is integrating AI, sustainability, digital transformation, and innovative partnerships into future urban projects.
Smarter Planning Tools
At the summit, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) is showcasing its role in balancing rapid urban growth with environmental sustainability.
Ahmed Al Junaibi, Unit Head - Infrastructure and Development Inspection at EAD, highlighted the agency's hydrogeological map covering groundwater resources across the UAE to help preserve water resources for the next generations.
He also drew attention to the agency's Eltezam digital system for environmental inspection and compliance evaluation.
"It gives you the violation or the observation and best practice immediately," he said, adding that the system connects contractors, inspectors, and stakeholders digitally, including the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department when needed.
Maryam Al Zaabi, an Urban Designer from the Urban Planning and Permits Centre, under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said the centre is presenting the Nabd platform and the Holographic Future Project.
She described Nabd as "a dynamic digital twin of Abu Dhabi" that provides "a complete picture of what exists both above and below the ground".
According to Al Zaabi, the platform combines operational systems, smart city metrics, real estate data, and quality-of-life indicators into one unified system, helping decision-making become faster and smarter.
Speaking about the Holographic Future Project, Al Zaabi said it transforms master plans into "a fully interactive experience".
"Before anything is built, we are able to walk through our designs and experience what a future Abu Dhabi neighborhood could look and feel like," Al Zaabi said.
The immersive system also evaluates urban design indicators such as pedestrian comfort, public spaces, and neighbourhood character.
The Abu Dhabi Housing Authority is also showcasing a range of residential projects focused on sustainable community development and future-ready housing for citizens across the emirate.
Latifa Al Ketbi, Project Manager at Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, highlighted developments including West Baniyas and Al Sila projects across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra, alongside partnership projects such as Yas Canal, and Shahama.
Al Ketbi explained that their platform presents detailed information about each development, including masterplans, construction phases, housing facades, expected completion dates, and project budgets.
She noted that all of them are residential projects for citizens, reflecting the authority's focus on housing and community wellbeing.
She added that the authority integrates environmental standards into project designs through the Pearl Rating System for Estidama, which addresses the sustainability of developments throughout their lifecycle – from design and construction to operation.
Sustainable Growth
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) is showcasing infrastructure projects focused on mobility and sustainable connectivity.
Amna Al Ameri, Material Engineer at DMT said the entity is showcasing two marine bridges connecting Al Reem Island, Yas Island, and Saadiyat Island.
She explained that the project reduces the travel time by 60%, saving approximately 15 minutes per trip, as the route accommodates 7,200 vehicles per hour.
Al Ameri noted that sustainability is integrated into the bridge design through dedicated cycling tracks and pedestrian walkways.
She also highlighted the project's V‑shaped piers to allow vessels clear passage.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) said its participation focuses on advancing infrastructure through public-private Partnerships (PPP) models.
Eid Alobeidli, Director of Musataha & Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) at ADIO, said ADIO and Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre have assessed 24 projects within the PPP pipeline worth Dh55 billion in capital expenditure, spanning transport, infrastructure and social sectors.
He noted that transport sector projects cover more than 300 kilometres of new and upgraded roads, tunnels, intersections and wider network improvements. The infrastructure projects include dams, water storage, flood control systems, stormwater upgrades and urban landscaping.
