UAE highlights smart infrastructure vision at ADIS 2026

Abu Dhabi, UAE, 13 May 2026: H.E. Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the UAE’s infrastructure development model during the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2026. Making the announcement through a May 13 Press Release, the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said H.E. Al Mazrouei outlined the country’s approach to smart and sustainable infrastructure development under the theme, ‘Urban Evolution: Rethinking Cities, Redefining How We Live’.

According to the Ministry, H.E. Al Mazrouei said the UAE has developed a global infrastructure model based on long-term planning, rapid execution and the adoption of advanced technologies. H.E. Al Mazrouei added the UAE ranks among the world’s top five countries for infrastructure and road quality, despite a development journey spanning less than five decades.

H.E. Al Mazrouei said the UAE is preparing to implement major infrastructure projects over the coming years comparable in scale to projects completed during previous decades. According to him, these developments are expected to increase the efficiency and capacity of infrastructure systems and road networks by between 60% and 70%, supporting population growth, economic expansion and future readiness.

H.E. Al Mazrouei said: “What distinguishes the UAE model is not only the scale of investment or the speed of execution but also the ability to build an integrated ecosystem that combines infrastructure, energy, technology and society.”

H.E. Al Mazrouei said the UAE considers infrastructure a key driver of economic growth and quality of life, while also strengthening national competitiveness.

According to the Ministry, H.E. Al Mazrouei said the UAE has demonstrated resilience across the transport, logistics and energy sectors during recent global challenges and changes. H.E. Al Mazrouei added that the country’s infrastructure capabilities have supported economic stability and continuity of development activities.

The Ministry said the UAE is integrating artificial intelligence, digital twins and smart systems into infrastructure planning, implementation and operations. H.E. Al Mazrouei said the value of digital twin projects in the UAE has exceeded AED 2 billion through global partnerships and investments in future technologies. H.E. Al Mazrouei said: “The UAE continues to invest in innovation and accelerate the adoption of modern construction technologies, successfully delivering advanced models of smart construction projects within record timeframes. This achievement reflects the rapid progress in smart building technologies and advanced construction methods, further reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global model for smart infrastructure and future development.”

The Ministry said the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre at the ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi hosted the event. According to the Ministry, the event welcomed more than 6,000 attendees on the opening day, alongside participation from government entities, developers and construction firms.

The Ministry said the first day of the summit included the signing of 10 memoranda of understanding and strategic announcements linked to Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure agenda. According to the Ministry, one of the key developments was an integrated governance framework involving ADPIC and 14 government entities intended to accelerate capital approvals across the emirate.

The Ministry said H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa and H.E. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid delivered keynote addresses. According to the Ministry, the speakers discussed Abu Dhabi’s long-term infrastructure strategy focused on continuity, operational performance and quality of life.