The inaugural Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2025 brought together global experts, policymakers, and industry leaders to explore how innovative infrastructure, strategic partnerships, and cutting-edge technology are shaping the future of urban living. At the heart of these discussions was the recognition that infrastructure is not just physical development—it’s the foundation for economic growth, social progress, and sustainable communities.
What is the Role of ADPIC in Shaping Abu Dhabi’s Future?
A key driver behind Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure ambitions is the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC). Established to centralise and oversee the planning, development, and delivery of all government capital projects, ADPIC plays a critical role in turning the emirate’s strategic vision into reality.
Tasked with aligning infrastructure initiatives with Abu Dhabi’s broader economic and social goals, ADPIC promotes innovation, sustainability, and private sector collaboration. It acts as both a policymaker and an enabler, coordinating across government entities to ensure that infrastructure development not only supports economic growth but enhances quality of life for all residents.
At ADIS 2025, H.E. Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid, Director General of ADPIC, underscored the Centre’s pivotal role in leading this transformation. Describing infrastructure as the “backbone that carries a city’s values, identity, and readiness for the future,” he highlighted the summit as a “critical connection for global thought and action in infrastructure.”
What is the Five-Year Strategic Plan and Capital Projects Roadmap?
A major milestone unveiled at the summit was ADPIC’s Five-Year Strategic Plan and Capital Projects Roadmap for 2025-2029. Developed in alignment with the vision of Abu Dhabi’s leadership, this ambitious roadmap is built around five strategic pillars:
- Enhancing Liveability and Addressing Community Needs
- Accelerating Private Sector Engagement
- Strengthening the Local Economy
- Embedding Sustainability
- Advancing Digital Transformation
“This roadmap is a bold step toward shaping Abu Dhabi’s future,” Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid remarked. “It reflects our proactive approach to infrastructure development, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and strategic collaboration. We are designing infrastructure that not only supports economic progress but also improves daily life for residents, while attracting global investment and expertise.”
Driving Private Sector Participation and Economic Diversification
A cornerstone of the roadmap is the targeted expansion of private sector participation in capital projects. ADPIC aims to increase private sector involvement by 20% annually, unlocking new investment channels and fostering business opportunities.
To achieve this, ADPIC will:
- Launch a global roadshow to attract at least 20 new international developers and contractors.
- Position Abu Dhabi as a premier global destination for infrastructure partnerships.
- Implement initiatives to ensure that 30% of capital expenditure is reinvested into the local economy, fostering local value creation and economic resilience.
An essential element of this local economic strategy includes sourcing 40% of materials locally and attracting anchor investors to establish new manufacturing hubs. Initial efforts will focus on sectors such as lighting and HVAC systems, with plans to expand into other critical industries, supporting Abu Dhabi’s broader diversification agenda.
Sustainability and Innovation at the Core
Sustainability remains central to ADPIC’s vision. All new government capital projects will be required to comply with Abu Dhabi’s 2050 Net-Zero Policy by the end of the year. In addition, 50% of new housing and social projects will incorporate modular construction methods, which significantly reduce material waste and improve construction efficiency.
The roadmap also accelerates digital transformation. By 2026, ADPIC will launch a Centralised Government Authorities Platform, designed to streamline coordination and operational efficiency across all infrastructure projects.
Looking to the future, ADPIC is also committed to building the next generation of infrastructure leaders. Initiatives include the introduction of internship programmes, a dedicated capital project management curriculum, and the establishment of a research and development hub focused on infrastructure innovation.
Abu Dhabi’s Vision for Human-Centric, Resilient Cities
Throughout ADIS 2025, discussions reinforced Abu Dhabi’s proactive role in building cities where economic competitiveness, sustainability, and quality of life are intrinsically linked. Delegates emphasised the importance of leveraging advanced technologies, fostering strategic global partnerships, and implementing forward-looking policies to create resilient, inclusive, and human-centric urban environments.
With over 4,000 visitors from more than 100 nationalities, the summit firmly established itself as a pivotal global platform, fostering critical dialogue and showcasing Abu Dhabi’s visionary approach to infrastructure development.
As ADPIC leads the implementation of its strategic roadmap, Abu Dhabi is positioning itself at the forefront of global infrastructure innovation, laying the foundations for a sustainable, prosperous, and globally competitive future.
Read next: Meeting future industry demand – Build in Digital
Are you a building professional? Sign up for a FREE MEMBERSHIP to upload news stories, post job vacancies, and connect with colleagues on our secure social feed.
