Major multi-million-dollar investments in economic growth, improved community wellbeing and the preservation of the environment have been announced in Abu Dhabi that are set to transform the emirate’s infrastructure and improve the quality of life of its citizens.
The Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) is making an investment of AED66bn ($18bn) for 144 projects across Abu Dhabi spanning various sectors, including housing and quality of life, education and human capital, tourism and natural resources. The investment will significantly enhance the emirate’s infrastructure and quality of life.
Iin a key move aimed at boosting the housing sector, more than AED59bn ($16bn) has been allocated to establish a number of housing and public facilities throughout the emirate. This encompasses the comprehensive development of entire communities, integrating a range of amenities and services. About AED4 billion ($1bn) has been assigned for education and human capital, followed by more than AED1.1bn to boost tourism across the emirate. An estimated AED50m has been designated for projects earmarked at enhancing the emirate’s natural resources.
The ADPIC centre has several key responsibilities, which include reviewing capital projects proposed by government entities and submitting recommendations to Abu Dhabi Executive Council to achieve the emirate’s development goals, supervising projects’ implementation to ensure adherence to approved plans and overseeing quality standards and safety criteria while ensuring timely delivery. ADPIC is also responsible for making decisions on matters related to capital projects such as project developer selection and identification, developing contract templates, standardising project design criteria and coordinating with government entities to identify and promote best practices and options for the execution of capital projects in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
The significant investment in construction and infrastructure is a real signal of intent by Abu Dhabi underpinning its desire to improve the lives of citizens across the emirate and enhance communities and wellbeing. His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi, said: “In the realm of development, every project is a testament to our commitment to excellence. Let our endeavours inspire a future where innovation meets purpose, forging a path towards prosperity and sustainability, inspired by the shared vision of a brighter and more interconnected tomorrow.”
That commitment to interconnectivity, sustainability and quality of life is a leitmotif of the emirate’s multi-billion-dollar investment programme. Highlighting ADPIC’s commitment to enhancing the lives of citizens across the emirate, nearly 13,000 housing units will be developed in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Dhafra. There will also be a pivotal focus on streamlining the allocation process for government housing beneficiaries, resulting in reduced waiting times and increased efficiency in delivering housing solutions.
Moving beyond infrastructure, the multifaceted plan is set to enhance social bonds by extending developments into social spaces, including mosques, community and sports centres, retail offerings, along with police and civil defence facilities, and more. A keen focus on social, recreational, and safety facilities is expected to foster public engagement and wellbeing, creating public spaces that cater to the diverse needs of residents and contribute to a vibrant community life.
Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, director general of ADPIC, said: “These ambitious initiatives are designed to act as a comprehensive roadmap, guaranteeing that the emirate’s continuous expansion is managed effectively while fostering sustainable development, enhancing overall quality of life and accommodating the evolving needs of its diverse population.”
The initiatives will be supplemented by the construction and enhancement of parks, public spaces, walk lanes, playgrounds and specialised cycle tracks. Together with offering recreational opportunities, the amenities also underscore a commitment to a healthier and more active populace. Further innovations in transport and mobility will also be rolled out as part of ADPIC’s efforts. Members of the public will also be encouraged to adopt more eco-friendly habits with a wide array of bike lanes and pedestrian walkways that will be established across the emirate.
Vocational training and education sectors will also receive a boost in investments. Along with renovations and capacity expansions of schools and training centres, additional projects will also be rolled out to support early childhood learning and general human capital development. Budgets have also been allocated to create and maintain multiple cultural destinations and buildings to support the emirate’s tourism sector, placing a focus on preserving and celebrating the rich tapestry of Emirati heritage.
In addition, the emirate’s natural resources will also receive a boost in the form of investments in diverse aquaculture farms, which include breeding, raising and harvesting a range of species of fish, shellfish and more. This aim to bolster the emirate’s food security, while also meeting commercial and individual demands in the market.
The all-encompassing plan unveiled by ADPIC signals a big stride towards a more vibrant and sustainable future. Along with infrastructure enhancements, the initiatives further highlight a dedication to fostering economic growth, improving community wellbeing and preserving the environment.
Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, director general of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre will be speaking at a global infrastructure showcase session at the 2024 FIDIC Global Infrastructure Conference in Geneva on Tuesday 10 September 2024.
