Abu Dhabi is accelerating plans to expand infrastructure, housing, and urban development as the emirate positions itself among the world’s most livable cities, according to Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa. Speaking during a panel discussion moderated by Razan Salman, Al Shorafa revealed that Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector recorded a 140% year-on-year increase in activity, supported by continued demand, new developer participation, and long-term investment in transport and community infrastructure. The comments come as the emirate advances major urban expansion projects across new districts and industrial locations despite broader regional and global economic uncertainty.
Original article: Walkable roads, new districts: Abu Dhabi enhances livability as real estate surges 140% by Khaleej Times.
Key Insights:
Livability Strategy Drives Urban Development
Al Shorafa said Abu Dhabi’s growth strategy is increasingly centered on livability rather than purely economic expansion, with urban planning focused on creating more integrated, community-oriented environments.
The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) is embedding walkability, parks, schools, healthcare access, and retail infrastructure into new developments, alongside efforts to improve mobility and reduce congestion across the emirate.
The emirate is also continuing to invest in transport connectivity and infrastructure corridors linking Abu Dhabi with surrounding districts and Dubai, supporting both population growth and investor demand.
Real Estate Activity Remains Strong
Abu Dhabi’s property market has continued to show resilience, with Al Shorafa noting that distressed sales remain limited despite external economic pressures.
According to Al Shorafa, new developers, including firms expanding from Dubai, are entering the Abu Dhabi market with upcoming residential and mixed-use projects. Authorities are also closely monitoring supply and demand through licensing, planning controls, and coordination with private developers to maintain pricing stability across both affordable and prime segments.
The approach reflects a more measured expansion strategy as the emirate seeks to sustain long-term growth without creating significant oversupply risks.
AI and Digital Infrastructure Shape City Management
Technology and artificial intelligence are becoming increasingly central to Abu Dhabi’s urban planning strategy. DMT has spent the past four years digitizing municipal operations to improve planning efficiency and real-time city management.
A centralized command-and-control platform now monitors traffic, parking and infrastructure systems, while a digital twin of the emirate is being used to support planning and development decisions.
Smart traffic management systems and optimised public transport networks are also being deployed as authorities respond to rising urban density and congestion pressures.
Long-Term Expansion Plans Underway
Abu Dhabi is preparing a series of mega projects that will change the face of the emirate in the next 10 years. Among the key initiatives is the redevelopment of Mussafah into a more advanced industrial and residential district, with plans for affordable housing, automation, and specialized economic clusters focused on sectors including biotechnology and construction technology.
The emirate is also continuing expansion beyond Abu Dhabi Island through new government locations, residential communities, and infrastructure developments designed to support population growth and economic diversification.
While activity has moderated in some global real estate markets, Abu Dhabi’s continued strength in infrastructure-led development and prime residential demand suggests investor confidence in the emirate remains resilient heading into 2026.
