Abu dhabi: Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that the emirate of Abu Dhabi is leading the largest wave of spending on infrastructure projects in the UAE over the next four years, covering roads, transport, railways, metro systems, and high-speed trains, within an ambitious strategic vision aimed at strengthening the country's global competitiveness and accelerating economic diversification beyond reliance on oil.
According to Emirates News Agency, Al Mazrouei highlighted during a panel discussion titled "The UAE Model: Building the Best Infrastructure in the World" at the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2026, that Abu Dhabi accounts for more than half of the UAE's future spending on infrastructure and transport projects. This reflects a strategic direction driving national investments in this vital sector during 2026 and beyond, with the aim of enhancing economic diversification and strengthening the country's readiness for the future.
He noted that the projects planned over the next four to six years are equivalent to what was achieved in the past 50 years, delivering a qualitative leap in efficiency and capacity ranging between 60 and 70 percent. This reflects the scale of the rapid developmental transformation taking place in the UAE.
Al Mazrouei emphasized that the UAE is advancing towards consolidating its position as an advanced industrial nation based on high technology. This is achieved through developing future industries linked to artificial intelligence, data centres, advanced technologies, and decision-making systems, reinforcing its status as a global hub for designing and developing vital components of the future economy.
He stressed that the UAE aims to top global indicators in infrastructure by adopting innovative development models based on efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness. Abu Dhabi represents the economic and industrial heart of the UAE and is the main driver of the national development process, having evolved beyond being a local economic centre to becoming an influential global player in the energy, industry, and infrastructure sectors.
The minister added that Abu Dhabi's position is supported by an advanced industrial base that includes oil, gas, and major manufacturing industries, with Emirates Global Aluminium and other leading industrial entities at its forefront.
Al Mazrouei also noted that the challenges faced by the UAE tested the resilience of the national infrastructure, the efficiency of logistics services, and the speed of decision-making. The achievements accomplished in short periods demonstrated the country's readiness, the efficiency of its institutions, and its high capability in crisis management.
Regarding infrastructure sustainability and economic resilience, Al Mazrouei explained that building cities is centred on enhancing quality of life and human well-being. Modern cities rely heavily on energy, creating challenges related to consumption efficiency and resource sustainability.
He added that the UAE is working to reshape patterns of energy and water consumption through innovation, developing smart energy systems, and harnessing artificial intelligence technologies in consumption management. Establishing sustainable design standards for buildings and cities contributes to a more efficient and sustainable urban environment and supports the country's path towards a balanced and sustainable development future.