Abu dhabi: The Livability and Investment Exhibition (LIVEX 2026) is set to open in Abu Dhabi from 29th September to 1st October 2026 at the ADNEC Centre. This exhibition aims to highlight Abu Dhabi's strategic focus on building cities that prioritize quality of life, establishing the emirate as a preferred destination for living, business, and long-term investment.
According to Emirates News Agency, the inaugural edition of LIVEX 2026 was launched today at a press conference held at the Zayed National Museum. The event was attended by senior government leaders from Abu Dhabi, who emphasized the shift in urban development from investment-led growth to growth driven by quality of life. The Department of Municipalities and Transport is organizing the exhibition as a specialized platform that integrates livability, infrastructure, and investment, underlining the importance of quality of life in shaping investment decisions.
LIVEX 2026 is expected to attract over 20,000 participants, including policymakers, institutional investors, urban planners, developers, and industry experts from more than 50 countries. During the press conference, leaders from eight key Abu Dhabi government entities showcased the emirate's achievements in urban and social infrastructure, covering areas such as the economy, healthcare, education, culture, and energy.
The conference included a keynote address by Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, who outlined Abu Dhabi's strategic roadmap for integrated urban development. He highlighted the emirate's commitment to enhancing quality of life and its role in strengthening long-term competitiveness. Al Shorafa remarked on Abu Dhabi's transformation into one of the most livable cities in the Middle East and Africa, attributing this success to decades of investment in infrastructure and community development.
Following the keynote, the conference featured two panel discussions focusing on Abu Dhabi's approach to enhancing quality of life. The first session, "People First: The Human Foundations of Abu Dhabi's Livability," addressed social pillars such as culture, healthcare, education, and wellbeing. The session included discussions by Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Dr Abdulla Humaid Al Jarwan, Shamis Ali Al Dhaheri, and Mohamed Taj Eddine Alqadi.
The second session, "Planning for a Prosperous Future: Investments and Systems Shaping Abu Dhabi's Urban Future," explored infrastructure, economic policies, and partnerships promoting sustainable urban growth. The panel featured insights from Badr Al Olama and Hammad Al Hammadi.
The exhibition will facilitate connections among decision-makers, highlight emerging ideas, and encourage the development of new partnerships within the urban development sector.