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Mid East Info
3 days ago
- Business
- Mid East Info
Future Cities Take Shape: ADIS 2025 Day 1 Highlights Transformative Infrastructure Vision
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2025 opened its doors today, setting a powerful agenda for reimagining urban development under the theme 'Future Cities: Rethinking Infrastructure for Better Lifestyles.' Welcoming over 2,500 attendees on its first day, the summit featured an impressive lineup of more than 70 global speakers, 30+ exhibitors, and a diverse, influential audience of decision-makers, investors, industry leaders, and innovators. Day 1 was marked by a series of strategic announcements and insightful discussions that reinforced Abu Dhabi's bold and forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development. The summit is supported by a distinguished coalition of partners reflecting a shared commitment to driving integrated, people-first infrastructure solutions that support the UAE's sustainability and innovation priorities. These include Headline Partner Modon; Real Estate Partner Aldar; Strategic Partners Bloom, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), and Etihad Rail; Government Partner Abu Dhabi Police' Platinum Partner Lead Development; Diamond Partner Etihad Airways; and Silver Partners Plenary and National Bank of Fujairah. The day's proceedings commenced with a clear articulation of Abu Dhabi's ambitious future. H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi, delivered a compelling Opening Keynote Address, asserting the emirate's proactive role in shaping the future. He emphasised the inseparable link between growth and liveability, and Abu Dhabi's drive to lead globally in both economic competitiveness and quality of life through world-class infrastructure. Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Holistic Urban Progress: In his participation at the fireside chat titled 'Developing the World's Most Liveable City: Infrastructure as a Catalyst for Holistic Urban Progress', H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, joined H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, to discuss the intersection of infrastructure, investment, and livability. During the session, H.E. Al Shorafa unveiled two major initiatives: the Liveability and Investment Exhibition (LIVEX), aimed at attracting global partnerships. Reflecting on the broader vision, he noted that Abu Dhabi is not just striving to be livable, but 'lovable'—a place where residents feel truly at home, supported by world-class infrastructure and inspired by a shared sense of belonging and ambition shaped by visionary leadership. H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) highlighted how strategic infrastructure development is cementing Abu Dhabi's economic growth and diversification, with the construction sector growing by over 40% in the past five years and its contribution to GDP rising from AED 76.7 bn (7.8% of total GDP) in 2020 to AED 107.4bn (9.1% of GDP) in 2024. H.E. emphasised that infrastructure in Abu Dhabi goes beyond physical assets to reflect its status as a world-leading smart city, offering advanced digital infrastructure, seamless connectivity, and world-class healthcare, education, and housing that together enhance both quality of life and investor readiness. Building on this strategic foundation, H.E. Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid, Director General, Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC), reinforced during his Opening Address the infrastructure's role as a powerful tool for societal transformation and unveiled the pivotal ADPIC Five-Year Strategic Roadmap. This comprehensive blueprint outlines key objectives including climate action, increased private sector participation, local content sourcing, and the expansion of modular construction, all geared towards a resilient, sustainable, and inclusive Abu Dhabi. Forging the Vision for Liveable Cities: The summit immediately plunged into Abu Dhabi's strategic vision for urban development. High-level dialogues explored how the emirate's visionary infrastructure strategy, backed by over AED 200 billion in committed projects, underpins its status as the Middle East and North Africa's most liveable city. Discussions highlighted a commitment that goes beyond mere construction, focusing on redefining lifestyle-driven urban development by merging cultural heritage with cutting-edge innovation. Abu Dhabi: The Capital of Lifestyle Development In a powerful conversation, senior leaders from across Abu Dhabi's urban, investment, and development sectors came together to explore how the Emirate is redefining lifestyle-led urban growth. H.E. Dr. Saif Sultan Al Nasri (DMT) highlighted the role of smart infrastructure and integrated planning in enhancing mobility, liveability, and community cohesion. H.E. Badr Al Olama (ADIO) emphasised the importance of strategic investment partnerships that enable innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification. Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi, Group CEO of Miral, reinforced the role of destination-led development in shaping Abu Dhabi as a global lifestyle capital, where tourism, entertainment, and placemaking intersect to deliver economic and social value. He stressed that lifestyle is no longer just about real estate or retail, it's about creating emotional, meaningful, and memorable experiences for both residents and visitors, aligned with Abu Dhabi's long-term vision. Adel Albreiki, CEO of Aldar Projects, spoke to the consultation and collaboration that exists between the public and private sectors in the delivery of large-scale, mixed-use and people-centric developments in Abu Dhabi and how these projects support population growth while preserving cultural identity and environmental priorities. Pioneering Innovation and Future Technologies: A significant portion of the day spotlighted groundbreaking innovations and technologies poised to redefine infrastructure. Sessions explored the transformative potential of advanced construction methods, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Building Information Modelling (BIM) in rapidly scaling affordable housing, reimagining urban ecosystems, and enhancing project planning and management. Insights from global practices, including a presentation on Hong Kong's advanced construction methods, provided valuable perspectives on digital transformation and modular approaches. The emphasis was clear: technology is not just an enabler, but a core component of future-proof urban development. Cultivating Partnerships and Economic Resilience: The summit also underscored the crucial role of collaboration and robust economic frameworks in achieving these ambitious goals. Discussions on global infrastructure partnerships examined how Abu Dhabi's strategic alignment of regional priorities and international best practices fosters inclusive growth and addresses complex urban challenges. The importance of integrated logistics infrastructure was also a key focus, showcasing Abu Dhabi's drive to become a leading logistics and distribution hub through multimodal transport solutions and advanced cargo capabilities. Furthermore, sessions addressed the legal and economic underpinnings of large-scale projects, detailing how advancements in capital contracts are designed to minimise disputes and enhance project delivery efficiency. The day concluded with a focus on empowering local economies, with discussions highlighting the impact of national programmes in strengthening local procurement and resilience. The day concluded with a Panel on 'Empowering Local Economies: ICV and SME Agility in Infrastructure introducing H.E. Adel Al Nuaimi, Executive Director – Capital Projects Contractual Affairs Sector, Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC); Moustafa Fahour, COO, Plenary Middle East; and Ahmed Al Zaabi, Executive Director of Delivery at Modon. The panel discussed the national In-Country Value (ICV) Program and the Abu Dhabi SME Champion Programme, emphasising their role in empowering local procurement, talent, and manufacturing capabilities, and diversifying supply chains. Building the Future, Together: Adding further depth to ADIS are the key Collaboration Partners from across the globe, each contributing specialised expertise to advance the summit's vision for livable, sustainable, and resilient cities. A diverse range of organisations, including the International Project Finance Association (IPFA), Mexican Business Council/CEMEX, Turkish Contractors Association, International Federation of Landscape Architects (IFLA), International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC), Emirates Green Building Council (EBC), and International Real Estate Federation (FIABCI), highlight ADIS as a global platform for innovation-led infrastructure development. Day 1 of ADIS 2025 successfully ignited critical dialogue and showcased Abu Dhabi's progressive vision for urban development. The comprehensive discussions, spanning strategic planning, technological innovation, and economic empowerment, underscored the emirate's unwavering commitment to building a future that is not only economically robust but also deeply human-centric and sustainable. As global leaders and innovators depart from this inaugural day, the momentum for collaborative action and transformative infrastructure development in Abu Dhabi is stronger than ever. The summit will continue tomorrow, 18 June 2025, with further exploration of the critical aspects of future-ready infrastructure.
Gulf Today
19-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Abu Dhabi's industrial GDP up 23% to Dhs111.6 billion in 2024
The Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) is supercharging the manufacturing sector and accelerating the economic diversification in the emirate. Since ADIS's launch in June 2022, the industrial GDP in Abu Dhabi grew 23 per cent from Dhs90.8 billion in 2022 to Dhs111.6 billion in 2024, and number of industrial enterprises rise 19.4 per cent from 925 to 1,104, said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED). Participating in a panel discussion on the opening day of the 4th session of 'Make it in the Emirates', Al Zaabi highlighted the initiatives and programmes of the UAE and Abu Dhabi aimed at fostering an investment climate that accelerates industrial growth and unlocks long-term economic resilience. Al Zaabi added, 'The UAE has developed a robust ecosystem that attracts and empowers global talents and high-quality investments as reflected in the significant growth of FDIs in various sectors, including the industrial sector. He added that the UAE's industrial strategy has established the right frameworks to stimulate the industrial sector with a strong focus on enhancing resilience to address emerging trends, challenges, and rapid changes through various programmes including talent development, financing, ease of doing business, supply chains, ICV, sustainability, Industry 4.0, and attraction of foreign direct investments. 'We work closely with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) to contribute to 'Operation 300bn' aiming to raise the industrial sector GDP to AED300 billion by 2031 and align with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy,' he said. Al Zaabi explained that Abu Dhabi's manufacturing sector increased its contribution to 53 per cent of UAE's industrial GDP, which rose 6.6 per cent to AED210 billion in 2024. This is compared to a contribution of 51.3 per cent to the country's industrial sector in 2023 and 46 per cent in 2022. 'A key component of our soaring 'Falcon Economy', ADIS is strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as the region's most competitive industrial hub. It is guiding the manufacturing sector's transition to Industry 4.0 and the adoption of smart manufacturing's methods, techniques, and approaches,' he stated. Last year, Abu Dhabi's manufacturing sector remained the largest non-oil contributor to the emirate's GDP, accounting for 9.5 per cent of total GDP and 17.3 per cent of non-oil GDP. In Q1 of 2025, the industrial sector continued its growth with the number of new industrial licences rising 4.7 per cent t to 89 compared to 85 new licences in the corresponding period last year. The number of industrial licences moved from under-construction to production stage surged by 65 per cent to 33 compared to 20 in Q1 of 2024. Abu Dhabi's Falcon Economy is rapidly emerging as a global centre of advanced industries and technologies, building world-class hubs for finance, advanced manufacturing, AI, and New Energy. As part of its initiatives to capitalise on advanced technologies to address pressing needs and future-proof the economy, Abu Dhabi has been launching sector-specific clusters, including the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI), AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA), and Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM). Meanwhile the Statistics Centre - Abu Dhabi (SCAD) has released preliminary statistical estimates for Abu Dhabi's Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 2024 in March, showing significant annual economic growth driven by the thriving non-oil sector. The 2024 GDP data highlights Abu Dhabi's sustained economic momentum, with total GDP and non-oil GDP reaching record values for the third consecutive year. The emirate's real GDP expanded by 3.8 per cent in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching an all-time high value of Dhs1.2 trillion, driven by the non-oil economy which recorded a strong growth rate of 6.2 per cent, marking its highest-ever annual contribution of 54.7 per cent to total GDP. This underscores Abu Dhabi's continued success in implementing economic diversification strategies and fostering sustainable, long-term growth. The non-oil sector remained the primary driver of economic momentum, with total non-oil GDP added value reaching Dhs644.3 billion, setting a record for the third consecutive year. Key sectors including manufacturing, construction, finance and insurance, information and communication, wholesale and retail trade, education, and health, achieved their highest-ever values, reflecting the emirate's commitment to industrial development, infrastructure investment, and human capital enhancement. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), said, 'The consistent, remarkable performance of the Falcon Economy in the past years is a testament to Abu Dhabi's forward-thinking economic strategies, progressive policies, and proactive responses to an evolving global landscape.' Since Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy's launch in June 2022, number of industrial enterprises rise 19.4 per cent from 925 to 1,104
Al Etihad
19-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy drives 23% sector growth, industrial enterprises up 19.4%
19 May 2025 12:50 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Abu Dhabi Industrial Strategy (ADIS) is supercharging the manufacturing sector, and accelerating the economic diversification in the ADIS's launch in June 2022, the industrial GDP in Abu Dhabi has grown 23 percent, from Dh90.8 billion in 2022 to Dh111.6 billion in 2024, and the number of industrial enterprises has rised 19.4 percent from 925 to 1,104, said Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED).Participating in a panel discussion on the opening day of the 4th session of Make it in the Emirates, Al Zaabi highlighted the initiatives and programmes of the UAE and Abu Dhabi aimed at fostering an investment climate that accelerates industrial growth, and unlocks long-term economic Zaabi said, "The UAE has developed a robust ecosystem that attracts and empowers global talents and high-quality investments, as reflected in the significant growth of FDIs in various sectors, including the industrial sector."He added that the UAE's industrial strategy has established the right frameworks to stimulate the industrial sector, with a strong focus on enhancing resilience to address emerging trends, challenges, and rapid changes through various programmes, including talent development, financing, ease of doing business, supply chains, ICV, sustainability, Industry 4.0, and attraction of foreign direct investment (FDI). "We work closely with the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT) to contribute to 'Operation 300bn', aiming to raise the industrial sector GDP to Dh300 billion by 2031, and align with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy," he said. Al Zaabi explained that Abu Dhabi's manufacturing sector increased its contribution to 53 percent of UAE's industrial GDP, with a 6.6 percent rise to Dh210 billion in 2024. This is in comparison to a 51.3 percent contribution to the country's industrial sector in 2023, and 46 percent in 2022.'A key component of our soaring 'Falcon Economy', ADIS is strengthening Abu Dhabi's position as the region's most competitive industrial hub. It is guiding the manufacturing sector's transition to Industry 4.0 and the adoption of smart manufacturing's methods, techniques, and approaches,' he 2024, Abu Dhabi's manufacturing sector remained the largest non-oil contributor to the emirate's GDP, accounting for 9.5 percent of total GDP, and 17.3 percent of non-oil Q1-2025, the industrial sector continued its growth, with the number of new industrial licences rising 4.7 percent to 89 licences, compared to 85 new licences in the corresponding period last year. The number of industrial licences moved from under-construction to production stage surged by 65 percent to 33, compared to 20 in Dhabi's Falcon Economy is rapidly emerging as a global centre of advanced industries and technologies, building world-class hubs for finance, advanced manufacturing, AI, and New Energy. As part of its initiatives to capitalise on advanced technologies to address pressing needs and future-proof the economy, Abu Dhabi has been launching sector-specific clusters, including Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industry (SAVI), AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA), and Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM).
Al Etihad
08-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi Investment Office to expand San Francisco office to attract further US investment into the emirate's health sector
8 May 2025 16:39 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) has announced plans to expand the operations of its office in San Francisco to support the global expansion of Abu Dhabi's economic clusters. At an epicentre of health tech, biotech, and venture capital, the expansion of the San Francisco office will promote Abu Dhabi's fast-track clinical validation and regulatory pathways to serve as a launchpad for global innovation in healthcare, as well as other priority Abu Dhabi's Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine cluster (HELM), launched in April 2025 by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) in partnership with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, is projected to contribute $25.6 billion to Abu Dhabi's GDP, unlock 30,000 new jobs, and attract $11.5 billion in investment by Cluster, tapping growth opportunities in the global healthcare market, which is projected to reach $25.3 trillion by 2045, will be a key area of focus for the San Francisco office. One of the largest global health innovation initiatives of its kind, HELM leverages Abu Dhabi's strengths in genomics, population health intelligence, AI in healthcare, and regulatory agility. ADIO office will enable US-based startups and scaleups to join other leading US healthcare firms, such as Insilico Medicine and Innovaccer, in expanding to Abu announcement was made as part of a high-level delegation visit to San Francisco, led by the Chairman of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, His Excellency Mansoor Ibrahim Al Mansoori, to strengthen strategic partnerships and hold meetings with decision-makers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of leading institutions in the health technology and innovation sector in the of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), His Excellency Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, said, 'ADIO's office in San Francisco is more than a presence, it's a platform for investment matching, market entry, and long-term growth. By expanding our operations in San Francisco, we're not only opening new doors to Abu Dhabi's business ecosystem, we're building two-way bridges for capital, innovation, and impact across multiple innovation-driven sectors.'His Excellency Al Mansoori said, 'The future of health cannot be built in isolation; it must be co-created. The expansion of ADIO's office in San Francisco will give health innovators, and entrepreneurs the opportunity to build, test, and scale solutions with Abu Dhabi, for the world. As a Living Lab for real-world health innovation, backed by agile, innovation-focused regulations, capital and infrastructure, we offer a platform where global ideas can scale and create impact.' Announced during Abu Dhabi Global Health Week 2025, the HELM cluster serves as a launchpad for health and life sciences companies seeking to tap into strategic capital with partners in Abu Dhabi, fast-track market validation through Abu Dhabi's digitally integrated clinical trial and regulatory infrastructure, simultaneously access and expand across two high-value markets—the US and the Middle East, collaborate with leading UAE-based research institutions and healthcare providers and scale globally with bespoke advisory and partnership support.
Al Etihad
06-05-2025
- Business
- Al Etihad
Abu Dhabi's economic delegation to Japan explores new avenues to strengthen partnerships
6 May 2025 17:06 ABU DHABI (WAM)As part of Abu Dhabi's ongoing efforts to enhance ties with leading global economies, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development's (ADDED) economic delegation to Japan is exploring new avenues to enhance cooperation in various industries and high-growth delegation is organised in partnership with the UAE Embassy in Tokyo, reflecting a unified national effort to deepen economic and investment ties between the two high-level delegation comprises senior officials and executives from both the government and private sectors, including the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), ADGM, Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), Abu Dhabi Customs, Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ADCCI), ADNOC, KEZAD, Hub71, Abu Dhabi Airports, and major companies from different Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said, "Abu Dhabi's soaring 'Falcon Economy' is solidifying the emirate's status as a rising economic powerhouse and a premier destination for global talent, high-value investments, and world-class enterprises. As part of initiatives to future-proof the economy, we are strengthening partnerships with leading economies and top trading partners around the globe, as well as investing in advanced industries, R&D, and entrepreneurship."Al Zaabi added, "Japan has been a key partner of Abu Dhabi and the UAE for more than six decades, as evidenced by the steady growth of bilateral trade and mutual investments. Our trade with Japan grew at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9 percent in the last five years. Over the same period, the UAE's non-oil exports to Japan increased at a CAGR of 8.8 percent, and imports rose at a CAGR of 12.2 percent.""Additionally, our investments in Japan have more than doubled over the past five years, and our country attracted over 80% of Japanese investments in the Middle East. This visit is a testament to our commitment to take this partnership to new heights, with plans to deepen cooperation in clean energy, hydrogen, AI, life sciences, and next-generation technologies to shape a sustainable future," he trade and mutual investments are poised to further increase with the signing of the UAE-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), expected to be finalised later this year. The agreement is set to unlock opportunities in various sectors, fostering the exchange of expertise and technology and opening new markets for both Japanese and UAE delegation will visit and participate in key events in Japan, including Expo 2025 Osaka and SusHi Tech – Tokyo, and the 11th Abu Dhabi Japan Economic Council (ADJEC) meeting. The delegation will also organise the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) and Abu Dhabi-Tokyo Business Forum, which aim to enhance cooperation and attract talent, business, and investment to Abu Ahmed Al Faheem, Ambassador of the UAE to Japan, said, "This visit reflects the deep-rooted and forward-looking partnership between Abu Dhabi and Japan. Japan's expertise in digital transformation, technology, sustainable mobility, and industrial automation complements Abu Dhabi's strategic sectors and our shared vision for a knowledge-based, net-zero future.""We are on the cusp of a new era of bilateral cooperation, enabled by frameworks such as the forthcoming Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will unlock greater market access and enhance investment flows between the two countries. The UAE Embassy in Tokyo is proud to support this delegation, and we look forward to deepening our engagement with Japanese partners to drive long-term sustainable growth," Al Faheem its establishment in 2011, ADJEC, co-chaired by ADDED and the Japan Cooperation Centre for the Middle East (JCCME), has been driving bilateral cooperation across various industries. JCCME member companies operating in Abu Dhabi have a total capital value of Dh106 billion, and are active in a range of sectors, including oil and gas, contracting, retail, consulting, education, and heavy machinery its success in London, Beijing and Shanghai, the Abu Dhabi Investment Forum (ADIF) will make its Japan debut in Tokyo on May 9, 2025. Organised by the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and ADGM, ADIF provides a platform for top CEOs, business leaders, and investors to explore strategic partnerships and investment opportunities with one of MENA's fastest-growing event will include keynote speeches, panel discussions, and high-level engagements with Japanese government officials and corporate leaders, with a focus on Abu Dhabi's economic clusters, including the Smart and Autonomous Vehicles Industries (SAVI) cluster, AgriFood Growth and Water Abundance (AGWA) cluster, and recently launched Health, Endurance, Longevity, and Medicine (HELM) cluster. The Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry ADCCI, in cooperation with ADGM and ADIO, will organise the Abu Dhabi-Japan Business Connect forum on May 8, 2025. This unique forum is a high-level gathering of business leaders and officials, designed to bring together representatives from both Abu Dhabi and Tokyo, to enhance international partnerships and explore global investment opportunities. The high-profile forum aims to strengthen economic relations and international partnerships between Abu Dhabi and Japan.
