Abu Dhabi is accelerating its transformation into one of the world’s most advanced smart cities, announcing a major Dh42 billion investment focused on infrastructure, sustainability, mobility, and community development. The new initiatives reflect the emirate’s long-term strategy to improve the quality of life while supporting sustainable urban growth and innovation-driven governance.

The latest plans, revealed by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), include large-scale housing developments, green transport solutions, expanded public facilities, and AI-powered government services.

Massive Investment to Support Urban Growth

As Abu Dhabi continues to expand, authorities approved nearly 190,000 housing units across the emirate as part of its ongoing urban development plans. Around 75 million square metres of gross floor area were also approved for development, marking a sharp increase in construction activity and reinforcing the emirate’s position as one of the region’s fastest-growing real estate markets.

The approved developments include:

  • More than 158,000 residential units for the wider property market
  • Around 30,000 homes are dedicated to UAE nationals
  • Expanded infrastructure across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra
  • New digital systems designed to accelerate project approvals

The investment forms part of Abu Dhabi’s broader effort to build future-ready communities that combine smart technologies with sustainability-focused urban planning.

Quality of Life at the Centre of Development

A significant portion of the investment is dedicated to enhancing residents' daily lives. Authorities completed more than 60 projects worth Dh12 billion under Abu Dhabi’s Lifestyle Strategy.

The completed projects include:

  • Over 200 parks and sports facilities
  • 24 schools
  • 21 mosques
  • 28 community councils
  • 120 kilometres of walking tracks
  • 283 kilometres of cycling lanes

Additional community developments are already in the pipeline, including 16 new parks planned for Al Shamkha. These projects reflect Abu Dhabi’s focus on creating healthier and more connected neighbourhoods while encouraging active lifestyles and public engagement.

Smart City Transformation Powered by AI

Artificial intelligence continues to play a major role in Abu Dhabi’s urban development strategy. Authorities launched the AI-powered “Binaa” platform to improve regulatory efficiency and speed up approvals for development projects.

The emirate is also investing heavily in digital transformation initiatives that integrate AI into public services and operational systems. Smart tracking technologies and AI-powered monitoring systems have already been introduced across government vehicle fleets to improve efficiency and service performance.

Abu Dhabi’s wider digital transformation strategy aims to position the emirate among the world’s leading AI-driven governments by 2027, supported by billions in technology investments.