Abu Dhabi is investing heavily in infrastructure as part of its long-term vision to build smarter, greener and more connected communities.

From new roads and bridges to parks, cycling tracks and smart city technology, the emirate is delivering projects designed to improve mobility, quality of life and economic growth.

Here’s a closer look at what’s happening.

What infrastructure projects were completed?

According to the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), 31 infrastructure projects were completed across Abu Dhabi and its suburbs in 2025.

The projects included:

• 89 parks
• 85km of cycling tracks
• Three tunnels
• Two bridges
• Eight major intersection upgrades
• 800 street lighting poles
• 105 bus shelters
• 1,446 parking spaces
• One traditional market

The DMT also opened 16 new parks in Al Shamkha, alongside new community parks in Al Falah and Mohammed Bin Zayed City.

How are the new roads improving traffic?

Several major transport projects have significantly reduced travel times.

Among the biggest upgrades:

• Two new marine bridges linking Al Reem Island with Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road have cut peak-hour travel times by 60%, saving motorists around 15 minutes.
• The expansion of Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road reduced journey times from 17 minutes to nine minutes.
• Improvements to Arabian Gulf Street reduced morning traffic delays by 80%.

What smart city technologies are being introduced?

Abu Dhabi is integrating digital technology into infrastructure planning and city management.

Recent initiatives include:

• 10 smart parks equipped with around 1,000 sensors and 200 smart cameras.
• The launch of Nabd, a real-time city modelling platform connected to 70 data sources and 15 integrated systems.
• A citywide digital twin to support urban planning and monitor quality-of-life indicators.
• Smart inspection vehicles that automatically detect maintenance and waste management issues.
• Expansion of free Hala Wi-Fi across buses, parks and beaches.

How much is Abu Dhabi investing?

Infrastructure spending continues to grow.

In 2024, the Executive Council approved:

• 144 new projects
• Dh66 billion in investments
• More than Dh59 billion allocated to housing and public utilities.

In 2026, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) said it is managing:

• More than 500 projects
• Worth over Dh209 billion

These projects include roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, museums, residential communities, hotels and smart infrastructure.

Which areas are benefiting?

Infrastructure upgrades extend beyond Abu Dhabi Island to suburban communities, including:

• Bani Yas
• Mohammed Bin Zayed City
• Khalifa City
• Al Shamkha
• Al Wathba
• Al Falah
• Al Riyadh
• Al Shahama
• Al Samha
• Al Raha Beach

Projects include new roads, parking, parks, pedestrian pathways, landscaping and public facilities.

Why is Abu Dhabi investing so heavily?

The infrastructure programme aims to:

• Reduce congestion and improve transport.
• Support population growth.
• Build sustainable and smart communities.
• Expand parks and public spaces.
• Improve quality of life.
• Attract investment and strengthen the economy.
• Prepare the emirate for future mobility and digital transformation.

Officials say the long-term goal is to create integrated communities where housing, transport, utilities, green spaces and digital infrastructure are developed together rather than separately.

With hundreds of projects underway and investments exceeding Dh209 billion, Abu Dhabi is continuing to expand its infrastructure network to support future growth while reinforcing its position as one of the region’s leading cities for sustainability, innovation and quality of life.