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.

The railway operator has introduced a list of passenger violations, each carrying a fine ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000. The penalties apply not only on trains but also inside stations and other railway facilities.

Here’s a breakdown of the fines.

Dh200 fines

Passengers can be fined Dh200 for offences including:

• Travelling without a valid ticket or using a ticket issued in someone else’s name.
• Avoiding fares or misusing discounted and concession tickets.
• Sitting in a reserved seat without permission.
• Travelling in a higher class than shown on the ticket.
• Littering or disposing of waste improperly.
• Putting feet on train seats.
• Refusing to follow instructions from Etihad Rail staff.
• Remaining on a platform after being instructed to leave.
• Entering trains or stations while intoxicated.
• Carrying or consuming alcohol in prohibited areas.
• Altering or forging tickets.
• Dh500 fines

A Dh500 fine applies to passengers who:

• Smoke or vape in prohibited areas.
• Spit or deliberately dirty trains or stations.
• Harass, threaten or verbally abuse passengers or staff.
• Tamper with train doors or prevent them from closing.
• Attempt to open train doors while the train is moving.
• Delay train services.
• Board or get off a moving train.
• Conduct commercial photography or filming without approval.

Dh5,000 fines

More serious violations carry a Dh5,000 penalty, including:

• Misusing emergency brakes, alarms or fire safety equipment.
• Entering railway tracks or restricted areas without authorisation.
• Damaging trains or station property, including graffiti or vandalism.
• Throwing objects onto or from trains or station platforms.
• Misusing emergency exits or emergency equipment without a genuine emergency.

Can fines be higher?

Yes. Etihad Rail says other violations not specifically listed can attract fines ranging from Dh100 to Dh10,000, depending on the nature and seriousness of the offence.

Can you still face legal action?

Yes. Etihad Rail says paying a fine does not prevent further legal action. Serious cases may still be referred to the relevant authorities, including the Public Prosecution, and could result in additional penalties or imprisonment under UAE law.

Why has Etihad Rail introduced these rules?

The operator says the fines are designed to ensure a safe, comfortable and efficient travel experience for everyone using the UAE’s passenger rail network, while protecting passengers, staff and railway infrastructure.

Sajeda Shawa, Head of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the UAE, has joined an international appeal urging world leaders to prioritise dialogue, diplomacy and humanitarian values amid escalating global conflicts.

The appeal was coordinated by the International Spiritual Council for Transforming Humanity (ISCTH) and brings together humanitarian leaders, parliamentarians and religious figures calling for peaceful solutions to ongoing crises.

Call for dialogue over conflict

In her message, Shawa stressed the importance of placing human dignity at the centre of decision-making during a period marked by armed conflicts and humanitarian emergencies.

“I hope leaders choose dialogue over division, compassion over indifference, and place human dignity at the heart of every decision,” she said.

The appeal comes as conflicts in several regions continue to displace millions of people and increase pressure on humanitarian relief efforts.

International leaders back the initiative

Among those supporting the appeal are:

• Dr H.C. Nik Gugger, a member of the Swiss Parliament, who called for dialogue instead of escalation.
• Jan Figel, President of FOREF Europe and former European Union Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief, who highlighted the importance of protecting human rights to achieve lasting peace.
• Dalai Lama, who reiterated that lasting peace begins with compassion.
• Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See, who called for greater support for peace and vulnerable communities affected by conflict.

The appeal also referenced comments by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, who urged compromise to achieve long-term peace agreements.

Focus on diplomacy

The initiative is led by Maitreya Dadashreeji, founder of ISCTH, who called on governments to resolve disputes through diplomacy rather than confrontation.

He also appealed for a peaceful resolution to the Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying dialogue and cooperation offer the most sustainable path to long-term stability.

Promoting humanitarian values

ISCTH said the initiative aims to encourage governments, institutions and communities to prioritise human life, dignity and peaceful engagement as humanitarian crises continue to affect millions of people worldwide.