Abu Dhabi is set to host the inaugural Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit on June 17 and 18 at Abu Dhabi Energy Centre, a landmark event poised to redefine urban living for a sustainable future.
Under the theme "Future Cities: Rethinking Infrastructure for Better Lifestyles," ADIS aims to be a catalyst for change, bringing together global leaders, policymakers, investors and innovators to forge a new path towards liveable, resilient, and environmentally responsible cities.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre, the summit arrives as cities worldwide grapple with unprecedented challenges. From the urgent need to mitigate climate change and manage rapid urbanisation to ensuring robust public health infrastructure and fostering sustainable economic growth, the demands on urban centres are immense.
ADIS seeks to address these challenges head-on, fostering dialogue and collaboration to develop innovative solutions that prioritise human well-being and environmental stewardship.
Forging a vision for future cities
ADIS is strategically positioned to become the region's premier infrastructure gathering, serving as a global platform for shaping the future of urban development. It will convene over 2,000 attendees, including C-suite executives, senior government officials and thought leaders from across the globe. The programme boasts more than 70 confirmed speakers, representing key global markets including the UK, US, India, Turkey and Singapore, ensuring a diverse range of perspectives and expertise.
The summit's core objective is to foster a holistic and integrated approach to infrastructure development. Discussions will centre on how cities can leverage innovation and technology to enhance the quality of life for their citizens while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth. Key themes will include the development of smart cities, exploring the potential of AI and data-driven solutions to create more efficient and responsive urban environments.
The summit will also address the critical need for resilient infrastructure, capable of withstanding the challenges of climate change and other unforeseen events. Furthermore, ADIS will explore innovative approaches to urban planning that prioritise the well-being of residents, including the creation of green spaces, pedestrian-friendly environments and access to essential services.
The goal is to move beyond traditional infrastructure models and create cities that are truly liveable, sustainable and future-ready.
A key focus of the summit will be on exploring how integrated logistics infrastructure can enhance global trade and competitiveness. ADIS will also delve into the transformative potential of modular construction, AI and smart city solutions in driving efficiency and cost savings in construction, ultimately leading to more affordable and sustainable housing.
Global expertise and leadership
The ADIS speaker line-up is testament to the summit's ambition and global reach. The event will feature senior government officials, C-suite executives from leading international corporations and renowned experts in fields such as urban planning, sustainable development and technology. These leaders will share their perspectives on a wide range of topics, from innovative financing models and technological advancements to the importance of public-private partnerships and the role of infrastructure in promoting social well-being. A key theme will be empowering local economies through initiatives that support local procurement and SME growth.
Abu Dhabi: a hub for sustainable innovation
ADIS will provide unparalleled access to Abu Dhabi's evolving development agenda and investment pipeline, spotlighting opportunities that align with the Emirate's long-term vision for innovation, transparency and social well-being.
The event will facilitate meaningful collaboration across the entire infrastructure ecosystem, bringing together government entities, semi-government bodies, developers, investors, contractors, technology providers, academia and global associations.
By hosting this summit, Abu Dhabi reinforces its position as a global hub for sustainable development and a leader in shaping the future of urban living.
Shaping a sustainable legacy
ADIS underscores ADPIC’s commitment to advancing infrastructure that drives national progress, fosters cross-sector innovation and delivers tangible benefits to communities in Abu Dhabi and beyond. By bringing together global expertise and local leadership, the summit aims to accelerate progress, identify new opportunities and contribute to the realisation of Abu Dhabi’s ambitious development goals.
Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid, director general of Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre, said: "ADIS is more than a summit; it's an opportunity to collectively build a future where infrastructure empowers communities and safeguards our planet for generations to come."
ADIS is a crucial step in building a sustainable legacy for future generations, setting a new standard for urban development worldwide.
About Proto21
Date started: May 2018
Founder: Pir Arkam
Based: Dubai
Sector: Additive manufacturing (aka, 3D printing)
Staff: 18
Funding: Invested, supported and partnered by Joseph Group
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The specs
Engine: 2.2-litre, turbodiesel
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Power: 160hp
Torque: 385Nm
Price: Dh116,900
On sale: now
Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction
Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.
Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.
Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.
Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.
Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.
What are the guidelines?
Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.
Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.
Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.
Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.
Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.
Source: American Paediatric Association
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
- Priority access to new homes from participating developers
- Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
- Flexible payment plans from developers
- Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
- DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
Test
Director: S Sashikanth
Cast: Nayanthara, Siddharth, Meera Jasmine, R Madhavan
Star rating: 2/5
Zayed Sustainability Prize
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The years Ramadan fell in May
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6
Power: 540hp at 6,500rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 2,500rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Kerb weight: 1580kg
Price: From Dh750k
On sale: via special order
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
UK-EU trade at a glance
EU fishing vessels guaranteed access to UK waters for 12 years
Co-operation on security initiatives and procurement of defence products
Youth experience scheme to work, study or volunteer in UK and EU countries
Smoother border management with use of e-gates
Cutting red tape on import and export of food
england euro squad
Goalkeepers: Dean Henderson (Man Utd), Sam Johnstone (West Brom), Jordan Pickford (Everton)
Defenders: John Stones (Man City), Luke Shaw (Man Utd), Harry Maguire (Man Utd), Trent Alexander-Arnold (Liverpool), Kyle Walker (Man City), Tyrone Mings (Aston Villa), Reece James (Chelsea), Conor Coady (Wolves), Ben Chilwell (Chelsea), Kieran Trippier (Atletico Madrid)
Midfielders: Mason Mount (Chelsea), Declan Rice (West Ham), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Jude Bellingham (Borussia Dortmund), Kalvin Phillips (Leeds)
Forwards: Harry Kane (Tottenham), Marcus Rashford (Man Utd), Raheem Sterling (Man City), Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Everton), Phil Foden (Man City), Jack Grealish (Aston Villa), Jadon Sancho (Borussia Dortmund), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal)
Biography
Favourite book: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Holiday choice: Anything Disney-related
Proudest achievement: Receiving a presidential award for foreign services.
Family: Wife and three children.
Like motto: You always get what you ask for, the universe listens.
Tearful appearance
Chancellor Rachel Reeves set markets on edge as she appeared visibly distraught in parliament on Wednesday.
Legislative setbacks for the government have blown a new hole in the budgetary calculations at a time when the deficit is stubbornly large and the economy is struggling to grow.
She appeared with Keir Starmer on Thursday and the pair embraced, but he had failed to give her his backing as she cried a day earlier.
A spokesman said her upset demeanour was due to a personal matter.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year