Skip to main content

Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit to proceed despite regional conflict

1 min Sandrine Zimra

As missiles and drones continue to fly across the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is sending a clear message: business goes on. 

In 2025 alone, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) delivered 100 capital projects, a record that organisers are keen to showcase to the world © Mena Today 

In 2025 alone, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) delivered 100 capital projects, a record that organisers are keen to showcase to the world © Mena Today 

As missiles and drones continue to fly across the Middle East, Abu Dhabi is sending a clear message: business goes on. 

The Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS 2026) will proceed as planned from 12 to 14 May at the ADNEC Centre, organisers confirmed, a deliberate signal of stability and confidence in the face of regional turbulence.

The summit, held under the theme Urban Evolution: Rethinking Cities, Redefining How We Live, will bring together heads of government, global CEOs, developers, investors, and innovators to accelerate the delivery of sustainable, people-centred cities.

The timing is significant. With the war against Iran generating missile and drone threats toward the Gulf, the decision to maintain the summit underscores Abu Dhabi's determination to project normalcy and protect its reputation as a reliable global hub for investment and development.

The stakes are considerable. Abu Dhabi's infrastructure pipeline stands at a staggering $57 billion, spanning housing, transport, culture, education, and social infrastructure.

In 2025 alone, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) delivered 100 capital projects, a record that organisers are keen to showcase to the world.

"Abu Dhabi has earned its position as a global benchmark for infrastructure excellence not through ambition alone, but through execution," said Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, Director-General of ADPIC.

With 70% of the world's population expected to live in cities by 2050, the pressure to build smarter has never been greater. Abu Dhabi, it seems, intends to keep building — war or no war.

Sandrine Zimra

Sandrine Zimra

Sandrine Zimra has been a financial analyst for 25 years. Based in Geneva, she covers countries in the Middle East and travels regularly to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, and Israel. She contributes to Mena Today with her financial reports and insights on the region.

Related

United Arab Emirates

Arab Energy Fund raises $500 million on Nasdaq Dubai

The Arab Energy Fund (TAEF) has listed a USD 500 million Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai, attracting orders exceeding USD 900 million and achieving 2x oversubscription, a strong vote of confidence from global investors in the multilateral institution's credit profile and energy sector mandate.

Saudi Arabia

The PIF's $55 billion power play

The acquisition of Electronic Arts (EA) by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the most significant transaction in the history of the video game industry, is taking longer than anticipated to close, sources indicate.

Bahrain

U.S. seeks Bahraini support for Iran deal

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Bahrain officials on Thursday on the final leg of a trip to the Middle East where he has sought to sell the Trump administration's preliminary Iran accord to skeptical Gulf Arab allies. 

Subscribe to our newsletter

Mena banner 4

To make this website run properly and to improve your experience, we use cookies. For more detailed information, please check our Cookie Policy.

  • Necessary cookies enable core functionality. The website cannot function properly without these cookies, and can only be disabled by changing your browser preferences.