Abu Dhabi Approves Dhs42 Billion Expansion for Liveability Strategy to Enhance Quality of Life

Major Investment to Boost Community Wellbeing

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, has officially approved a substantial Dhs42 billion ($11.4 billion) expansion of the emirate's Liveability Strategy. This strategic move, announced on September 29, 2025, underscores the leadership's commitment to significantly enhancing the quality of life for Emirati families and strengthening social cohesion across the emirate.

The expansion builds upon the initial success of the Liveability Strategy, which was launched in 2023. The first phase saw an investment of Dhs12 billion in over 60 projects, leading to an increase in the average integration of residential neighborhoods from 67 percent in 2023 to 81 percent in 2025.

Key Pillars of the Expanded Strategy

The newly approved Dhs42 billion allocation will fund a wide array of fresh initiatives and projects designed to elevate living standards. These include critical and supplementary infrastructure developments, such as:

• Construction of new cycling tracks
• Extensive landscaping works
• Development of road networks to enhance connectivity
• Reinforcement works for existing assets
• General improvements in community engagement channels

Furthermore, the investment will cover the construction of various recreational, service, and community facilities, including:

• Playgrounds and sports courts
• Clinics and healthcare facilities
• Schools and nurseries
• Civil defense stations
• Community majlises and function halls
• Bus shelters

The initial phase of the strategy already delivered significant improvements, including the construction of more than 200 parks and sports courts, 24 schools, 21 mosques, 28 community majlises, nearly 120 kilometers of walking paths, 283 kilometers of cycling tracks, and approximately 220 kilometers of new street lighting, alongside 200 beautification works.

Leveraging Technology for Future Growth

The expanded Liveability Strategy also emphasizes the integration of advanced technologies and Artificial Intelligence (AI) solutions to drive productivity, efficiency, and effectiveness in government services. This aligns with the broader Abu Dhabi Government Digital Strategy 2025-2027, which involves a Dhs13 billion investment aimed at making Abu Dhabi the world's top-ranked AI-powered government by 2027.

Efforts include achieving 100 percent adoption of sovereign cloud computing for government operations and digitizing and automating 100 percent of processes to streamline procedures and enhance operational efficiency. The strategy is projected to contribute over Dhs24 billion to Abu Dhabi's GDP by 2027 and create more than 5,000 employment opportunities.

Abu Dhabi's Global Standing in Liveability

Abu Dhabi's continuous focus on enhancing the quality of life for its residents has garnered international recognition. The emirate has climbed to fifth place in the 2025 IMD Smart City Index, moving up five positions in just 12 months and surpassing several major global capitals. It is also recognized as the most liveable city in the MENA region by the Economist Intelligence Unit and consistently ranks among the safest worldwide according to the Numbeo Crime and Safety Indices.