Abu Dhabi Invests AED42 Billion to Boost Parks, Schools, Infrastructure

In a significant move to improve daily life for residents, the Abu Dhabi Executive Council (ADEC), chaired by Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, has approved a substantial expansion of the Emirate's Livability Strategy. The AED42 billion plan, announced in September 2025, is set to deliver over 60 projects focusing on parks, schools, mosques, walking and cycling paths, and street lighting. This investment builds on positive results from Phase One, which achieved 81% residential neighbourhood integration in 2025, according to the ADEC. For local residents, these developments promise tangible changes to their communities, from more green spaces to better-connected neighbourhoods.

The Council's decision comes as part of a broader effort to enhance overall quality of life in Abu Dhabi, aligning with the Emirate's long-term vision for sustainable urban development. The Livability Strategy expansion addresses key areas that directly affect residents, including community facilities and infrastructure, ensuring that growth is both inclusive and responsive to population needs.

New Community Facilities Across Abu Dhabi

The expanded Livability Strategy includes the construction of more than 200 parks, 24 schools, and 21 mosques across the Emirate, as detailed in the Executive Council's resolutions. These facilities will be distributed across Abu Dhabi’s three primary municipalities-Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, and the Western Region Municipality-operating under Law No. 2 of 2000. For families, this means more recreational spaces and educational institutions closer to home, while the new mosques will serve growing religious needs. The plan also prioritises walking and cycling paths, promoting active lifestyles and reducing reliance on cars in residential areas.

Government Decisions Supporting Businesses

In a parallel effort to support local businesses and reduce costs, the Abu Dhabi government has slashed licensing fees for all economic activities to Dh1,000. Additionally, waste producer tariffs and service provider fees have been cancelled, and municipal authentication fees have been reduced to Dh50. These measures are designed to lower the financial burden on entrepreneurs and small business owners, fostering a more vibrant local economy. For residents, these changes could translate into more diverse shopping and dining options, as well as lower operational costs for local services. The decisions were published in the Official Gazette of Abu Dhabi, which is issued monthly in both Arabic and English, ensuring transparency and public access to all new legislation and decrees.

New Appointments to Drive Urban Development

The Executive Council has also made key appointments to oversee the implementation of these projects. In 2026, ADEC appointed His Excellency Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi as Director General of the Urban Planning & Permits Centre, and His Excellency Eisa Mubarak Almazrouei as Director General of Infrastructure Development at the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT). These roles are critical for ensuring the smooth execution of the Livability Strategy and other infrastructure projects across the Emirate. Residents can expect more efficient planning processes and faster delivery of community projects under this leadership.

What Happens Next

The Livability Strategy expansion will be rolled out in phases over the coming years, with the first wave of projects expected to break ground soon. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Official Gazette for updates on specific project timelines and locations. As Abu Dhabi continues to grow, these investments aim to create a more liveable, connected, and prosperous city for everyone.