On 29 September 2026, as the first LIVEX exhibition opened at ADNEC, Abu Dhabi's Department of Municipalities and Transport unveiled more than AED 100 billion of projects, including AED 42 billion for phase 2 of the emirate's quality of life strategy.
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Abu Dhabi's quality of life strategy enters its second phase with AED 42 billion in funding, announced on 29 September 2026 at the opening of the first LIVEX (Liveability & Investment Exhibition) at the ADNEC exhibition centre. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), presented more than AED 100 billion of projects and initiatives spanning residential neighbourhoods, mobility, public spaces and services.
The exhibition, held from 29 September to 1 October 2026 at the initiative of the Abu Dhabi government, drew more than 20,000 participants from 50 countries, including 1,500 investors. For anyone buying in the emirate, the signal is clear: the state is investing heavily in what gives a neighbourhood its everyday value.
Key takeaways
- On 29 September 2026, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport presented more than AED 100 billion of projects and initiatives at the first LIVEX exhibition at ADNEC.
- The Abu Dhabi Executive Council has allocated AED 42 billion to the second phase of the emirate's quality of life strategy.
- The strategy's first phase funded more than 60 projects worth over AED 12 billion.
- The average amenity level of Abu Dhabi's residential neighbourhoods rose from 67% in 2023 to 81% in 2025, according to the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
- Phase 2 sets measurable five-year strategic targets for every district in the emirate and covers private developers' existing and future communities.
A second phase of the quality of life strategy with three times the budget
Phase 2 of the quality of life strategy has AED 42 billion at its disposal, compared with more than AED 12 billion committed to over 60 projects in the first phase. That first cycle delivered a measurable result: the average amenity rate of residential neighbourhoods climbed from 67% in 2023 to 81% in 2025.
Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa's message is explicit: move from standalone projects to an integrated "ecosystem", with more complete neighbourhoods, easier mobility, lively public spaces and services closer to residents. The DMT is also working with the private sector to activate waterfronts, public spaces and mixed-use destinations.
A district-by-district, data-driven approach
Rather than a single emirate-wide average, phase 2 sets quantified five-year targets for each district. A unified digital platform cross-references the condition of infrastructure and public facilities with resident satisfaction surveys, steering investment towards the areas where the expected impact is greatest.
In practice, needs vary from one neighbourhood to the next: transport links, pressure on schools and healthcare, parks, running or cycling tracks, community spaces. The DMT has not yet published a list of priority districts; the mapping of these targets is what to watch to identify the areas most affected.
The decisive point for new-build property: the strategy now extends to developers' master-planned communities, both existing and future, with quality of life standards shared by municipal and private projects. Major off-plan developments therefore fall under the same requirements as public space. Our guide to investing in Abu Dhabi covers the emirate's main development areas.
Connectivity, the other lever
The exhibition took place on the eve of the 30 September 2026 extension of the Etihad Rail passenger network to Dubai and Al Dhaid, creating a passenger rail link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa cited the launch as an example of integrated connectivity, which matters more and more as cities grow. Local amenities and regional accessibility are advancing hand in hand.
What it means for investors
For an investor, a home's value depends as much on the surrounding neighbourhood as on the apartment itself: schools, healthcare, parks, transport. By committing AED 42 billion to these amenities, with targets measured district by district, Abu Dhabi is acting directly on the criteria that drive tenants' and end buyers' choices. A better-equipped neighbourhood attracts steadier residential demand, which supports occupancy and makes resale easier. We remain measured: the effect on prices and rents will depend on delivery timelines and on new supply in each area, and no gain is guaranteed.
What stands out most for us is the inclusion of developer communities in the strategy. For an off-plan purchase, it adds a further element of security: the project sits within funded, monitored public planning. The tax framework remains a major advantage, as individuals pay no tax on rental income or on property capital gains in the United Arab Emirates.
Lucretia will track the publication of district targets to match these public priorities against the new developments we select. To identify the neighbourhoods aligned with this plan and build a strategy suited to your situation, read our analysis on investing in Abu Dhabi or speak with our advisers.
Source: gulfnews.com — 2026-09-29
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About the author
Belen ALBA
Real Estate Consultant
With experience in Dubai's real estate market and an international background between Brussels and Dubai, Belen brings a 360° vision of the sector. After working for more than a year within a well-known developer, she supported both investor clients and partner agents, giving her a unique inside view of the sales process and off-plan projects. Multilingual (French, Spanish, Portuguese and English), Belen knows how to naturally connect with clients from all over the world. Her approach: direct, transparent and results-oriented — with a genuine passion for helping each client make the right investment at the right time.
