Abu Dhabi Focuses on District-Level Liveability and Global Collaboration at LIVEX 2026

Abu Dhabi is moving beyond a one-size-fits-all approach to liveability, hosting LIVEX 2026 to help shape the future of urban centers worldwide. The UAE capital is leveraging district-level priorities, resident insights, and data to understand individual community needs and ensure that city growth enhances everyday life.

With LIVEX running over three days, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, highlighted what liveability entails for residents. "At its simplest, liveability is about everyday life," he stated, emphasizing ease of movement, safe play areas for children, and accessible green spaces, education, and healthcare.

Aiming to become the world's most liveable and loveable destination, the city is combining planning capacity, resident feedback from initiatives like the Dream Neighbourhood Survey, and cross-government coordination. The event at ADNEC is gathering 20,000 delegates and 1,500 investors from over 50 countries, fostering essential partnerships between the government and the private sector.

Mr Al Shorafa noted that international quality-of-life rankings are useful, but district-level approaches are vital because two communities within the same city can have vastly different needs, ranging from public transport to parks and cycling infrastructure. Supported by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council allocating Dh42 billion to the next phase of the Liveability Strategy, the emirate is integrating urban planning, infrastructure, and mobility.

Technology and artificial intelligence will also play a crucial role in understanding neighborhood movement and service pressures, alongside upcoming projects like Etihad Rail's expanded passenger network connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Ultimately, officials aim to modernize and embrace new technologies while fiercely protecting Abu Dhabi's unique natural assets, cultural heritage, and local character.