The inaugural LIVEX 2026 forum wrapped up in Abu Dhabi on 9 October with more than AED 150 billion (USD 40.8 billion) in announced agreements aimed at boosting urban liveability—many of them centred on next-generation mobility. Hosted by the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), the event drew city planners, investors and technology firms from 40 countries. Headline initiatives included the launch of Abu Dhabi Mobility’s DUNE platform, which will feed AI-driven traffic-flow data into real-time transport planning, and a Drone-as-a-Service partnership with telecoms giant e& to monitor road works, construction sites and congestion hotspots. Mid-Island Parkway Phase 2, a 14.5 km expressway linking the capital’s core islands to Khalifa City, was cleared to proceed, while Etihad Rail signed a smart-parking deal for its forthcoming passenger stations. For employers relocating staff to the UAE capital, the projects promise tangible quality-of-life gains: reduced commute times, cleaner public transport and digital onboarding tools for newcomers via the newly announced Jiran Volunteer Programme. The Musaffah Innovation District will incorporate visa-processing hubs for start-ups, addressing one of the pain points foreign founders face when setting up in the emirate. LIVEX also spotlighted social infrastructure: the Early Childhood Authority unveiled the world’s first “Cities for Families” framework, mapping services such as childcare, elderly care and inclusive playgrounds into zoning regulations. Analysts say such policies are increasingly vital for multinationals seeking to attract dual-career families and retain talent in the Gulf. Most projects begin detailed design phases this quarter, with phased deliveries through 2030. Global mobility leaders should track the DUNE platform’s open-data releases—scheduled for Q1 2027—for insights into residential hotspots, school-catchment commute times and optimal office-location planning.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office
