Abu Dhabi Projects & Infrastructure Launches Unified Governance Framework to Accelerate Capital Projects

 The Abu Dhabi Centre for Projects and Infrastructure (ADEC) launched a unified infrastructure governance framework during the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS 2026), in a qualitative step aimed at accelerating the adoption of capital projects and enhancing institutional integration among the stakeholders involved in the development and implementation of infrastructure projects in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in a way that supports the efficiency of completion and consolidates the emirate's readiness to continue implementing its development projects in accordance with the highest international standards.

The launch of the new framework coincided with the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that brings together 14 government and semi-government entities, including municipalities, energy and utility service providers, transport entities, and telecommunications companies, as part of a unified work system aimed at raising the efficiency of the implementation of infrastructure projects and accelerating the pace of completion at the emirate level.

The MoU was signed in the presence of H.E. Suhail Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, as well as a number of senior officials and partners within the infrastructure ecosystem participating in the summit.

The new framework establishes a unified coordination system to accelerate the issuance of NOCs for Abu Dhabi's portfolio of capital projects, enhancing the integration of accreditation and approvals between infrastructure stakeholders and raising the efficiency of institutional coordination across the various stages of project implementation.

The framework also includes the formation of a joint committee chaired by the Abu Dhabi Centre for Projects and Infrastructure, which includes high-level representatives from the participating entities, to monitor and address the challenges associated with approvals, accelerate decision-making within clear and measurable timelines, follow up on NOC applications that require joint coordination, identify the reasons for delays, and develop implementation plans to address them, reflecting a pragmatic approach that enhances Abu Dhabi's ability to implement its projects efficiently and at scale.

H.E. Mohammed Ali Al Shorafa stressed that the launch of the Unified Infrastructure Governance Framework embodies Abu Dhabi's vision to manage the development projects system with the same efficiency and ambition as its strategic projects, pointing out that the unification of 14 entities within a joint work system reflects an unprecedented level of institutional integration, and strengthens the emirate's position as the most coordinated, committed and capable market in the infrastructure sector in the region.

H.E. Eng. Maisara Mahmoud Eid, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Centre for Enterprise and Infrastructure, stressed that effective governance and integrated coordination have become key pillars to ensure the efficiency of project implementation, as Abu Dhabi continues to implement one of the most ambitious agendas in the infrastructure sector in the region.

He explained that the new framework establishes a more integrated approach to capital project management, by enhancing coordination between stakeholders, accelerating decision-making, and raising the efficiency of implementation across the various stages of the project life cycle, in order to support the implementation of infrastructure that keeps pace with the long-term economic and social priorities of the emirate.

Her Excellency Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, affirmed the Authority's commitment to enhance cooperation with government partners to ensure the implementation of infrastructure projects with high efficiency and sustainable responsibility, noting that this institutional integration contributes to the establishment of an effective coordination system that preserves environmental standards and safeguards the natural heritage of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, in parallel with supporting sustainable development goals.

Obaid Abdulla Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Dolphin Energy Limited, said that the cooperation within the new infrastructure governance framework reflects the keenness of the participating entities to unify efforts and accelerate the implementation of vital projects across the emirate, in order to enhance the efficiency of completion and consolidate integration between partners.

Salim Al Balushi, Chief Technology Officer at du, said that du's participation in the Strategic Committee reflects the company's commitment to supporting Abu Dhabi's vision to develop world-class infrastructure and build a more connected, sustainable and future-ready city.

Participating entities include the Department of Municipalities and Transport, including the Infrastructure Development Sector and its Urban Planning and Permitting Centre, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, Al Dhafra Region Municipality, Department of Energy, Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Monitoring and Control Centre, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), Etihad Rail, Dolphin Energy Limited, Taqa Transport, Taqa Distribution, Taqa Water Solutions, Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Group PJSC and Emirates Company Integrated Telecommunications "du" PJSC