Leading decision-makers, business leaders and construction industry experts will be in Abu Dhabi for the Forbes Middle East's key event - Building the Future Summit 2026 - where they will discuss the future of urban development and sustainable infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa.

To be held from June 23 to 24 in partnership with ONE Development, the summit will showcase the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of infrastructure and urban development, with a focus on smart cities, sustainable planning, and emerging investment opportunities across the region.

The event will also highlight the role of integrated infrastructure in driving economic growth and sustainability, while exploring how sectors including energy, mobility, housing, water, artificial intelligence (AI), and data centers can work together within a connected ecosystem that supports long-term development, said the organisers.

The summit is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants, including government leaders, industry executives, global investors, and pioneers from key sectors, alongside representatives from ministries, sovereign entities, developers, and infrastructure bodies, they added.

The speakers list includes Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; Eng. Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; Eng. Mohamed Al Mansoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs; Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Finance; Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Belajer Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, CEO, Registration Authority, Abu Dhabi Global Market; Eng. Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development Directorate, Department of Municipalities and Transport; Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government; Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre, Department of Municipalities and Transport; and Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman, ONE Development and ONE Holding.

According to the organisers, the summit sessions will address a range of topics shaping the future of infrastructure, including project financing, smart technologies, future-focused architecture, and the development of inclusive, people-centric communities. 

Discussions will also examine ways to strengthen the UAE’s global competitiveness and leadership in the sector, while highlighting the importance of enhanced collaboration between government entities and the private sector to accelerate infrastructure development, drive innovation, and improve efficiency and sustainability.

On the upcoming event, Al Olama said the future of infrastructure will be defined by the integration of sustainability, innovation, and advanced technologies. 

"The UAE continues to adopt a forward-looking approach that combines clean energy, digital transformation, and resilient infrastructure to support economic growth and enhance quality of life. Through collaboration between the public and private sectors, we are accelerating the development of future-ready systems that leverage artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart solutions to create sustainable, efficient, and resilient cities for generations to come," he stated.

The Summit provides an important platform to exchange knowledge, explore emerging opportunities, and strengthen partnerships that will contribute to shaping the next generation of cities, energy systems, and infrastructure, he added.

Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, said the second edition of the Summit comes at a time when the region is witnessing unprecedented momentum in city-building and infrastructure development, driven by technological transformation, sustainable growth priorities, and the increasing need for more resilient and future-ready development models. 

"Against this backdrop, the summit provides a platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas around the trends that will shape the next generation of cities and communities across the region," stated Al Omian.

On the upcoming event, Al Gebely said: "At a time of evolving market dynamics, the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit offers an important platform to highlight the UAE real estate sector’s resilience, innovation, and global appeal. Guided by visionary leadership, stability, world-class infrastructure, and a secure business environment, the UAE continues to attract investors and end-users, while accelerating AI adoption to shape a smarter, more sustainable future for the industry."

The two-day summit will introduce several initiatives designed to strengthen the practical impact of its discussions and outcomes. These include recognising outstanding leaders from the construction sector through the Construction Leaders Recognition Awards, alongside the Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders 2026 ceremony. 

It will also engage emerging young leaders, providing them with a platform to contribute recommendations and insights that support the continued advancement of the sector, he added.-TradeArabia News Service