Abu Dhabi Unveils Dh240 Billion Plan to Transform Capital into 15-Minute City Over Next Decade

Abu Dhabi plans to invest Dh240 billion, approximately $65.4 billion, over the next decade to transform the capital into a 15-minute city where residents can reach work, schools, healthcare, and leisure facilities within 15 minutes, according to The National reporting published September 29, 2026. The director general of the Infrastructure Development Directorate at the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport stated that the goal is to make Abu Dhabi the most enjoyable and liveable city in the world. The plan builds on existing infrastructure progress including new bridges linking Reem Island to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Highway that reduced peak travel times by 60 percent during rush hours, according to urban planners interviewed by The National. Cycle tracks across Abu Dhabi have more than doubled, expanding from 900 kilometers to over 2,000 kilometers, alongside the addition of 350 parks. Masdar City, launched in 2006, has transported more than three million people via autonomous vehicles, serving as a model for sustainable urban design.

Urban planners said on Tuesday that Abu Dhabi's 15-minute city plan can form the foundation of the UAE's future development. The concept aims to create communities where essential services and amenities are within a short walk, cycle, or public transport journey, reducing reliance on private cars and improving quality of life. The Dh240 billion investment represents one of the largest urban transformation initiatives in the Gulf region and signals Abu Dhabi's commitment to positioning itself as a leading global city for livability and sustainability. The 15-minute city model has gained global attention in recent years as cities seek to reduce carbon emissions, improve public health, and enhance urban resilience.

Sources

The National, Abu Dhabi's Dh240 billion plans to become '15-minute city' gather pace, September 29, 2026, thenationalnews.com