Four Strategic Clusters Set to Generate High-Skilled Employment Opportunities in the Innovation-Driven Economy.
As part of its long-term vision to enhance international competitiveness and build an innovation-led economy, Abu Dhabi is focusing on attracting high-value investments, developing skilled talent and strengthening cooperation with businesses and the wider community.
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has announced plans to attract Dh235 billion in investments across four specialised economic clusters by 2045.
These strategic initiatives are projected to generate approximately 130,000 specialised employment opportunities for highly qualified professionals and contribute more than Dh284 billion to Abu Dhabi’s gross domestic product (GDP) by 2045.
Enhancing Abu Dhabi’s Global Economic Competitiveness
Hamid Saiah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, highlighted the emirate’s continued efforts to strengthen its position as a leading international business and investment destination.
He explained that Abu Dhabi’s economic development strategy prioritises attracting quality investments, bringing in global talent, implementing future-focused policies and maintaining reliable regulatory systems.
The emirate is also placing considerable emphasis on building strong relationships with private-sector organisations and local communities while encouraging innovation across key industries.
According to Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi intends to secure Dh235 billion in investments through four strategically selected economic clusters over the coming two decades.
The Four Key Economic Clusters
- Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI): Focused on advancing smart mobility solutions and autonomous vehicle technologies.
- Agriculture and Water Abundance (AGWA): Dedicated to innovation in agriculture, water management and sustainable resource development.
- Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM): Centred on healthcare innovation, medical advancements and technologies supporting healthier, longer lives.
- Finance, Insurance, Digital and Alternative Assets (FIDA): Aimed at strengthening financial services, insurance, digital finance and alternative investment opportunities.
Al Mazrouei stated that these four clusters are expected to play an important role in developing Abu Dhabi’s knowledge-based economy.
Together, they are projected to create 130,000 specialised jobs for highly skilled professionals while adding more than Dh284 billion to the emirate’s GDP by 2045.
Discussing the progress made in attracting international investors and qualified professionals, Al Mazrouei said Abu Dhabi has achieved meaningful improvements in two closely connected areas.
The first involves strengthening the emirate’s ability to attract skilled professionals from around the world.
The second focuses on increasing investor confidence by developing a more competitive, supportive and business-friendly economic environment.
He emphasised that progress in both areas reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader commitment to sustainable economic development and long-term global competitiveness.
Strengthening Government Collaboration Through an Integrated Approach
Highlighting cooperation between the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and other government organisations, Hamid Saiah Al Mazrouei explained that the emirate is adopting an integrated approach to improving residents’ quality of life, in line with the objectives highlighted by LivEx 2026.
He emphasised that Abu Dhabi’s governance model is based on effective coordination between government departments, supported by close partnerships with private-sector businesses and the wider community.
According to Al Mazrouei, various government entities work collectively to introduce initiatives that promote sustainable economic development and improve living standards across the emirate.
He explained that Abu Dhabi regularly evaluates international competitiveness indicators to identify opportunities for further improvement.
These assessments cover several important areas, including attracting skilled professionals, strengthening regulatory systems, developing infrastructure and accelerating digital transformation.
By monitoring global benchmarks, the emirate aims to introduce policies and initiatives that enhance quality of life while building a sustainable economy aligned with international standards.
Al Mazrouei added that specialised departments within ADDED, particularly those responsible for economic policy and competitiveness, conduct research and develop strategic recommendations.
These proposals are prepared in coordination with relevant government bodies and institutions to ensure that development initiatives are effectively implemented.
HELM: Strengthening Healthcare Innovation and Life Sciences
As an example of successful collaboration between government entities, Al Mazrouei highlighted the establishment of the Health, Endurance, Longevity and Medicine (HELM) cluster.
The initiative supports Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to accelerate economic expansion, diversify industries and strengthen its position as a centre for healthcare innovation and life sciences.
HELM was established through a partnership involving the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) and the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi.
The cluster focuses on encouraging the adoption of advanced biotechnology supported by artificial intelligence.
By integrating AI-driven technologies into healthcare and life sciences, the initiative aims to promote innovative medical solutions and improve the overall well-being and quality of life of Abu Dhabi’s residents.
Al Mazrouei noted that the programme demonstrates how cooperation between government institutions can support technological advancement while addressing the evolving healthcare needs of the community.
SAVI: Driving Innovation in Smart and Autonomous Transportation
Al Mazrouei also emphasised the importance of government collaboration in developing the Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries (SAVI) cluster.
The initiative represents another key component of Abu Dhabi’s efforts to advance innovative mobility technologies and strengthen its position in the emerging smart transportation sector.
The Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO) is collaborating with several government authorities and strategic organisations to accelerate the development of smart and autonomous transportation technologies across the emirate.
Key partners include the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility), which operates under the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi Maritime, Tawazun Industrial Park, Miral and AD Ports Group’s digital cluster.
These collaborative efforts are being carried out under the direct oversight of the Smart and Autonomous Systems Council, which is responsible for guiding the emirate’s vision for the future of intelligent mobility.
According to Al Mazrouei, the initiative seeks to modernise transportation infrastructure by integrating advanced autonomous technologies into land, maritime and aviation transport systems.
The broader objective is to position Abu Dhabi as a leading destination for developing and implementing next-generation mobility solutions.
An Integrated Strategy to Make Abu Dhabi a Leading Global City for Quality of Life
Al Mazrouei highlighted that Abu Dhabi’s coordinated approach to government planning and economic development has contributed significantly to its international reputation as an attractive place to live and work.
According to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Abu Dhabi retained its position as the most liveable city in the Middle East and North Africa for the eighth consecutive year in 2026.
The emirate has also achieved notable results in international assessments of talent development and workforce competitiveness.
In the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), Abu Dhabi secured first place globally in three important indicators:
- Talent readiness
- Labour force growth
- Attraction of international students
These achievements reflect the emirate’s efforts to develop a skilled workforce, expand employment opportunities and strengthen its appeal to international professionals and students.
Additionally, Abu Dhabi ranked sixth worldwide in the human capital category of the Global Cities Index 2026, released by Oxford Economics.
The rankings highlight the emirate’s continued focus on education, talent attraction and workforce development as essential elements of its long-term economic strategy.
New Business Licences Increase by 21% in First Quarter of 2026
Abu Dhabi’s business environment continued to demonstrate positive momentum during the opening months of 2026.
According to Al Mazrouei, the number of newly issued economic licences increased by 21 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
The growth reflects continued business activity and investment interest across the emirate.
Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), one of the region’s leading international financial centres, also reported substantial expansion during the first half of 2026.
Assets under management increased by 54 per cent year-on-year, highlighting the financial centre’s growing role in investment and wealth management.
Al Mazrouei further revealed that the number of professionals employed within ADGM reached 49,027.
Meanwhile, the total number of active business licences increased to approximately 14,000, reflecting the continued expansion of companies operating within the financial centre.
Building a Future-Ready and Sustainable Economy
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has reaffirmed its commitment to establishing a diversified, sustainable and globally competitive economy.
According to the department’s annual reports, Abu Dhabi’s long-term economic strategy focuses on attracting high-quality investments through forward-thinking policies, dependable government services and transparent regulatory frameworks.
The strategy also aims to empower individuals, encourage innovation and establish the foundations of a future-oriented economy.
Improving residents’ quality of life remains a central priority, with economic progress and community well-being considered closely connected elements of sustainable development.
ADDED’s reports indicate that these ambitions are supported by Abu Dhabi’s strong economic performance.
The emirate’s real gross domestic product (GDP) has recorded sustained growth for more than 18 consecutive quarters, demonstrating the resilience of its economic foundation.
Non-oil industries now account for more than half of Abu Dhabi’s total economic output, reflecting the progress made towards reducing dependence on hydrocarbon revenues.
The department is also continuing its efforts to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s standing in international economic competitiveness assessments.
With the emirate currently ranked among the world’s top 10 economies by GDP per capita, ADDED aims to build on this position through continued investment, innovation, economic diversification and talent development.
These initiatives form part of Abu Dhabi’s wider ambition to establish a resilient, knowledge-based economy that supports long-term prosperity and offers a high quality of life for residents and future generations.
Abu Dhabi Achieves Strong Results in 2025 Global Competitiveness Rankings
Abu Dhabi demonstrated impressive performance across several major economic indicators in the 2025 World Competitiveness Ranking, published by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD).
The emirate secured first place globally in three important categories:
- Gross domestic savings as a percentage of GDP
- Trade balance as a proportion of GDP
- Growth in exports of commercial services
Abu Dhabi also achieved sixth position worldwide in government efficiency and seventh place in overall economic performance.
These rankings reflect the emirate’s continued efforts to strengthen its economic foundations, improve government effectiveness and enhance its competitiveness in international markets.
Abu Dhabi’s Hospitality Industry Sees Growing Investment and Visitor Demand
Hamid Saiah Al Mazrouei, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development, attributed the expansion of investment in the emirate’s hospitality sector to increasing tourism demand and a more diversified visitor market.
He explained that Abu Dhabi’s growing international recognition, rising tourist arrivals and expanding business events industry have contributed to stronger investment opportunities in hospitality.
According to Al Mazrouei, Abu Dhabi welcomed approximately 26.6 million visitors in 2025, reinforcing its position as an increasingly prominent global tourism and cultural destination.
The meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) industry also recorded significant growth during the year.
Around 2.2 million participants attended MICE-related activities in 2025, representing a 40 per cent increase.
The expansion highlights Abu Dhabi’s growing appeal as a destination for international conferences, corporate gatherings, exhibitions and major business events.
Investment Opportunities Supported by Sovereign Wealth Funds Managing Over $1.9 Trillion
Al Mazrouei highlighted Abu Dhabi’s attractive investment environment, pointing to its diversified economy, business-friendly regulations and advanced infrastructure.
He explained that the emirate offers an integrated business ecosystem that allows companies to establish operations, access international markets and expand their activities.
A major strength supporting Abu Dhabi’s investment position is the scale of its sovereign wealth institutions.
According to Al Mazrouei, the emirate’s reputation as a global centre for capital and investment is reinforced by sovereign wealth funds collectively managing assets estimated at more than $1.9 trillion.
These financial resources contribute to Abu Dhabi’s position as an important destination for international investment and long-term economic development.
Abu Dhabi Maintains AA Sovereign Credit Rating with Stable Outlook
Abu Dhabi also benefits from a sovereign credit rating of AA with a stable outlook, reflecting its financial standing.
Al Mazrouei highlighted the strong inflow of international investment into the emirate’s property market as another indication of investor confidence.
During the first half of 2026, Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector attracted approximately Dh13.8 billion in foreign direct investment, representing a substantial 309 per cent increase compared with the corresponding period in 2025.
The emirate also recorded participation from non-resident property investors representing 116 nationalities.
According to Al Mazrouei, these figures demonstrate the increasing diversity of Abu Dhabi’s international investor base and growing confidence in its real estate market.
He emphasised that the expansion of foreign investment reflects the emirate’s continued attractiveness to investors from different parts of the world.
Quality of Life Plays a Key Role in Economic Competitiveness
The Abu Dhabi Government considers improving residents’ quality of life an essential component of its long-term economic development strategy.
Government reports highlight that economic competitiveness is closely connected to the living and working conditions offered by a city.
Investment capital generally flows towards locations that provide strong business opportunities and access to skilled professionals.
At the same time, talented individuals are increasingly attracted to destinations offering high standards of living, career development opportunities and favourable environments for personal and professional growth.
As a result, cities seeking to attract greater investment must also focus on attracting and retaining highly qualified talent.
This relationship demonstrates why Abu Dhabi places considerable importance on developing infrastructure, public services and community facilities alongside its broader economic initiatives.
By creating an attractive environment for residents and businesses, the emirate aims to strengthen its ability to compete for international investment and skilled professionals.
Artificial Intelligence to Transform Abu Dhabi Government Services by 2027
Abu Dhabi is advancing its digital transformation strategy with the ambition of becoming the world’s first government to operate through a fully integrated artificial intelligence-powered model by 2027.
According to government reports, AI and advanced digital technologies will play a central role in improving public services, strengthening administrative efficiency and supporting economic development.
Al Mazrouei explained that the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) is accelerating efforts to introduce innovative solutions that make government services more accessible and efficient for businesses and investors.
A key part of this transformation involves using artificial intelligence and advanced technologies through the Abu Dhabi Government’s TAMM application.
The platform is intended to provide investors with a more convenient and seamless experience when accessing government services and completing business-related procedures.
ADDED is also expanding its use of sophisticated data analysis and digital capabilities to improve economic decision-making.
These technologies support the ongoing review and development of regulatory frameworks, helping ensure that policies remain aligned with changing market conditions and the evolving requirements of investors and businesses.
Through these initiatives, Abu Dhabi aims to establish a more responsive, technology-driven government while strengthening its position as a competitive international business and investment destination.
