LIVEX Hosts 25 Sessions Exploring New Perspectives on the Future of Cities.
The inaugural edition of LIVEX 2026 has opened in Abu Dhabi, showcasing projects and initiatives valued at more than Dh100 billion across a range of key sectors.
The three-day Liveability and Investment Exhibition began on Tuesday, bringing together more than 20,000 participants from 50 countries. The event is also hosting 1,500 investors and over 100 international speakers, highlighting its focus on investment, urban development and the future of liveable cities.
Opening the event, Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said LIVEX 2026 reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader vision of placing people and quality of life at the centre of its development plans.
“We view the city as an interconnected ecosystem in which quality of life, infrastructure, mobility, services, health, education, culture and economic opportunities come together to create an integrated experience for people and strengthen Abu Dhabi’s attractiveness to talent, businesses and investment,” he said.
Al Shorafa stressed that achieving this vision requires collaboration between the government, private sector, investors, developers and innovators.
“Achieving this ambition is a shared responsibility that brings together government entities with the contributions of the private sector, investors, developers and innovators. Through LIVEX, we are bringing these stakeholders together on one platform to exchange knowledge and expertise and explore new opportunities for partnership and investment,” he added.
New initiatives
Speaking during a media briefing, Al Shorafa said Abu Dhabi is working with strategic partners across the emirate on an integrated portfolio of initiatives covering residential communities, mobility, public spaces, services and facilities.
Among the most significant is the second phase of Abu Dhabi’s Lifestyle Strategy, which has been allocated Dh42 billion for new projects.
“One of the most prominent initiatives is the second phase of Abu Dhabi’s Lifestyle Strategy, which has been allocated Dh42 billion for new projects,” he said.
The latest phase builds on the strategy’s first stage, during which more than 60 projects valued at Dh12 billion were implemented.
According to Al Shorafa, these projects helped raise the average level of integration across residential neighbourhoods from 67% in 2023 to 81% in 2025.
Al Shorafa said Abu Dhabi is also collaborating with the private sector to develop waterfronts, public spaces and mixed-use destinations, while increasingly using data, artificial intelligence and digital planning technologies to better understand the needs of individual communities.
“We are also working with the private sector to activate waterfronts, public spaces and multi-use destinations, while leveraging data, artificial intelligence and digital planning technologies to gain a more accurate understanding of the needs of different areas,” he said.
He added that efforts are under way to better integrate data, systems and design tools, allowing authorities to direct decisions and investment towards areas where they can have the greatest impact on people’s lives.
“The goal is to move from implementing individual projects to building an integrated quality-of-life ecosystem, where residents and visitors find more complete neighbourhoods, easier mobility, vibrant public spaces and services that are closer to their needs,” Al Shorafa added.
25 sessions across three days
LIVEX 2026 features 25 sessions alongside opening addresses and keynote discussions over its three-day programme, with each day examining a different aspect of how cities could evolve in the future.
The opening day, themed “The Human-Centred City,” places people and their everyday experiences at the heart of urban planning and design.
Sessions explore residents’ needs, access to housing and essential services, community belonging and the creation of inclusive urban environments designed for people of different ages and abilities. Discussions also examine how neighbourhoods and public spaces can contribute to improving overall quality of life.
The programme further explores investment and real estate development, including how quality-of-life considerations influence capital allocation, whether housing supply can keep pace with population and economic growth, and the role developers can play in creating communities that deliver sustainable, long-term value.
Under the technology and mobility theme, LIVEX sessions examine how artificial intelligence and data can be used to improve urban planning and the management of city services.
Discussions also explore the future of autonomous vehicles, shared mobility and rail networks, as well as the role of innovation in creating more efficient and sustainable transport systems.
The culture, sustainability and identity track focuses on how culture, tourism, energy, water management and sustainable design can help shape the character of cities, strengthen their appeal and support long-term growth.
LIVEX also explores the links between health, education and active lifestyles. Sessions examine how neighbourhood design can influence health and wellbeing, the importance of access to schools and healthcare facilities, and the role of sport and physical activity in improving overall quality of life.
