The ADPIC governance framework has been launched by the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre to accelerate approvals and strengthen coordination across the emirate’s capital project ecosystem. The framework was announced on May 12, 2026, during the opening day of the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2026, with 14 government entities signing a memorandum of understanding to participate in the new structure.
The participating entities include the Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi City Municipality, Al Ain City Municipality, Al Dhafrah Region Municipality, the Department of Energy, the Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company ADNOC, Etihad Rail Company, Dolphin Energy Company, TAQA Transmission Company, Abu Dhabi Distribution Company, and telecommunications operators Etisalat Group and Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du).
How the ADPIC governance framework operates
The ADPIC governance framework establishes a coordinated mechanism to accelerate the issuance of No-Objection Certificates (NOCs) across Abu Dhabi’s capital project portfolio. A Joint Committee, chaired by ADPIC and composed of senior representatives from participating entities, will identify, escalate, and resolve approval bottlenecks that can delay project delivery. The Committee will oversee resolution of escalated NOC requests, identify root causes of delays, and implement corrective action plans against clear, measurable timelines.
Government support and strategic intent
H.E. Mohamed Ali Al Shorafa, Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport, said the framework represents a clear statement of intent. “By bringing 14 entities together under a unified mandate, we are reinforcing Abu Dhabi’s position as one of the world’s most coordinated, agile, and future-focused infrastructure markets,” Al Shorafa stated.
H.E. Eng. Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid, Director General of ADPIC, emphasized that effective coordination and governance are essential to delivering infrastructure at scale. “This framework establishes a more integrated model for infrastructure delivery, one that strengthens alignment across entities, accelerates decision-making, and improves efficiency throughout the project lifecycle,” Eid said.
Environmental and operational commitments
H.E. Dr. Shaikha Salem Al Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi, noted the agency’s commitment to working alongside government partners. “This framework strengthens coordination across entities, enabling us to uphold the environmental standards that safeguard Abu Dhabi’s natural heritage while supporting the pace of the emirate’s development,” Al Dhaheri said.
Private sector participants also committed to the initiative. Mr. Obaid Abdulla Al Dhaheri, Chief Executive Officer of Dolphin Energy Limited, stated the company looks forward to integrating efforts and streamlining infrastructure delivery across the emirate. Saleem Alblooshi, Chief Technology Officer at du, emphasized the company’s commitment to delivering advanced telecommunications infrastructure and digital solutions that support smart cities and sustainable development.
Summit context and future outlook
The framework was signed during ADIS 2026, Abu Dhabi’s flagship international platform for infrastructure and urban development. The summit, held from May 12 to 14, 2026, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, brought together 7,000+ industry leaders across conference sessions, a dedicated exhibition, and business matchmaking opportunities.
ADPIC was established in 2023 to oversee and manage capital projects aimed at enhancing quality of life for residents across the emirate. The Centre manages contracts, reviews, approves, planning, and designs capital projects spanning housing, infrastructure, tourism, community facilities, and education, working in close collaboration with relevant entities to maintain quality while facilitating efficient project execution aligned with Abu Dhabi’s strategic goals.
