Abu Dhabi's next phase of growth is increasingly being defined not simply by how much is built, but by communities designed around the way people want to live, work and invest.
Developers, property and infrastructure experts told Aletihad that buyers are placing greater value on connectivity, schools, parks, retail, leisure, walkability and a sense of community, with liveability becoming closely linked to the long-term value of real estate.
Frederico Justus, Chief Executive Officer of Egis Middle East and South Asia, said Abu Dhabi's strength lies in taking a coordinated approach to the different elements that make a city liveable.
"Abu Dhabi's greatest strength is long-term, coordinated planning. Culture, leisure, housing and infrastructure are treated as parts of one vision rather than separate agendas, and that consistency gives investors, developers and residents confidence," Justus told Aletihad.
He said the next phase of development should increasingly be measured by how infrastructure performs for the people using it.
"A new building adds floor space, infrastructure improves quality of life when it changes how people experience their day," he noted. This includes journey times, the walkability of streets, ease of access to schools, parks and clinics and the reliability of utilities as the city grows.
Justus said the strongest cities plan residential development, parks, schools, healthcare, cultural venues, walkability and public transport together, rather than trying to add amenities later. Abu Dhabi's cultural and leisure offering is also influencing where people choose to live and invest, according to experts. He also said cultural and leisure destinations give people reasons to stay and help create a stronger sense of place.
"Saadiyat has become a genuine cultural district rather than a collection of standalone landmarks, and Yas Island has matured into a leisure destination that serves residents as well as international visitors," he added. Justus noted that Abu Dhabi's approach increasingly reflects a shift from individual projects towards broader city-making.
"Above all, Abu Dhabi invests in places for free time with the same seriousness as places for work. This balance is what attracts talent and families and is why the emirate's growth increasingly feels like city-making rather than simply construction," Justus said.
