Experts Urge Cities To Embrace Lifestyle-focused Infrastructure Models

At the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit (ADIS) 2025, global planners, designers and infrastructure leaders called for a shift towards cities that are liveable, economically vibrant, and rooted in human well-being. Held under the theme “Future Cities: Rethinking Infrastructure for Better Lifestyles”, the summit brought together over 4,000 attendees from more than 100 nationalities and featured the signing of 15 MoUs and strategic partnerships.

The Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC), Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid, described the summit as a critical connection for global thought and action in infrastructure. He said infrastructure is not merely a backdrop but the backbone that carries a city's values, identity, and readiness for the future.

In a panel on urban excellence, Daniel Liu, Executive Director at MORROW Intelligence, highlighted the importance of people-focused frameworks to measure infrastructure impact. Emre Arolat, Founding Partner and Principal at Emre Arolat Architecture, spoke about the role of design in reflecting local identity and shaping daily life. 

Asma Aljassmi, Executive Director of Projects Control and Operations at Aldar Projects, pointed to how strong public-private partnerships are enabling liveable, thriving communities. Greg Bargull, Executive Director of Development at Modon, stated that embedding infrastructure in human-centric models is essential for long-term urban success.

Paul O’Brien, Chief Development Officer at Modon, addressed the global shift towards nature-integrated approaches in a fireside session. He said Modon’s scale enables the company to integrate sustainability from the ground up, creating efficiencies and adding value across its portfolio. He also said the company is actively exporting its approach, showing that cities function better when they work with, not against, natural and technological systems.

Smart Mobility And Wellness As Urban Strategy
A panel on public space and mobility featured Omran Malek, Head of the SAVI Cluster at the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO); Talib Alhinai, General Manager – UAE at Archer Aviation; Salam Ilayyan, Advisor at ADPIC; and Prashant Kapila, Board Member at FIDIC. Salam Ilayyan stated that every citizen expects public spaces to be functional, open, human-accessible, safe, and climate-resilient, with integrated technology and sustainability features.

Omran Malek detailed Abu Dhabi’s approach to smart mobility and spoke about leveraging infrastructure like helipads and parking lots for multi-modal transport. Talib Alhinai discussed how Archer aims to replace 60 to 90-minute car drives with 10 to 20-minute electric air taxi flights, widening access to efficient urban mobility. The panel also addressed the need for robust frameworks and collaboration to support these goals.

Notably, the session on luxury infrastructure brought together Michael Belton, CEO of MERED; Kristina Zanic, CEO and Founder of Kristina Zanic Consultants; David Harman, Chief Development Officer at Modon Real Estate; Mulham G. Kheriba, CDO of Reportage; and Kourosh Salehi, Partner & Global Design Principal at LWK + Partners. 

Kristina Zanic said luxury is now defined in different ways, bringing in well-being elements like water and air purification and designing units to connect with the outside. David Harman noted that luxury is now more focused towards feelings, sense of security, and the introduction of well-being, connecting real estate with nature. 

Mulham G. Kheriba stated that Reportage operates with zero leverage and no financial debt, controlling the entire process from design to execution and passing cost savings to buyers. Kourosh Salehi said the core of any sustainable development is the quality of the building, the public realm, and the amenities it offers, fostering interaction with the wider city. He added that Abu Dhabi no longer needs to look to other cities for inspiration.

A fireside chat between Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Financial Affairs Executive Director at ADPIC, and Georges-Pascal Haber, CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, focused on wellness infrastructure. 

Mohammed Al Suwaidi said Abu Dhabi's unique approach to wellness blends its heritage and cultural traditions with advanced technology, creating a distinct and comprehensive experience. Georges-Pascal Haber stated that Abu Dhabi has become a centre of gravity for healthcare and wellness, attracting top talent through its unparalleled infrastructure and environment.