Abu Dhabi - top GCC infrastructure spender

Abu Dhabi has plans for its future...

In what will come as no surprise to those following Abu Dhabi's extensive infrastructure program, the emirate has been revealed has spending the most on infrastructure development than any other capital in the six-nation Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC).

According to Abdulla Al Shamsi, Acting Executive Director of the Municipal Infrastructure and Assets Sector, "Abu Dhabi is seeing major growth in infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges.

"This year we are executing projects valued at US$5 billion. Plans for the infrastructure sector over the next three years include huge projects and a budget that is bigger than the budget of projects currently being executed," he said.

"I firmly believe Abu Dhabi is the biggest spender on infrastructure among capital cities in the GCC, we work with massive financial support. This underlines that Abu Dhabi should enjoy the best infrastructure in the Arab region, which will help to attract foreign investment and prevent any problems that Abu Dhabi could otherwise face in future, whether involving roads, maintenance or facilities."

Abu Dhabi 2030

Abu Dhabi has implemented a host of projects in the city and outlying region for its 2030 Vision project. The emirate has invested over US$1 trillion into works, with US$5 billion being spent on projects in the city itself and another $6 billion on major roadworks.

Currently, Abu Dhabi's biggest projects include Saadiyat Island, another major offshore development costing US$28 billion, the US$22 billion Masdar City project, billed as the first zero-carbon, zero-waste city and the Khalifa City project. This is the single biggest project in the capital and has a budget of US$40 billion.

The plan for the large-scale development is part of the UAE's main plan to wean its economy off oil. Once reserves run dry, the UAE is hoping to become a business, economical and tourism hub. Not just that, but in the aftermath of the global recession, reviving growth is a way to create jobs, lower the costs of running businesses and attract more foreign investment.

All of the major works are going to put pressure on another part of Abu Dhabi's infrastructure though - the power system. With the rapid growth, water and electricity demand is expected to rise seven to eight percent a year over the next five years, however The Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority have initiated plans to invite proposals to build a 1600MW power plant worth about US$2 billion to meet the demand.

Relevant articles:

Abu Dhabi's $2bn power need | Abu Dhabi International Airport seeks bids | Abu Dhabi gives Dubai $10 billion

Timon Singh

Timon Singh is a graduate of Liverpool University where he received a degree in Social and Economic History. He has previously worked for BBC Magazines on BBC Who Do You Think You Are? Magazine, the publication for the popular genealogy show.

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