Abu dhabi: Under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Forbes Middle East is set to host the second edition of the Building the Future Summit 2026 in Abu Dhabi on June 23-24. The event will gather decision-makers, business leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of urban development and sustainable infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa.According to Emirates News Agency, the summit, held in partnership with ONE Development, will showcase the latest trends and technologies that are shaping the future of infrastructure and urban development. The focus will be on smart cities, sustainable planning, and emerging investment opportunities in the region.The summit will highlight the role of integrated infrastructure in driving economic growth and sustainability. It will explore how sectors such as energy, mobility, housing, water, artificial intelligence, and data centers can collaborate within a connected ecosystem that supports long-term development.The e vent is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants, including government leaders, industry executives, global investors, and pioneers from key sectors. Representatives from ministries, sovereign entities, developers, and infrastructure bodies will also be in attendance.Prominent speakers include Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; Eng. Sharif Salim Al Olama, Under-Secretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs; and Eng. Mohamed Al Mansoori, Under-Secretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, among others.The summit sessions will cover a range of topics, including project financing, smart technologies, and the development of inclusive, people-centric communities. Discussions will also focus on strengthening the UAE's global competitiveness and leadership in the sector, emphasizing enhanced collaboration between government entities and the private sector to accelerate infrastructure development.Eng. Sharif Salim Al Olama commented on the importance of integrating sustainability, innovation, and advanced technologies in future infrastructure. He noted the UAE's forward-looking approach combining clean energy, digital transformation, and resilient infrastructure to enhance quality of life and support economic growth.Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, highlighted the summit's timing amid the region's unprecedented momentum in city-building and infrastructure development. Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman of ONE Development and ONE Holding, emphasized the UAE real estate sector's resilience and global appeal, driven by visionary leadership and a stable business environment.Building the Future Summit 2026 will introduce initiatives like the Construction Leaders Recognition Awards and the Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders 2026 ceremony. Emerging young leaders will also be engaged to contribute recommendations and insights for the sector's advancement.The summit is supported by partners from both the public and private secto rs, including the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, ONE Development, AHS Properties, Morshedy Group, KEO, Karma, and Elementz.
