The liveability dividend: How the UAE turns quality of life into lasting economic power

The UAE's strategy for economic growth centers on enhancing the quality of life for its residents and visitors. This approach is exemplified in the Abu Dhabi LIVEX 2026 exhibition, which attracted over 26,500 visitors from 50 countries. The event concluded with more than 50 agreements and initiatives valued at more than AED 150 billion, underscoring the confidence in the UAE's urban and economic future.

Central to this strategy is the integration of quality of life into urban planning. Abu Dhabi places significant emphasis on safety, with the city consistently ranked as the world's safest for the past decade. This safety, coupled with a robust infrastructure including digital services, healthcare facilities, schools, housing, and transport networks, fosters a conducive environment for people to live, work, grow, innovate, and belong.

The UAE's success in this regard is evident in its real estate market, which experienced a 112% year-on-year growth in total real estate transactions during the first half of 2026, reaching Dh117 billion. Foreign direct investment also saw a significant increase, totaling Dh13.8 billion from 116 nationalities. Over 60 projects worth Dh12 billion have been supported by the Abu Dhabi Liveability Strategy, which focuses on enhancing walkability, accessibility, mobility, public spaces, and high-quality public realms in major developments.

This focus on human-centric development creates a strong foundation for economic strength. The UAE's approach demonstrates that investing in the wellbeing of its residents can yield substantial economic returns, making the UAE a compelling destination for global investors.