His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, chaired the second periodic meeting of 2025 of the UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council, which was held at the Ministry's headquarters in Dubai. The meeting reviewed a number of strategic projects and initiatives aimed at developing the infrastructure sectors across the UAE.
His Excellency Al Mazrouei emphasized the importance of intensifying and unifying efforts at the national level in the fields of infrastructure and housing, in alignment with national aspirations. He highlighted the need to enhance policy coordination between the federal and local levels to achieve the highest degree of integration among relevant entities. His Excellency noted that advancing the infrastructure system and achieving high levels of efficiency and sustainability is a key pillar in strengthening the UAE’s position on the international stage.
The Minister extended his appreciation to all representatives of the government entities who are members of the UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council, for their dedicated efforts that have resulted in remarkable achievements within a short period of time. He noted that these efforts have contributed to advancing integrated and collaborative work among various federal and local government entities, and to the implementation of unified national plans that support the infrastructure and housing sectors.
During the meeting, council members discussed updates regarding the development of policies related to traffic congestion, aimed at gradually reducing the growth of vehicle numbers and enhancing the efficiency of road networks through flexible traffic projects that support economic growth and alleviate congestion.
The meeting also addressed the key findings of the national study assessing the impact of sea level rise on the UAE’s coastal infrastructure. It emphasized the importance of developing flexible and sustainable adaptation plans, reassessing transportation and drainage systems, and enhancing maintenance and early warning programs to ensure the protection of lives and property, while strengthening the country’s readiness for future climate changes.
Members of the Council were briefed on the National Contractor Classification Guide initiative, which aims to unify classification standards at both the local and federal levels and facilitate business operations across the Emirates. The initiative represents a pivotal step toward enhancing transparency, encouraging investment, and improving the efficiency of the construction sector, which was valued at approximately AED 150 billion in 2024.
The meeting was attended by Council members, including His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai, and His Excellency Eng Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Also in attendance were several senior officials from federal and local entities, including: His Excellency Dr Salem Al Kaabi, Director General of Operations Affairs at the Department of Municipalities and Transport in Abu Dhabi; His Excellency Consultant Eng Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman of the Initiatives Implementation Authority in Sharjah (Mubadara); His Excellency Abdulrahman Mohammed Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Director General of the Municipality and Planning Department in Ajman; His Excellency Munther bin Shakar, Director General of the Municipality Department in Ras Al Khaimah; His Excellency Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director of the Fujairah Emiri Diwan; His Excellency Yousef Jassim Al Mansouri, Director of the Engineering Sector at the Municipality Department in Umm Al Quwain; and Ms. Adhraa Al Mansoori, Director of the Public Policy, Sustainability, and Master Planning Department at Etihad Rail.
During its first periodic meeting of 2025, the UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council discussed the latest developments related to infrastructure and housing projects, as well as future directions and development projects aimed at creating a sustainable urban environment that enhances community well-being. The meeting also addressed the challenges and opportunities available to promote the sustainability of infrastructure projects and develop the housing sector in alignment with the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, which aims to build an advanced and sustainable society.