The head of Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) said on a tour of Istanbul that Abu Dhabi wants to find partners to implement infrastructure projects worth $54 billion in the next five years, and increase these projects by 2040.
The visit to Turkey followed earlier visits to Singapore and China, as officials of ADPIC, the agency that oversees government capital projects, met with Turkish contractors, developers, and construction companies.
The group to decide on a short list of firms from Turkey, Singapore, and China for the planned domestic projects, ADPIC director Maysarah Mahmoud Salim Eid informed the reporters on Wednesday, about its remarks for release on Thursday.
Salim Eid stated that ADPIC, which is also in charge of implementing and delivering projects to the emirate, has shared a “a common vision (in) infrastructure development” with Turkey.
“We are still in the discussion phase (and) there are some short-listed companies,” he said, citing that announcements will be made after mutual agreements are made.
According to ENR’s “Top 250 International Contractors” list, China and Turkey are first and second in international ranking this year of top contractors.
The Turkish Contractors Association indicated that Turkish contractors completed more than $31 billion worth of new projects abroad in 2024. Therefore, their greatest market was the UAE, with projects valued at $6.1 billion.
Top Turkish contractors who were present in the ADPIC roadshow were Dogus, Kalyon, and Summa. Salim Eid reported that under the category of “mega portfolio” of projects by the group, there are bridges and tunnels that are interconnected to the greater economic growth and diversification strategy of the UAE.
He added that much of the intended investments are in “social infrastructure” such as national housing, which comprises about 50 percent of the portfolio, schools, and community facilities.
Salim Eid said that “Our budget, until 2030, is $54bn. This is for the coming five years. And we are expecting this number to double across the next years until 2040.”
He also mentioned that there will be such public and private collaborations, which will be in Abu Dhabi, at Al-Ain city, and the Al-Dhafra region.
He also indicated that the Abu Dhabi government can be directly financed and carried out by the foreign consultants and contractors, depending on the results of the roadshow.
Salim Eid further stated that it may also be financed via partnerships, investment with real estate developers, or investors who are willing to invest in infrastructure and engage in a long-term partnership.
