UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council holds 2nd meeting of 2025

emirates7 - Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, chaired the UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council’s second periodic meeting of 2025, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Dubai. The session focused on reviewing several key strategic initiatives and projects to advance infrastructure development throughout the country.

Al Mazrouei stressed the importance of consolidating national efforts in the fields of infrastructure and housing to align with the UAE’s overarching goals. He underscored the need for stronger coordination between federal and local entities to ensure cohesive policymaking and optimal integration across sectors.

He also highlighted that enhancing the infrastructure framework and improving sustainability and operational efficiency are essential for reinforcing the UAE’s global standing.

The meeting brought together Council members, including Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority; and Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry. Senior representatives from federal and local authorities also participated, including:

Dr. Salem Al Kaabi, Director-General of Operations Affairs, Department of Municipalities and Transport – Abu Dhabi
Consultant Eng. Salah bin Butti Al Muhairi, Chairman, Initiatives Implementation Authority – Sharjah (Mubadara)
Abdulrahman Mohammed Abdullah Al Nuaimi, Director-General, Municipality and Planning Department – Ajman
Munther bin Shakar, Director-General, Municipality Department – Ras Al Khaimah
Mohammed Saeed Al Dhanhani, Director, Fujairah Emiri Diwan
Yousef Jassim Al Mansouri, Director of Engineering Sector, Municipality Department – Umm Al Quwain
Adhraa Al Mansoori, Director of Public Policy, Sustainability, and Master Planning, Etihad Rail

Key topics included updates on policy developments to manage traffic congestion, with a focus on reducing the growth in vehicle numbers and boosting road efficiency through adaptive traffic solutions that support economic growth.

The Council also reviewed findings from a national study on the risks of sea level rise and its potential effects on coastal infrastructure. Discussions emphasized the urgency of preparing flexible and sustainable adaptation strategies, reassessing drainage and transport systems, and enhancing early warning and maintenance programs to safeguard communities and infrastructure against climate-related risks.

Additionally, members were briefed on the National Contractor Classification Guide initiative, which aims to standardize contractor classification criteria across all Emirates. This initiative is designed to increase transparency, facilitate investment, and improve the performance of the construction sector, which was valued at AED 150 billion in 2024.

In its first meeting earlier this year, the Council had explored progress in infrastructure and housing initiatives, future projects, and strategies to a sustainable urban landscape. These efforts align with the UAE’s "We the UAE 2031" vision, aiming to build a modern, sustainable society that enhances citizens’ quality of life.