Under the Patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
FORBES MIDDLE EAST BUILDING THE FUTURE SUMMIT TO TAKE PLACE IN ABU DHABI ON JUNE 23–24
- Exploring the future of infrastructure, urban growth, and investment
- Bringing together 3,000+ decision-makers, investors, and industry leaders
- Strengthening the UAE’s position as a global hub for future-ready cities
Abu Dhabi, UAE – June 21, 2026: Under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, Forbes Middle East will host the second edition of the Building the Future Summit 2026 in Abu Dhabi on June 23 and 24, bringing together an influential gathering of decision-makers, business leaders, and industry experts to discuss the future of urban development and sustainable infrastructure across the Middle East and North Africa.
Held in partnership with ONE Development, the summit will showcase the latest trends and technologies shaping the future of infrastructure and urban development, with a focus on smart cities, sustainable planning, and emerging investment opportunities across the region.
The event will also highlight the role of integrated infrastructure in driving economic growth and sustainability, while exploring how sectors including energy, mobility, housing, water, artificial intelligence (AI), and data centers can work together within a connected ecosystem that supports long-term development.
The summit is expected to attract more than 3,000 participants, including government leaders, industry executives, global investors, and pioneers from key sectors, alongside representatives from ministries, sovereign entities, developers, and infrastructure bodies.
Featured speakers include H.E. Sheikh Abdulla bin Mohammed bin Butti Al Hamed, Chairman of the National Media Authority; H.E. Eng. Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure; H.E. Eng. Mohamed Al Mansoori, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs; H.E. Younis Haji Al Khoori, Undersecretary of the UAE Ministry of Finance; H.E. Eng. Ahmed Mohammed Belajer Al Rumaithi, Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy; H.E. Rashed Abdulkarim Al Blooshi, CEO, Registration Authority, Abu Dhabi Global Market; H.E. Eng. Eisa Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Director General of Infrastructure Development Directorate, Department of Municipalities and Transport; H.E. Dr. Mohamed Al Kuwaiti, Head of Cybersecurity, UAE Government; H.E. Abdulla Mohamed Al Blooshi, Director General of the Urban Planning and Permits Centre, Department of Municipalities and Transport; and Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman, ONE Development and ONE Holding.
The summit sessions will address a range of topics shaping the future of infrastructure, including project financing, smart technologies, future-focused architecture, and the development of inclusive, people-centric communities. Discussions will also examine ways to strengthen the UAE’s global competitiveness and leadership in the sector, while highlighting the importance of enhanced collaboration between government entities and the private sector to accelerate infrastructure development, drive innovation, and improve efficiency and sustainability.
H.E. Eng. Sharif Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure said: “The future of infrastructure will be defined by the integration of sustainability, innovation, and advanced technologies. The UAE continues to adopt a forward-looking approach that combines clean energy, digital transformation, and resilient infrastructure to support economic growth and enhance quality of life. Through collaboration between the public and private sectors, we are accelerating the development of future-ready systems that leverage artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and smart solutions to create sustainable, efficient, and resilient cities for generations to come.”
He added: “The Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit provides an important platform to exchange knowledge, explore emerging opportunities, and strengthen partnerships that will contribute to shaping the next generation of cities, energy systems, and infrastructure.”
Commenting on the summit, Khuloud Al Omian, CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Forbes Middle East, said: “The second edition of the Building the Future Summit comes at a time when the region is witnessing unprecedented momentum in city-building and infrastructure development, driven by technological transformation, sustainable growth priorities, and the increasing need for more resilient and future-ready development models. Against this backdrop, the summit provides a platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas around the trends that will shape the next generation of cities and communities across the region.”
Ali Al Gebely, Founder and Chairman of ONE Development and ONE Holding, said: “At a time of evolving market dynamics, the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit offers an important platform to highlight the UAE real estate sector’s resilience, innovation, and global appeal. Guided by visionary leadership, stability, world-class infrastructure, and a secure business environment, the UAE continues to attract investors and end-users, while accelerating AI adoption to shape a smarter, more sustainable future for the industry.”
Building the Future Summit 2026 will introduce several initiatives designed to strengthen the practical impact of its discussions and outcomes. These include recognizing outstanding leaders from the construction sector through the Construction Leaders Recognition Awards, alongside the Most Impactful Real Estate Leaders 2026 ceremony. The summit will also engage emerging young leaders, providing them with a platform to contribute recommendations and insights that support the continued advancement of the sector.
The summit is supported by a range of partners from both the public and private sectors, including the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and principal partner ONE Development, alongside AHS Properties, Morshedy Group, KEO, Karma, and Elementz.
For more information about the summit, please visit the official website.
-END-
About Forbes Middle East
Forbes Middle East is published under license from the global Forbes brand as a dedicated edition for the Arab world, with a mission to advance business journalism across the region. Through its digital platforms and social media channels, Forbes Middle East delivers breaking news and in-depth coverage on wealth, business, investment, technology, entrepreneurship, leadership, and luxury lifestyle.
Its monthly magazine, published in both English and Arabic, features exclusive interviews with some of the Middle East’s most influential and innovative leaders. Digital editions are also available to readers across the region and around the world through its website.
Forbes Middle East has established the Forbes editorial presence across the Arab world through its independent research and proprietary methodologies, which underpin its widely recognized rankings and lists. Its content reaches business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, executives, and a broad audience of ambitious professionals and changemakers.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Abdalhadi Daas
Consultant
Columna Media Consultancy, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Mobile: 00971521506836
Email: [email protected]