Overview

The 2nd Edition of the Forbes Middle East Building the Future Summit, taking place on 23rd and 24th June at Conrad Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, will bring together industry leaders, investors, architects, and innovators to explore the trends and technologies shaping the next era of real estate. The summit will spotlight smart city innovation, sustainable urban planning, and new investment opportunities transforming the MENA market.
 
Through focused keynotes, expert panels, and interactive discussions, the event will inspire collaboration and forward-thinking solutions that redefine the future of urban development.
 
Stay tuned for more updates.

Speakers

Stay tuned for more speaker updates.

Agenda

Building the Future Summit – 2nd Edition | Abu Dhabi

10:00 – 10:30 am

Registration & Networking

10:35 – 10:40 am

National Anthem

10:45 – 10:50 am

Performance

10:55 – 11:00 am

Welcome Address & Opening Video by Forbes Middle East

11:05 – 11:10 am

Opening Address by ONE Development

11:15 – 11:20 am

Keynote Address: Laying the Foundations of National Development: Infrastructure at the Heart of ‘We the UAE 2031’ Vision

An exploration of how integrated infrastructure strategies are driving the UAE’s long-term ambitions under the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision, accelerating economic diversification, enhancing societal well-being, and boosting global competitiveness.

11:25 – 11:30 am

Special Address: Powering the Next Horizon: The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 in Action

An insight into how the UAE is translating its long-term energy strategy into impactful outcomes by driving clean energy adoption, enhancing energy efficiency, and shaping a resilient, low-carbon economy for generations to come.

11:35 – 11:50 am

Awards Ceremony

11:55 – 12:10 pm

Panel: Forging Public-Private Partnerships to Enable Future-Ready Projects

A key discussion on the importance of strategic collaboration between government entities and private sector players to accelerate infrastructure development, foster innovation and efficiency, and deliver long-term value across key national projects.

12:15 – 12:30 pm

Panel: Empowering Communities Through Accessible Housing Initiatives

A discussion on how initiatives like the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program drive inclusive development, foster connected communities, elevate quality of life and support long-term national development goals.

12:35 – 12:50 pm

Panel: Building for Generations: Family as the Bedrock of Societal Development

Aligned with the ‘Year of Family’ initiative, this panel explores how families form the foundation of thriving societies. Experts will discuss how infrastructure, housing policies, and urban planning can support generational stability, inclusivity, and long-term societal growth.

12: 55 – 1:10 pm

Panel: The Private Sector as a Pillar of Growth: Powering Innovation & Investment in the Region

Explore how the private sector drives regional growth by fostering innovation, attracting investment, empowering SMEs, and shaping supportive policy frameworks to build resilient, future-ready economies.

1:10 – 2:05 pm

Networking Lunch

2:10 – 2:25 pm

Panel: The Talent Engine: Building the Human Capital for Tomorrow’s Economy

As digitalization, sustainability, and innovation reshape industries, human capital must evolve. Explore how governments and industry leaders are cultivating skilled, adaptable talent to power productivity, competitiveness, and long-term economic growth.

2:30 – 2:45 pm

Panel: Integrated Living: Building Places that Connect, Empower, and Inspire

This session explores how mixed-use developments, inclusive design, and people-centric planning are shaping vibrant urban spaces that foster belonging, accessibility, and holistic well-being.

2:50 – 3:05 pm

Panel: The Developer’s Edge: Elevating Skylines and Driving Urban Impact

A focused discussion on how innovative real estate development and strategic urban planning drive economic growth, shape vibrant cityscapes, and support the region’s long-term vision for prosperity and sustainability.

3:10 – 3:25 pm

Panel: Defining Ultra-Luxury: The Future of High-End Living

Explore how ultra-luxury real estate is evolving to meet the expectations of global high-net-worth buyers, from bespoke design and branded residences to privacy, exclusivity, and service excellence shaping the next era of high-end living.

3:30 – 3:45 pm

Panel: Investment Confidence in a Changing Market: Capital, Risk & Opportunity in Real Estate

As market dynamics shift, this session explores how investors are recalibrating risk, deploying capital, and identifying high-value opportunities across the real estate landscape to drive the next phase of growth.

3:50 – 4:05 pm

Panel: Urban Futures: What Will Define the Next Decade of Development?

A forward-looking discussion exploring the key trends, technologies, and policies that will shape the next era of urban development, balancing innovation, sustainability, and evolving societal needs.

Building the Future Summit – 2nd Edition | Abu Dhabi

10:00 – 11:00 am

Registration & Networking

11:05 – 11:10 am

Performance

11:15 – 11:20 am

Welcome Address by Forbes Middle East

11:25 – 11:30 am

Special Address: Strategic Urban Vision: Advancing Abu Dhabi’s Growth through Plan 2030

An overview of the long-term vision behind Plan Abu Dhabi 2030, a comprehensive urban framework guiding the emirate’s transformation into sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive capital.

11:35 – 11:50 am

Panel: The Digital Future of Cities: AI & Emerging Technologies Driving Urban Evolution

Dive into how artificial intelligence, digital twins, and cognitive infrastructure systems are revolutionizing urban management, enhancing real-time insights, improving services, and paving the way for intelligent, efficient, and responsive cities.

11:55 – 12:10 pm

Panel: City Icons in the Making: Designing Tomorrow’s Global Destinations

Learn how visionary urban planning, architectural innovation, and cultural storytelling are coming together to create cities that aren’t just livable but unforgettable. From tourism and lifestyle to sustainability and heritage, discover what it takes to build the region’s next iconic destinations.

12:15 – 12:30 pm

Panel: Next Stop, Space: Charting the UAE’s Space Frontier

Explore how the UAE is charting the next frontier in space, harnessing cutting-edge technology, visionary leadership, and human capital to drive innovation, economic growth, and the nation’s global ambitions.

12:35 – 12:50 pm

Panel: The Mobility Evolution: Smart, Sustainable, and Seamless Connectivity

Explore how data-driven planning, green transport systems, and integrated logistics are transforming land & maritime mobility into a connected, low-impact driver of economic growth, enhancing national trade, movement, and urban livability.

12:55 – 1:10 pm

Panel: Security in the Age of Smart Cities: Safeguarding Tomorrow’s Urban and Digital Ecosystems

Discover how integrated cyber and physical security strategies are protecting urban and digital ecosystems, ensuring resilient, connected, and future-ready cities.

1:10 – 2:10 pm

Networking Lunch

2:15 – 2:30 pm

Panel: Data-Driven Metropolitan Planning for Intelligent, Adaptive Cities

A forward-looking discussion on how data analytics and intelligent modeling tools are transforming how cities anticipate growth, optimize resources, and build resilient infrastructure systems.

2:35 – 2:50 pm

Panel: Redefining the Built Environment: Sustainable Materials, Systems & Circular Innovation

Explore how sustainable materials, integrated systems, and circular design are reshaping the built environment, optimising resources, and creating resilient, future-ready urban and infrastructure projects.

2:55 – 3:10 pm

Panel: Architecture of Identity: Blending Culture, Climate, and Modern Vision

As cities grow and evolve, architecture plays a vital role in expressing identity and purpose. Explore how are merging cultural context, environmental consciousness, and modern vision to create iconic, resilient spaces that resonate with community values and regional character.

3:15 – 3:30 pm

Panel: Spaces That Inspire: Elevating Interior Design to Shape Function, Style, and Experience

Exploring how interior design shapes function, style, and human experience, creating inspiring spaces that elevate modern developments and drive lasting impact.

3:35 – 3:50 pm

Panel: Reimagining Contracts: Building Trust, Agility, and Resilience into Project Delivery

Learn how innovative contracting models are enhancing trust, reducing disputes, and enabling agile, resilient infrastructure delivery, paving the way for more efficient, transparent, and future-ready projects.

3:55 – 4:10 pm

Panel: Maritime Excellence as a Driver of Economic and Environmental Resilience

Explore how the UAE is advancing maritime infrastructure and innovation to boost economic diversification, enhance trade connectivity, and safeguard marine ecosystems, positioning the maritime sector as a key pillar of national resilience and sustainable growth.

4:15 – 4:30 pm

Panel: Delivering National Impact: Strengthening Infrastructure Through Strategic Operations

This session examines how strategic procurement, logistics, and local value creation are driving more efficient, resilient, and impactful infrastructure delivery, supporting national goals.

Previous Speakers

Select Your Package

Limited seating is available, so don’t miss out on our exclusive early bird pricing! Register now to secure your spot and be part of this
unique experience. Please proceed to select the general Pass and click “Next.” If you wish to purchase multiple
tickets, please choose the “Group Member” option on the next page before submitting.

Delegate PASS

EARLY BIRD PRICE

$200

PASS PRICE: $400
Designed for professionals seeking deeper access, curated connections, and a premium summit experience.

Visitor PASS

Ideal for attendees looking to explore the summit, discover ideas, and engage with the ecosystem.

Location

Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers

Hosted at Conrad Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi, the summit convenes leaders and decision-makers in a refined setting built for strategic dialogue and professional networking.

Partners

Coming Soon

Digital Reach