UAE Achieves Major Energy, Housing and Infrastructure Milestones in 2025

Abu Dhabi, UAE: According to the Emirates News Agency (WAM), the United Arab Emirates reported significant growth across its energy, infrastructure, maritime transport, housing and digital transformation sectors in 2025, underscoring its ability to pair long-term planning with execution on the ground.

These achievements highlight a government-wide approach centred on innovation, operational efficiency and quality of life, translating national strategies into measurable outcomes that reinforce the UAE’s regional and global competitiveness.

Housing and urban development

In the housing sector, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure issued 3,567 housing support decisions during the year, with a total value of approximately $693 million (AED 2.546 billion). These included housing grants, loans and tailored financing solutions aimed at supporting citizens’ long-term housing needs.

As a result, the homeownership rate among UAE citizens rose to 91 percent, one of the highest levels globally. The UAE also achieved a significant international milestone by securing, for the first time, the presidency of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) General Assembly, alongside membership of its Executive Council.

Energy transition and efficiency

In the energy sector, 2025 marked the launch of the Global Energy Efficiency Alliance, which attracted participation from more than 40 countries and international organisations, underscoring the UAE’s growing leadership role in global efforts to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency.

The year also saw the publication of the State of Energy Report 2025, the UAE’s election to the Water Council of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the release of a guidance manual supporting domestic workers in eight languages to promote awareness of responsible consumption practices.

Progress continued under the National Energy and Water Demand Management Programme 2050, which targets a reduction in energy demand of 42 percent to 45 percent by 2050. The programme encompasses a broad portfolio of initiatives across industrial, agricultural, built environment and transport sectors.

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Infrastructure and transport investment

In infrastructure and transport, the Ministry advanced the National Agenda for Addressing Traffic Congestion, covering a portfolio of national transport and road projects valued at more than $46.3 billion (AED 170 billion) through 2030.

Plans include improving the efficiency of federal roads by 73 percent over the next five years through the Emirates Road upgrading and capacity enhancement project, backed by an investment of $204 million (AED 750 million). Capacity upgrades are also planned for Al Ittihad Road, with a 60 percent increase, and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, with a 45 percent increase.

Additionally, feasibility studies were completed for the Fourth Federal Road, a 120-kilometre route designed to accommodate up to 360,000 trips per day.

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Sustainability, maritime leadership and digital services

The Ministry also completed five major transformational projects, including the humanisation of buildings to support health and wellbeing, the Green Recycling Yards Project, green industrial transformation initiatives, the Sustainable Farm Irrigation Project, and the recycling of electric and hybrid vehicle batteries.

On the global stage, the UAE strengthened its maritime profile by hosting the World Maritime Day Parallel Event, launching the National Maritime Navigation Centre, and securing re-election for a fifth consecutive term to Category “B” membership of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

Operational excellence was further reflected in the Ministry’s receipt of 41 local, regional and international awards, alongside 19 ISO certifications. In parallel, community engagement was expanded through 30 customer council meetings across the Emirates and the signing of 26 agreements and memoranda of understanding to deepen partnerships and knowledge exchange. The year also marked the launch of the first fully integrated digital government services centre in Fujairah.

The year 2025 represents an important milestone in the development journey of the energy, infrastructure, transport and housing sectors in the UAE,

said Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

We witnessed tangible progress in the implementation of strategic projects that reflect the vision of our wise leadership in building an integrated, more efficient, and sustainable ecosystem capable of supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life.

Our efforts have focused on strengthening the readiness of federal infrastructure, improving the efficiency of the energy system, and developing advanced housing solutions that align with the needs of citizens and their future aspirations,

He said.

Al Mazrouei added that the achievements realised in 2025 demonstrate the Ministry’s ability to convert national plans into concrete, data-driven results through effective governance, efficient resource management and the expansion of local, regional and international partnerships.

We commence 2026 confidently, building on clear results and solid foundations, while reaffirming our commitment to supporting the objectives of the ‘We the UAE 2031’ Vision, on the path toward the UAE Centennial 2071. The Ministry will continue its work to ensure advanced infrastructure, a sustainable energy sector, and flexible housing solutions that enhance the country’s competitiveness and leadership at both the regional and global levels,

he noted.