Abu Dhabi is reshaping its long-term economic growth model through a cluster-led development strategy aimed at generating nearly Dh300 billion in GDP and creating more than 110,000 skilled jobs by 2045, according to the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO).
The shift marks a move away from a traditional focus on attracting capital inflows toward building long-term economic value, job creation, and deeper industrial capabilities. ADIO said the new approach is designed to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a globally competitive, innovation-driven economy.
Under the cluster strategy, Abu Dhabi is prioritising specific high-impact sectors where it believes it can build global leadership. These include advanced manufacturing, life sciences, smart and autonomous vehicles, agri-tech, financial services, tourism, and clean energy. Each cluster brings together businesses, regulators, researchers, and investors to create integrated ecosystems rather than isolated projects.
Officials said the model allows the emirate to scale industries more effectively, attract specialised talent, and accelerate knowledge transfer. By focusing on entire value chains – from research and development to production and export – the strategy aims to generate sustained economic activity rather than short-term investment gains.
ADIO said the targeted Dh300 billion contribution to GDP would be driven by productivity gains, innovation, and export growth, while the 110,000 new jobs are expected to be predominantly high-skilled roles. These positions are intended to support long-term workforce development and align with national goals to increase private-sector employment.
The approach also reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader diversification efforts as it reduces reliance on hydrocarbons. While energy remains a core pillar, officials stressed that future growth will be increasingly anchored in knowledge-based industries and advanced technologies.
For residents and businesses, the strategy signals a more structured and predictable economic roadmap. Companies operating within priority clusters may benefit from tailored incentives, streamlined regulation, and access to specialised infrastructure.
As global competition for talent and investment intensifies, Abu Dhabi’s cluster-led model represents a calculated bet on depth over volume – focusing not just on how much investment flows in, but on how effectively it translates into sustainable growth and high-quality jobs over the next two decades.
