Hamdan bin Mohammed Approves Strategy to Make Dubai the World’s Best City

Dubai Plan 2033

Sheikh Hamdan said the city is pursuing an integrated model that blends urban development with nature, elevates health and quality of life, and empowers future generations. Dubai Plan 2033 underpins this approach, aligning economic and social agendas “to ensure happy and healthy individuals, families and communities.” He added that Dubai aims to remain the most advanced, attractive and sustainable city, setting a global benchmark for future urban living.

What Was Approved

Public Parks & Greenery Strategy (AED 18.3bn)

1. 800+ projects, including 310 new parks, 322 park upgrades, 120 new open spaces, over 70 road rights-of-way, and 14 tech initiatives.
2. Targets by 2040: 95 million annual park visits, tripling the number of trees, 187 km² of green space (11 m² per person), and 100% recycled water for irrigation.
3. Access goals: 80% of residents within a 10-minute bike ride of a district park and a 5-minute walk of a neighborhood park.

Aviation Talent 33

1. Strengthens Dubai’s position as a global aviation hub, including future-ready operations at Al Maktoum International Airport.
2. Goals: Emiratization in leadership and operations, 15,000+ jobs, 4,000+ training and upskilling opportunities, and 30+ strategic partnerships.
3. Supports broader ambitions to double GDP, attract AED 650 billion in investment, and employ 65,000 Emiratis in the private sector.
4. A steering committee of aviation experts will oversee strategy, policy alignment, and investments.

Affordable, High-Quality Schools Policy (Dubai Education Strategy 2033)

1. By 2033: ~60 new affordable schools and ~120,000 additional seats.
2. Incentives include reduced government fees and lower site leasing costs to encourage investment.
3. Objective: rank Dubai among the world’s top 10 for education quality.

Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033

1. Positions Dubai as a leading global sports hub.
2. 19 programs and 75 initiatives across 17 priority sports, serving all of society—especially youth and people of determination.
3. Focus: attract major events, support clubs and athletes, nurture talent, and boost mass participation.

Financial Restructuring & Insolvency Court

1. Specialized court to expedite financial reorganization and bankruptcy cases.
2. Aims: attract investment, facilitate fair settlements, avoid unnecessary liquidations, protect creditor rights, and reinforce Dubai’s standing as a top-three global financial center.

Expansion of Early Detection Healthcare Services

1. Seeks to cut the burden of chronic diseases (currently 52% of deaths) and place Dubai among the top 10 globally for healthy life expectancy.
2. Targets: >90% patient satisfaction, ≤7-day wait times for early detection appointments, +40% colon cancer screening, and +50% immunization service uptake.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, attended the meeting. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the pivotal roles of aviation, education, sports, finance, and preventative healthcare in sustaining Dubai’s competitiveness and quality of life.