Hamdan bin Mohammed Approves AED18 Billion in Landmark Strategies to Transform Dubai’s Future

Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has sanctioned a series of transformative strategies and projects with a total budget of AED18 billion. These initiatives are designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and shape a promising future across various sectors, including culture, trade, infrastructure, Emiratisation, finance, investment, urban planning, and population census.

During a meeting of The Executive Council, His Highness emphasized Dubai’s commitment to continuous progress. He stated that the emirate, synonymous with ambition and achievement, is dedicated to turning plans into action. Under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the city is focused on future planning while addressing current needs, ensuring that every advancement is purposeful and progressive.

The meeting, held at Emirates Towers, was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai.

Dubai Cultural Strategy 2033

The Dubai Cultural Strategy 2033, overseen by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, aims to position Dubai as a leader in cultural innovation while remaining rooted in the UAE’s heritage. This strategy seeks to establish the city as a global hub for talent and a preferred destination for creative projects, as well as a model for social cohesion.

Aligned with the Dubai Plan 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the strategy is built on four pillars and encompasses 40 initiatives, supported by five sectoral indicators and 23 key performance indicators. Major initiatives include the Dubai Cultural and Creative Innovation Programme, the UAE Heritage Design Challenge, and the Future Talents Development Programme. The objectives include supporting over 6,000 local talents, attracting more than 6,000 international creatives, increasing Dubai’s cultural asset footprint by over 200%, raising the sector’s GDP contribution to 5.4%, and enhancing public-private partnerships in the sector to AED2.75 billion.

Dubai Customs Strategy

The Dubai Customs Strategy 2030 is focused on facilitating trade and strengthening economic partnerships. It aims to enhance security and compliance while improving the customer and partner experience. This strategy is designed to ensure seamless trade, boost Dubai’s global competitiveness, protect communities, and reinforce the emirate’s status as a global trade hub.

First Al Khail Street Development Plan

The Executive Council has also approved the First Al Khail Street Development Plan, which will create a strategic corridor parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road. This project will feature a 15-kilometre-long elevated carriageway with three lanes in each direction. Construction is set to commence in the third quarter of 2027 and conclude in the fourth quarter of 2030. Innovative technologies and modern construction methods will be employed to expedite delivery without disrupting traffic. The project is expected to serve 2.6 million people, providing access to Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Business Bay, and Meydan, while reducing travel time on Sheikh Zayed Road by 51% during peak hours. Additionally, it will enhance road network efficiency and increase capacity by approximately 9,000 vehicles per hour.

‘Dubai Population Now’

Another significant initiative approved is the Real-Time Population Census and Growth Monitoring Initiative, known as ‘Dubai Population Now’. Led by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment, part of the Dubai Digital Authority, this project employs artificial intelligence and smart forecasting to provide a real-time population clock and support urban planning. By the end of 2025, Dubai’s population is projected to reach 4.58 million, reflecting an increase of 332,000 (7.5%) from 2024. This initiative aims to enable more precise policymaking in housing, education, health, and transport.

Emirati Talents Strategy in Private Education

The Executive Council has also approved the Emirati Talents Strategy in Private Education, which seeks to enhance Emiratisation in the sector, targeting 3,000 nationals by 2033 in alignment with the Dubai Education Strategy 2033. Key indicators include the percentage of Emiratis in teaching roles and turnover rates. Initiatives under this strategy include the Teacher Qualification and Accreditation Academy (Bridge to Teach), Success Partners Programme, Flex Emiratisation, and the Teaching Experience initiative (TeachXperience), along with a pathway for employing retirees.

Dubai Investor Register

The Dubai Investor Register is a unified registry for all institutions and individuals operating or investing in Dubai. This initiative supports the Dubai Economic Agenda and the D33 target of AED650 billion in foreign direct investment by 2033. The register allows companies and investors to operate across multiple zones without the need for re-registration, meets Financial Action Task Force requirements, and reduces costs and operational burdens by unifying procedures and data.

Visual Identity for Dubai’s Address System

The Executive Council has approved a new visual identity for Dubai’s address system, which will give address signage a distinctive urban character inspired by the emirate’s environment. This initiative aims to enhance the identity of different areas and improve geographic orientation and navigation, in line with international best practices. The system is set to expand to cover transport and residential services, with implementation planned across 186 areas by 2029.

Global Centre for Technology and Innovation in Islamic Finance

Additionally, the Executive Council has approved the establishment of the Global Centre for Technology and Innovation in Islamic Finance, managed by the Dubai International Financial Centre in collaboration with global partners. This centre aims to position Dubai as a leading hub for Islamic fintech, with the sector’s market projected to reach $9.31 trillion by 2030. Key initiatives include the Islamic Finance Innovation Challenge, an innovation platform for Islamic banks and start-ups, and the Future Islamic Finance Forum scheduled for November 4, 2026. The DIFC Academy will also deliver a talent programme targeting over 3,000 trainees by 2031.

Source: www.emirates247.com

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Published on 2026-07-01 22:12:00 • By the Editorial Desk