
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of the Emirate and Minister of Defense of the UAE, has signed a package of documents that should propel Dubai to the top spot among the world's cities. The decision was made at a meeting of the Executive Council during the annual government meetings.
This is not a one-off project, but part of the long-term “Dubai Plan 2033,” where the economy, society, and nature work together. Hamdan said briefly: “The city must be comfortable, green, and healthy. We are investing in the future.” Behind his words are billions of dirhams and specific figures.
The main focus is on parks and greening. 18.3 billion has been allocated for this. There are plans to build 310 new parks, renovate 322 old ones, add 120 open spaces, and 70 green corridors along roads. By 2040, there will be three times more trees, and green areas will cover 187 square kilometers — 11 meters per resident. Only purified water will be used for irrigation. The parks are expected to receive up to 95 million visitors per year. City officials explain that it will take a maximum of a couple of minutes to walk from home to shade.
Aviation is also a priority. The Aviation Talent 33 program will create 15,000 jobs. Four thousand training courses and 30 partnerships with large companies will be launched. Al Maktoum Airport is growing to become one of the largest in the world. Dubai is strengthening its status as an aviation hub through which millions of passengers pass.
Education: 60 new high-level schools will open by 2033. Fees and land rents will be reduced to attract investors. The goal is to be among the top ten in terms of quality of education. Sports: 75 projects in 17 sports. From children's clubs to international tournaments. Everything to get residents moving and sick less often.
Medicine: Colon cancer screening will be expanded by 40%, and vaccinations by 50%. Waiting times for appointments will be reduced to one week. Finance: a new bankruptcy court will simplify life for businesses.
Residents are already noticing the changes. “A park has appeared next to my house, where there used to be a desert,” says Ahmed from Jumeirah. Experts believe that such steps will propel Dubai to the top of global rankings. In a world where cities are suffocating from exhaust fumes, the emirate is showing how it is possible to grow without harming people.
With Hamdan's signature, Dubai is gaining momentum. By 2033, the city promises to become not just rich, but comfortable to live in. Judging by the pace, these are not empty words.
