Dubai has unveiled a significant new strategy aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the Emirate through extensive development plans.
The strategy includes the establishment of more than 200 new parks, designated beaches exclusively for women, a packed calendar of over 1,000 events, strengthened wildlife conservation efforts, and the introduction of a “20-minute city” concept.
Under the guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has endorsed the “Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.”
This forward-thinking strategy is aimed at ensuring the overall well-being of all members of the community, including citizens, residents, and tourists.
Taking a comprehensive approach to well-being, the strategy aims to position Dubai as a global leader in quality of life and strengthen its reputation as the preferred destination for living, working, and visiting worldwide.
Importance of People’s Welfare
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed emphasised the importance of prioritising people’s welfare in Dubai’s sustainable development plans, considering it fundamental to the success of government initiatives.
He stated, “Today, we have approved the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 as part of our efforts to enhance our international standing not only economically but also in terms of innovation and welfare. Our society’s dynamism and cultural richness are crucial to our developmental journey.”
“The strategy includes more than 200 projects, initiatives, and plans across ten key pillars, all aimed at promoting the well-being of individuals, society, and the city,” he added.
“Our goal is to establish Dubai as one of the world’s premier cities for well-being, ensuring every resident enjoys a healthy, active, and fulfilling lifestyle, fostering a society that embraces its identity and cultural diversity, and providing top-notch leisure and entertainment options. Dubai will be synonymous with luxury living globally.”
“All projects under this strategy will be overseen by a dedicated office focused on enhancing Dubai’s quality of life, working closely with over 19 government bodies and numerous private organisations.”
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum delivered these comments after examining the key points of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, which aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
This strategy presents a comprehensive plan for sustainable urban growth across the city, catering to all sections of society, aiming to fulfil his vision for Dubai’s future and positioning it among the world’s leading cities in terms of well-being.
Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on various innovative initiatives, including:
Districts focused on well-being
The concept of the “20-minute city”
Development of a new generation of parks
Promotion of walking
Development plans for suburban areas
Beach development
A landscaping strategy
Creation of sports and entertainment facilities accessible to all
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed assessed the new approach to designing model neighbourhoods, encompassing three districts in Dubai: Al Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej 2, and Al Barsha 2.
This fresh perspective aims to enhance the infrastructure of these neighbourhoods by improving social amenities and services, encouraging healthier living through alternative modes of transportation, and enhancing connectivity between community spaces such as parks, mosques, and shops.
Phase 1 of the strategy for residents of Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2 will involve constructing over 115 km of pedestrian and cycling paths, planting more than 3,000 trees and plants, and creating over 20 investment opportunities.
Redevelopment plans include upgrading existing collector streets, building shaded canopies, dedicated lanes for bicycles and e-scooters, pedestrian walkways, rest areas, and recreational spaces for families.
The vision also encompasses landscaping, constructing unique architectural entrances for each residential community, imparting distinct character to each neighbourhood, and improving alleys and intersections to enhance safety and provide pedestrian pathways.
Moreover, it presents opportunities for local investment, enhances public services, and introduces the “20-minute city” concept, aiming to ensure that residents can access 80% of essential services within a 20-minute journey using sustainable transportation options.
Plans for Next-Gen Parks
Sheikh Hamdan also examined the plans for the next generation of parks in Dubai, incorporating new design elements to meet diverse community needs, reflect each district’s distinct character, and promote sustainable activities for well-being.
Over the next three years, more than 30 parks with these new designs will be developed across the emirate.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed instructed all government departments in Dubai to accelerate the implementation of projects and initiatives linked to the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy.
Comprising over 200 projects, initiatives, and supporting plans, the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy will be rolled out in three phases from 2024 to 2033.
It addresses 10 key pillars related to well-being:
- Culture and entertainment
- Natural environment
- Urban environment
- Mobility
- Society and family
- Economic environment
- Employment and work conditions
- Education
- Safety and security
- Health
The new strategy prioritises individuals, society, and the city, placing human welfare as paramount.
It targets all segments of the community, including citizens, residents, and visitors to Dubai. Additionally, it focuses on seven demographic categories:
- Women
- Seniors
- Citizens
- People with disabilities
- Children
- Youth
- Professionals
More than 19 entities in Dubai have collaborated to formulate an integrated plan encompassing all major initiatives and aspects of the Quality of Life Strategy, along with a roadmap for implementing innovative programmes aimed at individuals, society, and the city.
Collaborating, they assessed the current status of each area and set targets until 2033.
The private sector will actively participate in implementing the initiatives and projects of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, supporting the emirate’s comprehensive economic development.
Through its efforts, the sector aims to expedite the achievement of ambitious goals outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The strategy includes 100 projects and initiatives that can be executed in partnership with the private sector, ensuring its significant presence and tangible impact through high-value, qualitative projects that enhance the well-being of Dubai’s community.
Objectives of the Strategy
The first objective is to promote well-being at an individual level, focusing on development plans that prioritise people’s welfare, stability, and happiness.
This involves enhancing individual quality of life and improving physical well-being, addressing mental and physical health within the economic environment. Additionally, it addresses social and psychological well-being, covering education, employment and work conditions, and safety and security.
It aims to promote a harmonious equilibrium between an individual’s health, happiness, well-being, and capacity for productivity, enabling Dubai’s residents to lead healthy, active, and satisfying lives.
To achieve this aim, the strategy encourages community members to adopt a lifestyle grounded in health, happiness, positivity, creativity, adaptability, and social awareness.
The second primary objective of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy revolves around the community. It seeks to enrich individual lives within the broader community context, emphasising emotional well-being and fostering a united community that values its identity, preserves its cultural heritage and Emirati principles, and celebrates its connection to Dubai’s achievements.
The strategy is crafted to nurture an inclusive environment that embraces all segments of the community while safeguarding its culture, heritage, and traditions, thereby strengthening social unity.
Furthermore, the strategy aims to enhance cultural diversity within Dubai’s society. With over 200 nationalities residing in the UAE and Dubai, all experiencing a high standard of living characterised by respect and equality, this multiculturalism has turned Dubai into a melting pot of cultural diversity and harmony, serving as a model of tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
The strategy aims to solidify the transformation in Dubai’s transportation landscape. By 2023, public and shared transport accounted for 21% of all journeys, with the metro achieving a remarkable punctuality rate of 99.7%, ranking fifth globally.
Cycling lanes stretched across 544 km, and sustainable modes of transport made up roughly 35% of all trips.
The Dubai Quality of Life Strategy places significant emphasis on culture and entertainment.
It involves organising events tailored to enrich Dubai’s cultural and creative scene.
A key aspect of the strategy is to position Dubai as a worldwide centre for culture and creativity, a hub of intellectual and cultural activity, and a bridge connecting different cultures.
The strategy will establish a comprehensive framework to enhance Dubai’s cultural standing, transforming it into a global hub for cultural events and creative experiences, and a premier venue for international gatherings, supporting the emirate’s creative economy and cultural diversity.
It aims to offer abundant opportunities for all Dubai residents to engage in creative pursuits, fostering an environment conducive to the cultivation of innovative ideas.
The strategy encompasses over 1,000 annual events spanning sports, community, cultural, artistic, and entertainment spheres.
Areas dedicated to entertainment, tourism, and hospitality are slated to expand by 134% by 2040, ensuring Dubai evolves into a melting pot of diverse cultures, providing a space where everyone can celebrate their heritage and partake in activities that resonate with their aspirations.
The Dubai Quality of Life Strategy places youth and children at the forefront of its agenda, aiming to empower them to contribute to their nation.
It focuses on investing in nurturing the skills and potentials of younger generations, enhancing their role in Dubai’s journey towards sustainable development.
This mirrors Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s conviction that governments cannot progress in development without involving young people, as they are pivotal to a nation’s renewal and the architects of its tomorrow.
The strategy encompasses various programmes for children and young people, such as advocating mental well-being, elevating standards in newborn screening, promoting physical activity in schools, providing counselling and guidance services for youth, implementing the Children’s Internet Safety Programme, and establishing the Children’s STEM Museum.
