United Arab Emirates

Dubai has nearly Dh2.1 trillion in active projects across housing, transport, aviation, infrastructure and economic development, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Sheikh Mohammed, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, described the programme as the construction of “a city within a city”. He said further projects would be announced in the next phase and called the current period an important time for investment in Dubai and its infrastructure.

“Dubai is building a city within a city. Today we have Dh2.1 trillion in active projects underway, with more to be announced in the coming phase. Our momentum is continuous and our achievements are ongoing,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

He said the emirate was investing heavily in housing, transportation and infrastructure as it prepares for a new period of economic growth. The investment is intended to expand Dubai’s capacity for population growth, businesses and economic sectors while maintaining standards for living, working and investing, he said.

Sheikh Mohammed also called for leaders able to respond quickly to changing conditions and turn ideas into projects with tangible effects on people’s lives.

Projects across housing, aviation and infrastructure

The active project portfolio covers housing, transport, aviation, economic zones and real estate, as well as water, electricity, sewerage and landscaping. The projects are intended to support Dubai’s rapid growth and provide capacity for future expansion in the coming years.

Real estate projects account for Dh1.1 trillion in planned investment through 2030. Dubai’s housing plans include the delivery of about 350,000 residential units, alongside the expansion of transport and infrastructure networks.

In aviation, Dh128 billion has been allocated to Al Maktoum International, which is designed to handle up to 260 million passengers a year over the next decade. A further Dh328 billion is earmarked for expanding the Emirates and flydubai fleets, while Dh18.7 billion is allocated for a new Emirates engineering and maintenance complex.

Other planned schemes include more than Dh100 billion for Phase 2 of the Dubai International Financial Centre, Dh100 billion for road improvements and the Dubai Metro Blue and Gold lines, and Dh10 billion to expand the Dubai Exhibition Centre.

The programme also includes Dh80 billion for the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels system, Dh30 billion for the Tasreef rainwater drainage project, Dh151 billion for new power and water grid infrastructure, and Dh4 billion for the Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap.

Leadership forum brings together 1,000 leaders

The annual Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum began at Dubai World Trade Centre with 1,000 government and private-sector leaders from Dubai, in addition to experts, decision-makers and academics.

Among those attending were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, and Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, also attended.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development, was also present.

The forum is intended to advance Sheikh Mohammed’s vision for a leadership ecosystem that helps shape the future and create opportunities. It seeks to translate his leadership and management philosophy into an operational framework for Dubai entities, while providing a venue to exchange ideas, discuss institutional performance and present future initiatives and strategic priorities.