United Arab Emirates

Dubai plans to plant about 3.5 million trees and increase its green spaces to 187 square kilometres by 2040 under a long-term urban development programme announced by Dubai Municipality.

The plan also sets a target of 11 square metres of green space per person and aims to draw 95 million visits a year to parks and recreational facilities across the emirate.

Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality, set out the priorities during a session titled “Dubai Municipality and Life in Dubai 2033” at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum. The presentation took the form of a virtual conversation with Saeed, the municipality’s artificial intelligence-powered virtual media spokesperson.

Bin Ghalita said Dubai’s ability to identify future requirements and turn challenges into projects had helped establish the emirate as a model city. “Swift decision-making, the ability to understand and anticipate the future, and transform needs and challenges into exceptional projects are what have distinguished Dubai as a model city of the future,” he said.

Targets for buildings, food inspections and waste

Dubai Municipality’s roadmap also includes annual inspections of more than 577,000 food consignments. By 2033, it aims for modern and smart construction technologies to be used in 40 per cent of new buildings.

Waste management is another stated priority, with the municipality targeting the diversion of 100 per cent of waste from landfills. Bin Ghalita said digital twins and artificial intelligence would be used to support urban planning and city management.

The municipality also highlighted infrastructure resilience through the Dh30 billion Tasreef project. Once completed, the project is intended to raise rainwater drainage capacity by 700 per cent and handle more than 20 million cubic metres of water a day.

The announcement followed Dubai’s recognition as the world’s cleanest city for a sixth consecutive year, which the source described as reflecting continued work on sustainable infrastructure and residents’ wellbeing.

During the forum, bin Ghalita received the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Medal for his work to empower the next generation of leaders. Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, was awarded the Mohammed bin Rashid Sash in recognition of dedication spanning more than three decades.

The session brought together 1,000 leaders from government and the private sector, senior decision-makers, international experts and academics to discuss leadership and management practices.

“We remain committed to anticipating and meeting people’s evolving needs, ensuring that Dubai continues to be the world’s best city to live, work and visit,” bin Ghalita said.