DUBAI // The emirate set out its future goals at a glittering ceremony on Wednesday.
Under the Dubai Plan 2021, the city aims to become a world leader in six key areas.
Dubai will become a smart and sustainable city with an emphasis on the environment. It will become a favourite destination to live, work and travel to, with a coherent and cohesive society.
It also aims to develop a thriving technology and innovation base, and governance will be transparent and distinct as Dubai seeks to become a vital cog in the global economy.
The announcement was made during a presentation attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, at the beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence, with dozens of VIPs and dignitaries.
“Dubai 2021 is a city that puts people first,” said Sheikh Hamdan.
“Dubai Plan 2021 is the highest priority for the Government of Dubai for the next seven years.
“It represents a road map documenting the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for Dubai’s future, and an interpretation for the community’s hopes and aspirations for a promising future.”
Those in attendance were shown a video highlighting some of the city’s achievements, including statistics showing that more than 90 per cent of residents were happy with the quality of education and cultural life in the city.
“Dubai has already come a long way in such a short period of time but we now have seven years to go even further,” said a presenter.
“A journey of 1,000 miles starts with a single step and, step by step, we will get to our destination.”
Sheikh Hamdan is keen for the plan to have the involvement of the community as a whole and the plan itself takes into account all aspects of society and the city’s economy.
The plan has set targets to match the best cities in the world and reinforce Dubai’s position among the world’s most advanced. Progress will be measured on an index of more than 600 criteria.
The plan was officially launched in dramatic fashion when a letter from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, was presented to Sheikh Hamdan via a drone.
In the letter, Sheikh Mohammed said the Dubai Plan 2021 ushered in a new phase of work as the emirate continues to become a world leader in a range of fields. He stressed the importance of cooperation among all areas of society to make the plan a success.
Taking more than a year to prepare, the plan followed a directive from the Crown Prince to the General Secretariat of the Executive Council.
The plan was inspired by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
“Dubai is a city that embraces all members of its community with their diverse cultures and languages, and makes them feel an integral part and key players in shaping its future,” said Abdullah Al Shaibani, secretary general of Dubai Executive Council.
nhanif@thenational.ae