H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Approves Landmark Projects and Strategies Across Dubai Worth AED18 Billion

H.H. 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, has approved AED18 billion in landmark projects and strategies to improve quality of life across the emirate.

The new initiatives span culture, trade, infrastructure, Emiratization, finance, investment, urban planning, and population census.

“Dubai, which has become synonymous with ambition and achievement, backs its words with action and continues to write new chapters of success,” H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said during a meeting with The Executive Council. “Under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, we are building a city that does not pause. We plan for the future while delivering for the present, ensuring that every step forward is anchored in progress and purpose.”

Sheikh Hamdan also said Dubai will embark on an ambitious new path through the Dubai Cultural Strategy 2033, led by H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, which will support the Dubai Plan 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33, “making the city a global cultural reference, rooted in the UAE’s heritage, pioneering innovation and talent.”

The strategy includes 40 initiatives aiming to supporting more than 6,000 local talents, attract over 6,000 international creatives, increase Dubai’s cultural assets by more than 200%, and raise the sector’s contribution to the economy to 5.4% of GDP by 2033.

“Just as we nurture the cultural landscape, we consolidate our mission across every dimension of the city, including the way we plan our urban areas, harness data for policymaking, empower our people, attract investment, and support new sectors,” he added. “Today’s approvals reflect the breadth of Dubai’s ambitions and the depth of its commitment to its residents and generations to come.”

The council also approved the Dubai Customs Strategy 2030 to improve trade efficiency, strengthen economic ties, and enhance security and compliance, while boosting the city’s global competitiveness.

Related: Sheikh Hamdan Launches ‘Dubai-it’ Award to Recognize High-Impact Entrepreneurs, Businesses, and Projects

Among infrastructure projects approved is the First Al Khail Street Development Plan, which includes a 15-kilometer elevated road with three lanes in each direction running parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road., providing access to Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Business Bay, and Meydan.

Construction is set to begin in the third quarter of 2027 and be completed in the fourth quarter of 2030. The project is expected to serve 2.6 million people, cut peak travel time on Sheikh Zayed Road by 51% and add capacity of about 9,000 vehicles per hour.

The Executive Council also approved “Dubai Population Now,” a real-time population census and growth monitoring initiative led by the Dubai Data and Statistics Establishment. The system will use artificial intelligence (AI) and forecasting tools to monitor population changes and support policymaking in housing, healthcare, education, and transport.

This comes as Dubai’s population reached 4.58 million in 2025, up by 332,000 people, or 7.5%, from 2024, according to figures presented during the meeting.

Meanwhile, the Emirati Talents Strategy in Private Education was approved to increase the number of Emiratis employed in the private education sector to 3,000 by 2033 through training, recruitment and retention programs, including Bridge to Teach, TeachXperience, and pathways for employing retirees.

The Executive Council also approved the Dubai Investor Register, a unified database for or institutions and individuals operating or investing in Dubai, that supports the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33’s target of AED650 billion in foreign direct investment by 2033. The system allows companies to operate across multiple zones without re-registering and aligns with Financial Action Task Force requirements.

A new visual identity for Dubai’s address system was also approved, with updated signage inspired by its urban environment and classified by sector, planned across 186 areas by 2029. The system is designed to improve navigation and geographic orientation and will be expanded to transport and residential services, in line with international best practices.

A new visual identity for Dubai’s address system was also approved, introducing updated signage across 186 areas by 2029 to improve navigation and geographic orientation, with expansion planned for transport and residential services. This also gives address signage a design inspired by the city’s environment and classified by urban sector.

In addition, the council approved the Global Centre for Technology and Innovation in Islamic Finance, to be managed by Dubai International Financial Centre with international partners. The center aims to advance Islamic fintech, a sector projected to reach US$9.31 trillion by 2030, and will feature initiatives including the Islamic Finance Innovation Challenge and the Future Islamic Finance Forum on November 4, 2026, and a DIFC Academy training program for more than 3,000 participants by 2031.

Related: DIFC to Become World’s First AI-Native Financial Center