The Dubai economy expanded by 4.4 per cent in the first half of the year to reach AED241bn ($65.6bn), as 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 directed government entities to intensify support for the private sector and accelerate progress towards the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
Sheikh Hamdan used the latest edition of the Dubai Majlis to call for deeper collaboration with businesses and a sharper focus on identifying new growth opportunities.
Co-hosted by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and Dubai Chambers at Qasr Al Bahr, the Majlis brought together 260 leaders from government, multinational companies, family-owned businesses, digital industries and major Dubai-based enterprises.
Agility and partnership
Sheikh Hamdan said: “Agility has long been at the heart of Dubai’s economic journey, allowing the city to adapt to changing global trends, the evolving demands of the business ecosystem, and the emergence of new technologies and innovative business practices.
“Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and building towards achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, we are not only partnering with the private sector, but actively engaging with businesses to identify new paths for their growth, and activate the necessary enablers to accelerate them.”
Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said: “The global environment is moving quickly, influenced by evolving markets, new technologies, and rising competition. In this context, Dubai’s ability to remain focused, ambitious, and aligned has never been more important.
“Dubai Majlis has become a platform where meaningful discussions take place, and where conversations move beyond ideas and help guide direction, inform priorities, and influence action. It is here that strategy meets reality and where the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33 takes practical shape through dialogue and shared effort.
Public-private synergy
“Dubai’s story has always been rooted in partnership, with government and businesses working side by side and leaders uniting around a common purpose. Our progress has always been strongest when it is achieved collectively.”
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DET, said: “Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and guided by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, our economic trajectory remains firmly anchored in a strategic synergy between the public and private sectors, and a relentless focus on unlocking new opportunities.
“Bringing together senior leadership from both the government and the private sector, the Dubai Majlis continues to provide an instrumental platform to collaboratively drive Dubai’s growth and competitiveness, ensuring the successful implementation of our plans, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading global economic hub.”
D33 objectives
Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), said: “The Dubai Majlis serves as a vital platform for senior leaders from across the public and private sectors to align, collaborate, and make clear commitments toward advancing the objectives of the D33 Agenda.
“Together, we are shaping a stronger, more competitive, and future-ready economic landscape that not only meets the ambitious needs of businesses but takes them to new heights. Dubai’s economic growth in recent years has been underpinned by constant dialogue, and a focus on rapidly transforming ideas into action.
“We welcome the opportunity to forge new paths with the private sector and invite businesses to join us in identifying and unlocking new opportunities for growth.”
20 key discussions
During the Majlis, participants examined 20 priority topics aimed at accelerating Dubai’s economic progress. Discussions focused on strengthening competitiveness, supporting investment-friendly reforms, enabling job creation and identifying new engines of growth.
Attendees also reflected on global economic trends and the measures required to reinforce Dubai’s position as a leading global city for business, tourism, talent and long-term investment.
