Dubai has unveiled a sweeping new plan to become the world’s most liveable and healthiest city by 2033, with major initiatives across urban greenery, education, aviation, healthcare, sports, and finance.
Approved during a meeting of The Executive Council of Dubai, chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Council, the new policies form part of Dubai Plan 2033, in line with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The initiatives aim to advance Dubai’s reputation as a global model for sustainability, wellbeing, and opportunity — integrating economic and social growth while improving health, quality of life, and urban resilience.
800 green projects and 310 new parks
The Public Parks and Greenery Strategy will see the rollout of over 800 projects, including:
- 310 new parks and improvements to 322 existing ones
- 120 new open spaces and 14 technology-led projects
- Over 70 roads’ rights-of-way to connect communities
The plan aims to boost annual park visits to 95m by 2040, triple the number of trees, and expand green areas to 187 square kilometres — equivalent to 11 square metres per person.
All irrigation will use 100 per cent recycled water, while 80 per cent of residents will live within a five-minute walk of a local park and a ten-minute cycle ride of a district park.
15,000 aviation jobs
The Aviation Talent 33 initiative will strengthen Dubai’s position as a world aviation capital, particularly as Al Maktoum International Airport expands into one of the largest in the world.
The plan targets:
- 15,000 new job opportunities
- 4,000 training and upskilling programmes
- 30 new strategic partnerships with global aviation companies
- Emiratisation across leadership and operational roles
The initiative supports Dubai’s broader goal to double its economy, attract AED650bn ($177bn) in investment, and add 65,000 Emiratis to the private sector workforce.
60 new affordable schools by 2033
To strengthen education and human capital, Dubai approved a new Policy to Expand and Promote Affordable High-Quality Schools.
The policy aims to attract 60 new schools by 2033, adding 120,000 student seats, with incentives such as reduced land leasing costs and lower government fees to encourage investors.
The initiative supports the Dubai Education Strategy 2033, which seeks to place Dubai among the top 10 global cities for education quality.
Expanding early healthcare detection
Dubai’s new Early Detection Healthcare Services Project will strengthen preventive care, helping place the city among the top ten globally for healthy life expectancy and reduce chronic diseases, which currently account for 52 per cent of deaths.
Key targets include:
- 40 per cent increase in early colon cancer detection
- 50 per cent increase in vaccination services
- Over 90 per cent patient satisfaction with early detection services
- Appointment waiting times reduced to seven days or less
Sheikh Hamdan said: “Protecting individual health is key to safeguarding society and represents an investment in the future. The Executive Council’s approval of the project to expand early detection services reinforces Dubai’s global leadership in preventative healthcare.”
Sport as a global industry
The Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, developed by the Dubai Sports Council, will turn Dubai into a world-leading sports hub, supporting athletes, events, and sports investment.
The plan features 19 programmes and 75 initiatives across 17 sports disciplines, encouraging participation among youth and people of determination while attracting global sporting events to the city.
Financial resilience through reform
The creation of a Financial Restructuring and Insolvency Court will establish a specialised judicial framework for financial reorganisation and bankruptcy cases.
The court will help protect creditor rights, avoid unnecessary liquidation, and facilitate fair restructuring, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a top three global financial centre.
“The best and most beautiful city in the world”
Sheikh Hamdan said the new strategies reflect a unified effort to make Dubai “the most advanced, attractive and sustainable city in the world” while maintaining balance between innovation, health, and wellbeing.
“Guided by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision, we are building an integrated city that combines urban development and nature, elevates health and quality of life, and empowers future generations to succeed.”
