The UAE is one of the most, if not the most, developed country in the Arab region. And, out of the seven emirates in the UAE, Dubai is one of the smartest cities in the world. As a continuation in its strides to becoming “the world’s best place to live in,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The plan is a comprehensive map for sustainable urban development, that focuses on promoting and prioritizing people’s happiness and quality of life.
“With a clear vision and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed in an evolving global environment, we continue to work to shape an even greater future rich with opportunities,” said His Highness, in a video that later went viral. In the caption, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the city’s public beach areas will increase by 400% over the next 20 years, and 60% of Dubai’s area will be nature reserves.
The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aligns with the UAE’s vision for the next 50 years, counts as the seventh plan developed for the emirate since 1960. It focuses on improving Dubai’s competitiveness as a global destination over the next 20 years, and entertain the topnotch standards of urban infrastructure and facilities.
Since Dubai is considered a strong business and tourism hub, this plan aims to increase the city’s tourism and hotel capacity by more than 130% over the next 20 years, as a continuation of diversifying its economy away from oil.
Commenting on the new plan, Abdullah Al Basti, Secretary-General of The Executive Council of Dubai, stressed that it combines world-leading smart urban planning standards and design principles, whilst contributing to the ultimate goal of making Dubai an overall global leader in all fields.
