“Dubai Represents A Bridge Between North, South, East And West": Sheikh Hamdan

In a bold move aimed at solidifying Dubai’s status as a global leader in economic growth, tourism, and transportation, Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has approved a series of major projects. These initiatives, endorsed during the Executive Council meeting held at the Arabian Travel Market exhibition, mark a significant stride towards realizing the visionary goals set forth by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.

At the forefront of these initiatives is the groundbreaking endeavor to construct the world's largest airport, a monumental project boasting an impressive AED128 billion investment. Designed to accommodate a staggering 260 million passengers annually, this airport underscores Dubai’s unwavering commitment to serving as a pivotal transport hub, seamlessly connecting continents, and facilitating global commerce.

“Dubai represents a bridge between North, South, East and West. It provides state-of-the-art infrastructure for companies, setting the foundation for global expansion,” added the Crown Prince. Furthermore, Sheikh Hamdan reiterated the significance of community engagement in shaping Dubai's future trajectory. Emphasizing a people-centric approach, the crown prince underscored the pivotal role of citizen participation in achieving balanced economic and social development. By placing the community at the heart of progress, Dubai aims to ensure that its developmental endeavors are inclusive and reflective of the diverse needs of its populace.

The meeting also witnessed the presentation of a comprehensive report by Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), shedding light on the robust performance of Dubai’s tourism sector across various segments. With an eye towards the future, Dubai is poised to meet the burgeoning demand for tourism experiences through strategic initiatives such as the ambitious Al Maktoum International Airport project.

In alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda, which aims to propel the city into the ranks of the world’s top three global tourism destinations, the Executive Council approved the Commercial Transport Strategy 2030. This forward-thinking strategy seeks to enhance the contribution of the commercial transport and logistics sector to Dubai’s economy while prioritising sustainability and technological innovation.

Moreover, recognizing the paramount importance of data-driven economies in the digital age, the Executive Council unveiled a strategic roadmap for bolstering Dubai’s data center economy. By 2028, Dubai aims to become a hub for sustainable data centres, equipped for artificial intelligence (AI) applications and next-generation networking technologies. This ambitious endeavor not only aims to enhance Dubai’s data capacity but also promises to generate substantial value addition to the economy while reinforcing its appeal to global AI investments.

In a bid to further enhance governance and service delivery, the Executive Council also approved the Community Participation Policy. Rooted in the principles of inclusivity, empowerment, and transparency, this policy seeks to amplify community voices in shaping policy, legislation, and government services. The Community Engagement Policy is based on the principles of inclusivity, empowerment, sustainability, cooperation, and transparency.