Dubai has approved a major package of strategic projects and initiatives worth AED18 billion, covering culture, infrastructure, trade, education, investment, technology and population planning as the emirate pushes ahead with its long-term development agenda. The decisions were approved by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during a meeting of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The package includes the launch of the Dubai Cultural Strategy 2033, which features 40 strategic initiatives aimed at strengthening Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, creativity and talent while preserving the UAE’s heritage. The strategy is expected to support the broader goals of Dubai Plan 2033 and the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
Among the most significant infrastructure projects approved is the First Al Khail Street Development Plan, which will create a new strategic corridor running parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road. The project will feature a 15-kilometre elevated roadway with three lanes in each direction and is expected to serve around 2.6 million residents. Authorities estimate it could reduce peak-hour travel times on Sheikh Zayed Road by up to 51 percent while increasing road capacity by approximately 9,000 vehicles per hour. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2027 and be completed by the end of 2030.
The Executive Council also approved the Dubai Customs Strategy 2030, designed to further strengthen Dubai’s role as one of the world’s leading trade and logistics hubs by enhancing trade facilitation, economic partnerships, security and customer experience.
In a move reflecting Dubai’s growing population, officials approved Dubai Population Now, a real-time population census and growth monitoring initiative. Powered by artificial intelligence and smart forecasting tools, the system will provide live population data to support planning in sectors such as housing, healthcare, education and transport. Dubai’s population reached 4.58 million by the end of 2025, representing annual growth of 7.5 percent.
The council also endorsed the Emirati Talents Strategy in Private Education, which aims to create opportunities for 3,000 Emiratis in the private education sector by 2033. The programme forms part of wider Emiratisation efforts and includes initiatives focused on teacher training, career development and flexible employment pathways.
To support investment and economic growth, Dubai approved the creation of the Dubai Investor Register, a unified platform covering individual and institutional investors across the emirate, including free zones. The system is expected to simplify business procedures, reduce costs and support the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033.
Other measures approved include a new visual identity for Dubai’s address system and the establishment of the Global Centre for Technology and Innovation in Islamic Finance, which will be managed by Dubai International Financial Centre. The centre aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for Islamic finance and financial technology.
Commenting on the approvals, Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai continues to transform ambition into action under the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, adding that the emirate remains committed to building a future-focused city that continuously evolves while enhancing quality of life for its residents.
The latest approvals represent one of Dubai’s most comprehensive development packages in recent years, reinforcing its ambitions to remain a global leader in culture, innovation, investment, connectivity and urban development.
