Dubai Launches Bold Plan to Become the World’s Most Liveable City by 2033

Dubai has announced a far-reaching plan to become the world’s most liveable and healthiest city by 2033, unveiling new initiatives across green infrastructure, education, aviation, healthcare, sports, and financial reform.

The ambitious agenda, 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, represents a cornerstone of Dubai Plan 2033 — a framework inspired by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The initiatives collectively aim to enhance wellbeing, sustainability, and economic opportunity, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global model for innovation-driven urban living.

Greening Dubai: 310 New Parks and 800 Projects

At the heart of the new strategy is the Public Parks and Greenery Plan, which includes more than 800 green infrastructure projects designed to improve public health, social interaction, and environmental sustainability.

The plan will deliver:

• 310 new parks and upgrades to 322 existing ones

• 120 open spaces integrated with community zones

• 14 technology-led projects for smart environmental management

• 70 interconnected roads and pathways linking neighborhoods

Once completed, these initiatives will expand green areas across the emirate to 187 square kilometres, equivalent to 11 square metres of greenery per person, while tripling the number of trees in Dubai.

The plan also aims to make 80% of residents live within a five-minute walk of a local park and a ten-minute cycle ride from a district park. All irrigation systems will use 100% recycled water, in line with Dubai’s commitment to sustainable resource management.

The parks initiative is expected to increase annual visitor numbers to 95 million by 2040, making urban greenery a core part of Dubai’s identity as a healthy and vibrant metropolis.

Aviation Growth: 15,000 New Jobs

As part of its aviation sector strategy, Aviation Talent 33 will reinforce Dubai’s status as a global aviation capital, especially as Al Maktoum International Airport undergoes its historic expansion.

The programme will:

• Create 15,000 new aviation jobs

• Launch 4,000 training and upskilling programmes

• Establish 30 strategic partnerships with global aviation leaders

• Promote Emiratisation across leadership and operational roles

This initiative aligns with Dubai’s goal to double its economy by 2033, attract AED 650 billion ($177 billion) in investment, and add 65,000 Emiratis to the private sector workforce — supporting both economic diversification and human capital development.

Education for All: 60 New Affordable Schools

To ensure equal access to high-quality learning, Dubai approved a Policy to Expand and Promote Affordable High-Quality Schools.

By 2033, the policy aims to:

• Establish 60 new schools

• Add 120,000 student seats

• Offer incentives such as reduced land leasing costs and lower government fees to attract investors

The initiative supports the Dubai Education Strategy 2033, which envisions Dubai among the top 10 global cities for education quality. The new schools will prioritise affordability without compromising academic excellence, ensuring access for diverse communities.

Health and Longevity: Expanding Early Detection

The Early Detection Healthcare Services Project underscores Dubai’s vision to lead in preventive medicine and increase healthy life expectancy.

The programme’s key targets include:

• 40% increase in early colon cancer detection

• 50% increase in vaccination coverage

• Over 90% patient satisfaction for early detection services

• Appointment waiting times reduced to seven days or less

“Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed” emphasised that investing in preventive healthcare is “an investment in the future,” reinforcing Dubai’s leadership in global health innovation.

Sports as an Economic Powerhouse

The Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, developed by the Dubai Sports Council, will transform Dubai into a world-leading sports hub by fostering participation and attracting global tournaments.

It includes 19 programmes and 75 initiatives across 17 sports disciplines, encouraging youth participation, empowering people of determination, and enhancing Dubai’s appeal as a global destination for sports investment and tourism.

Financial Reform and Market Confidence

In a move to strengthen the financial ecosystem, Dubai will establish a Financial Restructuring and Insolvency Court, a specialised judicial framework designed to:

• Streamline bankruptcy and restructuring cases

• Protect creditor rights

• Support corporate recovery and avoid unnecessary liquidation

This reform will reinforce Dubai’s reputation as a top-three global financial centre, enhancing investor confidence and market stability.

Vision 2033: Building “The Best and Most Beautiful City”

Sheikh Hamdan described the initiatives as “a unified effort to make Dubai the most advanced, attractive, and sustainable city in the world,” noting that the city’s future depends on balancing innovation with health, quality of life, and opportunity.

He added, “Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, we are building an integrated city that unites urban development with nature, empowers future generations, and secures Dubai’s position as a global leader in liveability and human development.”

A Model for the Future of Cities

With its new 2033 roadmap, Dubai is redefining what it means to be a smart, inclusive, and liveable metropolis. From expanding green spaces to creating affordable education, pioneering aviation careers, and advancing healthcare, the plan represents a holistic approach to urban growth — one that balances prosperity with wellbeing.

By 2033, Dubai aims to be not just a place to live, but a place to thrive — a city that continues to inspire the world through its ambition, innovation, and unwavering commitment to human progress.

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