Dubai sets new standards for urban planning and digital governance under 2033 agenda

Image: Dubai Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved a series of policy frameworks designed to strengthen urban planning, citizen housing, and the emirate’s digital resilience.

The decisions were announced during a meeting of The Executive Council held at Emirates Towers, attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.

Aligned with the Year of the Family announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Dubai Social Agenda 33 launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the newly approved initiatives include a planning model for residential communities, the Digital Resilience Policy, and the general plan for The Executive Council’s 2026 Agenda.

Sheikh Hamdan said the new policies reinforce Dubai’s commitment to development models that centre on citizen welfare, social cohesion, and long-term sustainability.

“Guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, citizen welfare and family empowerment form the foundation of Dubai’s future plans, driving efforts to make it the best, most beautiful, and most advanced city in the world. This model focuses on creating socially interconnected, service-integrated communities that enhance quality of life through homes, neighbourhoods, parks, schools, and their service centres,” he said.

New urban model prioritising family and sustainability

The Executive Council approved a new framework for citizens’ residential areas, designed to align with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and strengthen community cohesion. The model reinforces the traditional concept of the Fareej, creating integrated neighbourhoods linked by shaded walkways, dedicated cycling and running tracks, and interconnected green spaces.

It also introduces a major expansion of parks and facilities. Across Madinat Latifa and Al Yalayis, the plans include:

• 152 new parks, with every home located within 150 metres of green space

• Over 33 km of cycling paths and extensive shaded pedestrian corridors

• Community majlis and wedding halls

• Enhanced social infrastructure, including early childhood centres, schools, clinics, and mosques

In Madinat Latifa, 11 per cent of the total area will be dedicated to open and green spaces, supporting 141,000 residents across 18,500 homes. In Al Yalayis, the model includes a connected green corridor and facilities designed for 66,000 residents.

The integrated approach supports Dubai’s 20-Minute City objective, enabling residents to access key services within minutes.

Strengthening digital resilience

Sheikh Hamdan also approved the Digital Resilience Policy, which provides a comprehensive governance structure to safeguard digital infrastructure and ensure the continuity of essential government services.

“We have one of the most advanced digital infrastructures in the world. To fulfil the objectives of the Dubai Digital Strategy launched in 2023 – digitalising life in Dubai, strengthening the digital economy, and empowering society – we continue to develop a robust digital government model and maintain the continuity and efficiency of digital services. The Digital Resilience Policy has been approved as a key tool to enhance digital leadership in a comprehensive and proactive way,” Sheikh Hamdan said.

The policy is built on a methodology that enhances preparedness, response, recovery, and transformation to ensure operational continuity and strengthen protection of critical digital assets. It emphasises coordinated action between the public and private sectors, covering data centres, networks, cloud platforms, and user systems.

2026 agenda approved

The Executive Council also reviewed Dubai’s 2025 agenda achievements and approved the general plan for its 2026 Agenda. The plan supports Dubai Plan 2033 and outlines targets across economic development, infrastructure, social programmes, security and justice, entrepreneurship, and public services.

The approved policy frameworks collectively reinforce Dubai’s long-term ambition to remain a global leader in sustainable urban planning, digital innovation, and family-centric development.