Sheikh Hamdan lauds Sheikh Mohammed's leadership as Dubai embarks on new economic journey

Crown Prince of Dubai says the future is always brighter with Sheikh Mohammed at the helm

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, with Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, praised his father as a leader who continues to inspire Dubai’s economic growth.

On Wednesday, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, announced the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), a plan to consolidate the emirate's position in the world's top cities by economic strength in the next 10 years.

Shortly after the announcement, Sheikh Hamdan took to Twitter and said Sheikh Mohammed's vision and ambitions made the future brighter.

"Oh, father, master and glory maker, the path you mapped out for Dubai is filled with achievements," he said.

"You took us on a journey of ambitions that were made possible. With you, we are always optimistic that the future is better."

The D33 plans to add billions of dirhams to the emirate's economy and a key goal is to place Dubai in the top three cities by economic strength by 2033 and within the top four global financial centres.

A series of investment and growth plans will help achieve this, Sheikh Mohammed said on Twitter on Wednesday as he celebrated 17 years as Ruler.

These include:

• Launching 100 transformative projects of which details will be announced
• Economic targets totalling Dh32 trillion for the next 10 years
• Foreign trade doubling to Dh25 trillion during the next decade
• Connecting Dubai with 400 new cities around the world through trade corridors
• Attracting foreign direct investments exceeding Dh700 billion

On Monday, Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the Prime Minister of the UAE, set out the country's five key priorities for the new year during the first cabinet meeting of 2023.

He said the Emirates would focus on consolidating its national identity; championing the environment and sustainability; developing the education sector; boosting Emiratisation policies; and expanding economic partnerships around the world.

Sheikh Mohammed praised the nation's progress in 2022 and looked forward to fulfilling its ambitions in the coming 12 months.

Sheikh Mohammed became Ruler in 2006 and under his leadership, Dubai became a global city. Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, opened in 2010. Other major projects such as Dubai Marina, Dubai Metro and shopping centres such as Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates elevated Dubai even more.

More recently, Sheikh Mohammed ensured Dubai recovered from Covid-19 faster than most countries and also oversaw the safe and successful staging of Expo 2020 Dubai, which attracted visitors from all over the world.

From the small town in which Sheikh Mohammed was born, the population of Dubai is about 3.5 million today and home to people from around the world.

Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan - in pictures

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  Plan: Create zones, each with their own theme and that will include a range of lifestyle facilities to cater to its population

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  Plan: Dedicate 60 per cent of Dubai emirate to nature reserves and natural areas

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  Plan: Increase length of public beaches by as much as 400 per cent

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  Plan: Ensure 55 per cent of the population will live within 800 metres of a main public transport station

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  Plan: Boost tourism, protect environment and build a sustainable hydro-electric power plant

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  Plan: Build and renovate communities dedicated to Emiratis to include green spaces, commercial centres and recreational facilities