The Ruler of Dubai has set out his vision for 2020 and beyond, pledging to hold officials to account in a push for better government efficiency.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister, issued a signed letter outlining 12 principles in a drive for good government and development.
Included was the setting up of the 'Dubai Council' to take the lead in six sectors; the economy, services for citizens, governmental development, infrastructure, justice and security and health and knowledge.
He and his sons, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, would lead the council.
Sheikh Mohammed also said the heads of government departments would sign a pledge to improve services and efficiency, which will be reviewed every two years.
"Those who fail to bring about real change within two years shall be relieved of their duties," he said.
He described the pledge as the "January 4 document" - released on the 14th anniversary of his accession to current office.
“On this fourth day of January, we renew our commitment to the emirate's development, the consolidation of justice, and the improvement of life for you and future generations,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
Lazy friends and slack managers will not stop these goals from being achieved, he noted.
“Brothers and Sisters,” he wrote.
“Changes accelerate around us, competition increases with us and expectations rise in our generations. We must respond and our responsibility is to maintain development, excellence and continued growth.”
“What worked in the past may not work in the future and what has benefited us in the last 20 years may not benefit us in the next 20 years. Time forces us to change tools, renew institutions and fight stagnation.”
The council will lead the emirate’s social and economic transformation, overseeing economic development and quality of life for the city’s citizens, residents and visitors over the next 50 years.
The board will oversee government and semi-government projects and the development of future sectors.
Sheikh Hamdan said the document would be a roadmap to make Dubai “a jewel of the world’s cities”.
Sheikh Mohammed said the council would conduct meetings at least once per month and that its agenda would include the launch of a "major project" in the Emirate.
The Ruler appointed senior officials and members of the Royal Family as 'commissioner generals' to oversee the council's duties.
These include Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of Emirates Group, to oversee the economy including Department of Economic Development, Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing, and Dubai’s free zones, airports, ports and customs.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the Roads and Transport Authority, will run the infrastructure, urban planning and wellbeing pillar, overseeing Dubai Municipality, Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment and Dubai Land Department.
Talal Belhoul, director-general of the State Security Department in Dubai, will run the security and justice pillar and oversee Dubai Courts, Dubai Civil Defence and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.
Other areas include health and wellbeing, citizens' services and government development.
