Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed praises progress of Dubai's 50-Year Charter

The Crown Prince of Dubai reviewed the ambitious plans while chairing a meeting of the Executive Council on Sunday

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, chaired a meeting of the Executive Council assessing the progress of the 50-Year Charter. 

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed has hailed the 'promising progress' being made to accomplish the objectives of an ambitious 50-year vision set out for Dubai.

The Crown Prince of Dubai chaired a meeting of the emirate's Executive Council on Sunday in which the nine articles of the 50-Year Charter were scrutinised.

The charter was unveiled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, at the start of the year to mark his own half century of public service.

It sets out a blueprint for cementing Dubai's position as a rising global power and improving quality of life for citizens.

Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on efforts being made to implement the bold vision for the future during the meeting at Emirates Towers.

“The 50-year Charter is futuristic vision for the journey of Dubai, and an engine for its development journey in the future, which will allow it to keep pace with global development, and maintain its economic diversification and its sustainability for a better future for future generations,” said Sheikh Hamdan.

“That’s why the close follow up of the implementation of the 50-year Charter tops our priorities.

“The progress rate of accomplishments are very promising, and I am confident of the ability of my team to achieve the objectives of the Charter. With extra efforts and creativity, we will make the leap in our development journey, and to place Dubai in the position that Sheikh Mohammed has clearly outlined in the nine chapters of the Charter.”

Sheikh Hamdan was told how plans for a Dubai Silk Road - to enhance its role as a trading hub in the region - are gathering pace.

The strategy focuses on enhancing trade between free zones and the rest of the Emirates as well as boosting commercial links across the world.

The project is being driven forward by a wide variety of organisations, including Emirates Airlines,  Dubai Airports, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, DP World, Dubai Maritime City and Dubai Municipality.

The charter also outlines plans to set up the region's first virtual commercial city, granting commercial licences, residencies and open bank accounts without the need to physically be in Dubai and the introduction of specialized geo-economic zones, independently governed by its own council and governor that will manage and market it, as well as help it achieve its investment goals.

In healthcare, the charter promises 24-hour access to doctors facilitated by an app and Sheikh Mohammed also pledged to increase philanthropic initiatives each year "by at least an equal percentage of our annual economic growth".