Dubai unveils Dh18 billion plan for new parks, schools and jobs
Sheikh Hamdan approves sweeping initiatives to make it world’s most liveable city
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has approved a series of landmark strategies and policies worth Dh18 billion to advance the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to make the city the world’s most beautiful, liveable and advanced metropolis.
Approved during a meeting of The Executive Council held as part of the UAE Annual Government Meetings 2025, the initiatives span multiple sectors that shape the everyday lives of residents — including green spaces, education, aviation, sport, finance and healthcare.
The agenda includes the Public Parks and Greenery Strategy, Aviation Talent 33 initiative, the Policy to Expand and Promote Affordable Schools, the Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, the Establishment of the Financial Restructuring and Insolvency Court, and the expansion of Early Detection Healthcare Services.
Sheikh Hamdan said the series of initiatives reinforce Dubai’s long-term plan to remain at the forefront of innovation, sustainability and human development. “Guided by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision, we are building an integrated city that combines urban development and nature, elevates health and quality of life, and empowers future generations to succeed,” he said.
Greener, healthier Dubai
At the heart of the Dh18 billion vision lies the Public Parks and Greenery Strategy, which will transform Dubai’s urban landscape through more than 800 individual projects. These include the creation of 310 new parks, the enhancement of 322 existing ones, 120 new open spaces, over 70 roads’ rights-of-way, and 14 technology-driven initiatives.
The plan aims to triple the number of trees across Dubai and expand green areas to 187 square kilometres – or 11 square metres per resident – while using 100% recycled water for irrigation.
By 2040, Dubai expects annual park visits to reach 95 million, promoting community wellbeing and healthy lifestyles. The initiative also ensures that 80% of residents live within a five-minute walk of a neighbourhood park and within a ten-minute cycle ride of a district park, aligning urban design with the city’s health and sustainability goals.
Building aviation talent
Another cornerstone of the newly approved strategies is Aviation Talent 33, designed to bolster Dubai’s global leadership in the aviation industry.
The programme targets 15,000 new job opportunities, more than 4,000 training and skills development placements, and over 30 strategic partnerships with international aviation companies.
It also prioritises Emiratisation in leadership and operational roles, equipping national talent with the expertise to sustain Dubai’s status as one of the world’s largest aviation hubs.
The initiative directly contributes to Dubai’s overarching vision to double the size of its economy, attract Dh650 billion ($177 billion) in investments, and integrate 65,000 Emiratis into the private sector. A steering committee drawn from across the aviation industry will oversee its implementation, ensuring alignment with the city’s long-term strategy for future readiness.
Expanding affordable schools
Education forms another key pillar of the Dh18 billion plan. The Policy to Expand and Promote Affordable High-Quality Schools seeks to attract around 60 new affordable schools by 2033, providing 120,000 additional student seats across Dubai.
The policy includes government incentives such as reduced land leasing costs and lowered administrative fees to encourage private sector investment in affordable education.
Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that human capital development remains central to Dubai’s growth, adding that the city aims to rank among the top ten in the world for education quality under the Dubai Education Strategy 2033.
A global sporting hub
The Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, developed by the Dubai Sports Council, aims to transform Dubai into the world’s premier sports destination. The plan features 19 programmes and 75 initiatives across 17 key sports, catering to all segments of society, including youth and people of determination.
It will focus on attracting international events, developing young athletes, and encouraging community participation in sport as both recreation and industry. Sheikh Hamdan described sport as “a promising field of investment and a source of pride for the UAE’s youth,” underscoring Dubai’s commitment to building a culture of excellence and wellness.
Legal and financial innovation
The Executive Council also approved the Establishment of the Financial Restructuring and Insolvency Court Project, marking a new milestone in Dubai’s judicial and economic development.
The court will specialise in handling financial reorganisation and bankruptcy cases, ensuring swift, fair and transparent resolution of commercial disputes. It aims to protect creditor rights, enable companies to restructure instead of liquidate, and strengthen investor confidence.
The project is designed to further position Dubai among the top three financial centres globally, offering a robust and flexible regulatory environment for domestic and international businesses.
Enhancing preventive healthcare
In the health sector, the Early Detection Healthcare Services Expansion Project was approved to advance Dubai’s ambitions of ranking among the top ten cities worldwide for healthy life expectancy.
The project targets a 40% increase in colon cancer screenings, a 50% rise in vaccination coverage, and aims for over 90% patient satisfaction with early detection programmes. It will also reduce appointment waiting times for early detection to seven days or less.
The initiative aligns with Dubai’s goal of reducing chronic diseases, which currently account for 52% of deaths, by promoting prevention and early diagnosis. Sheikh Hamdan said that protecting individual health is “an investment in the future”, reflecting Dubai’s global leadership in healthcare innovation and community wellbeing.
Driving national progress
The Executive Council’s meeting was attended by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The session formed part of the UAE Annual Government Meetings 2025, a national platform that fosters collaboration between federal and local entities to enhance the country’s overall development.
Sheikh Hamdan praised the forum for its role in aligning national and local priorities, ensuring that every initiative contributes to the UAE’s long-term prosperity and sustainability.