Sheikh Mohammed directs intensified efforts to make Dubai the world’s best city
New initiatives to enhance liveability, sustainability and social cohesion
DUBAI – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has issued directives to intensify efforts and adopt world-class benchmarks to ensure Dubai continues to set the standard as the best city in the world across all sectors.
During the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, held at the Dubai World Trade Centre on Wednesday, the Ruler urged government officials, entrepreneurs and private sector employees to work together as a unified team to strengthen Dubai’s standing as the world’s most beautiful and advanced city. He also directed the launch of initiatives and projects to transform Dubai into a global model of integrated, cohesive, and future-ready urban living.
The event was attended by 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; Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
More than 1,000 leaders from government and private sectors took part in discussions and interactive workshops exploring ways to translate His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision into tangible projects.
A city for the people
The new initiatives will focus on creating calmer urban environments that prioritise comfort and well-being, reduce pollution, and enhance cleanliness and aesthetics. They also aim to develop vibrant, sustainable spaces that integrate environmental preservation with leisure, culture and economic activity, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling quality of life for residents and visitors. Sheikh Mohammed’s directives further emphasise promoting positive values and building a tolerant society centred on family cohesion, social harmony and work-life balance.
Highlighting Dubai’s global standing, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said: “Today, Dubai leads the world in key competitiveness indicators. We want Dubai to be the best city in the world across all sectors. We want every official to redouble their efforts, set clear benchmarks, and ensure rapid, measurable progress towards this vision.”
He added: “People are at the core of our decisions, policies and projects. We aim to make Dubai the best city for children and families, tourists and traders, and the elderly – a city where people live with dignity and where society flourishes through cooperation, compassion and harmony. We envision Dubai as the most beautiful, orderly and peaceful city, defined by refinement, cohesion, compassion and social harmony.”
He also called on all stakeholders to “work as one team and unify efforts to build the most liveable city, a place where people’s dreams are realised, values are honoured, and horizons are expanded.”
Strategic dialogue and workshops
The Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum is a flagship annual platform that unites local and international leaders in Dubai. Organised by the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development, this year’s forum centred on strategic discussions designed to accelerate progress across diverse fields.
The programme featured five leadership councils addressing cultural and media identity, Dubai’s economy, future city development, social cohesion, and technology and digital transformation. Panel discussions and workshops drew inspiration from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s philosophy of foresight, proactive decision-making and human-centred governance.
Reinforcing Dubai’s leadership journey, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated: “Dubai has always been – and will remain – a hub for leadership and talent, a catalyst for positive change, and a global model for excellence and innovation.” He further noted that since its inception, Dubai has prioritised empowering leaders capable of driving continuous growth and innovation.
“We nurture and equip a new generation to navigate fast-paced global shifts — a generation that thinks faster, is bolder in change, anticipates the future, and builds new concepts,” His Highness said.
He also reaffirmed his trust in the people of Dubai, stressing that the emirate’s economic and social impact would continue to expand through the collective efforts of its leaders and citizens.
At the end of the forum, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum posed for commemorative photographs with attendees, including government and private sector leaders and graduates of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development.
Building a sustainable leadership ecosystem
The forum reaffirmed Dubai’s role as a hub for leadership transformation and sustainable development. By providing a platform for dialogue, creativity and the exchange of best practices, the event embodied the forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and reinforced his pioneering approach to cultivating leaders equipped for future challenges.
Participants worked on strategies to ensure Dubai remains at the forefront of global transformation, strengthening collective thinking and preparing talent to navigate rapid change. Through the sharing of innovative experiences and enhanced collaboration between government entities, the forum supported balanced development and the effective execution of initiatives across all sectors.
By spotlighting issues from cultural identity to digital transformation, the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum underlined Dubai’s determination to sustain its global competitiveness while ensuring harmony and liveability for its people.