Dubai has launched an ambitious roadmap to become the world’s most liveable and healthiest city by 2033, introducing transformative initiatives across sustainability, education, aviation, sports, and finance. Approved by the Executive Council of Dubai, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the plan forms a cornerstone of Dubai Plan 2033, aligned with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to position Dubai as a global model of wellbeing and sustainable urban growth.

Currently ranked by the Council as the “4th Tallest City in the World,” it will also be the host city for the Council’s 2026 Vertical Urbanism Summit. Development continues to be steady throughout the region, and the city has seen continual demand in the luxury real-estate sector, among other sectors. This new plan is an indication of the interest and growth that the city has seen over the last few years and projects into its future. 

A key element in this new roadmap is the Public Parks and Greenery Strategy, a AED 18.3 billion programme featuring more than 800 projects, including 310 new parks, 120 open spaces, and upgrades to 322 existing parks. The initiative aims to triple Dubai’s tree count, expand green areas to 187 square kilometers, and ensure 80 percent of residents live within a five-minute walk of a park, using 100 percent recycled water for irrigation. This ambitious declaration is similar to goals stated by other urban leaders (Singapore plans to have every residence within a 10-minute walking distance to a park by 2030), making it a competitive city for local and global residents.

Other major initiatives include Aviation Talent 33, which will create 15,000 jobs and 4,000 training programmes to cement Dubai’s role as a global aviation hub; an education policy to attract 60 new affordable schools by 2033; and a Sports Sector Strategic Plan advancing Dubai’s standing as a world sporting capital. A new Financial Restructuring and Insolvency Court will also bolster investor confidence and business resilience.

“Dubai is the best and most beautiful city in the world, and we want it to remain the most advanced, attractive, and sustainable,” said Sheikh Hamdan, “setting the global standard for cities that balance human wellbeing and urban resilience.”

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