Dubai has $572 billion in projects underway, ruler says

Dubai has nearly Dh2.1 trillion worth of projects underway, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said, Khaleej Times reported.

He spoke Wednesday at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum at the Dubai World Trade Centre. He said Dubai is preparing for its next phase of growth.

What projects are underway in Dubai?

The Dh2.1 trillion portfolio spans housing, transportation, aviation, infrastructure and economic development. It also covers economic zones, real estate, water, power, sewerage and landscaping. The projects are designed to keep pace with Dubai’s rapid growth and strengthen its capacity for the future.

What did Sheikh Mohammed say about Dubai’s future projects?

Sheikh Mohammed said Dubai is building “a city within a city.” More projects will be announced in the coming phase, he said.

He called this the ideal time to invest in Dubai and its infrastructure. The emirate is preparing for a new phase of economic growth, he said.

The goal is to expand Dubai’s capacity for population, business and sector growth. Dubai also aims to maintain the highest standards of living, working and investing.

He said cities that aspire to progress act before others. He called for leaders who can read shifting dynamics, decide quickly and turn ideas into results people can feel in their lives.

How much is Dubai spending on real estate, aviation and infrastructure?

Dh1.1 trillion is allocated to real estate projects through 2030. Housing plans include about 350,000 residential units, alongside expanded transport and infrastructure networks.

In aviation, Dh128 billion is allocated to Al Maktoum International. It is designed to be the world’s largest airport, handling up to 260 million passengers annually over the next decade.

Another Dh328 billion will expand the Emirates and flydubai fleets. Dh18.7 billion is set aside for the new Emirates engineering and maintenance complex.

Other planned projects include:

• Over Dh100 billion for Phase 2 of the Dubai International Financial Centre
• Dh100 billion for road upgrades and the Dubai Metro Blue and Gold lines
• Dh10 billion to expand the Dubai Exhibition Centre
• Dh80 billion for the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels system
• Dh30 billion for the Tasreef rainwater drainage project
• Dh151 billion for new power and water grid infrastructure
• Dh4 billion for the Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap

Who attended the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum?

The annual forum brought together 1,000 government and private sector leaders. Experts, decision-makers and academics also attended.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, attended. He is also UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee, also attended. So did Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi was also present. He chairs The Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development.

What is the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum?

The forum reflects Sheikh Mohammed’s vision of a world-class leadership ecosystem. It is also a step toward institutionalizing his leadership and management philosophy.

The philosophy will be turned into an operational framework for all Dubai entities. The forum aims to embed best practices and encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences.

It also showcases some of Dubai’s future initiatives and its development vision. It seeks to put leaders at the center of global changes and promote collective strategic thinking in decision-making.