Sheikh Hamdan drives Dubai’s future with new residential, family, and digital development initiatives/Image: WAM
Dubai is taking bold steps to shape its future with people and families at the heart of its growth. A series of new policies and strategic plans, approved by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aim to transform urban planning, residential living, and digital infrastructure while aligning with the UAE’s social and economic priorities.
Prioritising families and communities in urban planning
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has endorsed a set of initiatives focused on citizen welfare and family empowerment. These efforts are in line with the Year of the Family, announced by President H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Dubai Social Agenda 33, launched under the slogan “Family: The Foundation of Our Nation” by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.The new planning model prioritises socially interconnected, service-integrated communities. It promotes vibrant residential neighbourhoods with parks, schools, community centres, and other essential services. The approach reinforces the traditional concept of the Fareej, enhancing social cohesion and community identity. Active mobility is a central focus, with shaded walkways connecting service centres to homes, dedicated walking, running, and cycling paths, and open spaces designed as hubs for cultural and social engagement. These measures aim to boost residents’ sense of comfort, belonging, and participation in community life.
Transforming residential areas with sustainability
The Executive Council has approved detailed plans for residential districts including Madinat Latifa and Al Yalayis, embedding sustainability and accessibility.
- Madinat Latifa:
- Total area: 3,000 hectares
- Residential capacity: 141,000 people across 18,500 units
- Parks: 77, with the nearest park no more than 150 metres from residents
- Green and open spaces: 11% of the area
- 12 kilometres of interconnected walking and cycling paths
- Comprehensive facilities: schools, early childhood centres, mosques, health clinics, and commercial hubs
- Al Yalayis:
- Total area: 1,108 hectares
- Residential capacity: 66,000 people with 8,000 residential plots
- Parks: 75
- Features a vibrant green corridor linking residential areas with recreational, service, and commercial facilities
Plans also introduce 152 parks across both areas, over 33 kilometres of cycling paths, central parks with diverse activities, community majlis, and wedding halls. The initiative aligns with the 20-Minute City concept, ensuring all essential services are within easy reach of residents.
Strengthening digital resilience
Alongside urban planning, Dubai is enhancing its digital infrastructure through the newly approved Digital Resilience Policy. This comprehensive framework ensures that digital services remain continuous, secure, and efficient.The policy supports the Dubai Resilience Strategy and complements the Digital Transformation Strategy, which leverages advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to simplify daily life and boost the digital economy.Key elements of the Digital Resilience Policy include:
- Preparedness, response, recovery, and transformation of digital services
- Safeguarding vital digital assets such as data centres, cloud platforms, networks, and user devices
- Structured communication, governance frameworks, and performance indicators
- Collaboration between public and private sectors for swift incident response and system protection
The framework is designed to maintain public trust, ensure uninterrupted digital services, and optimise critical infrastructure availability, strengthening Dubai’s position as a global leader in digital governance.
Steering Dubai towards 2033 goals
The Executive Council also reviewed the achievements of the 2025 agenda and approved the 2026 plan, focusing on implementing Dubai Plan 2033 priorities. The plan covers social development, infrastructure, economy, investment, entrepreneurship, security, justice, safety, and public services.H.H. Sheikh Hamdan emphasised that Dubai is advancing along an integrated development path that places citizens at the center of its growth. The emirate aims to become a global model in urban planning, social welfare, and digital governance, ensuring sustainable progress for individuals, families, and society. Go to Source