His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, has emphasized that the well-being of citizens is at the core of Dubai’s development plans.
“Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, the well-being of citizens and family empowerment form the foundation upon which Dubai’s future plans are built, to be the best, most beautiful, most sophisticated and civilized city in the world, designed first and foremost for people and families,” said Sheikh Hamdan.
The announcement came during the Executive Council meeting at Emirates Towers, attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance. The Council approved a range of policies and strategic visions in urban planning, housing, and digitalization for 2026.
New Vision for Residential Planning
Aligned with the Year of the Family and Dubai Social Agenda 33, Sheikh Hamdan approved a new vision for citizen housing that focuses on creating socially cohesive and service-integrated communities.
Sheikh Hamdan explained, “Today, we adopted the updated vision for planning residential areas for citizens, aiming to develop socially cohesive and service-integrated communities. This vision places the well-being of citizens at the heart of future urban planning – in their homes, neighborhoods, parks, children’s schools and service centers.”
The vision promotes:
- Active mobility: Shaded walkways, dedicated running, walking, and cycling paths.
- Open spaces and public areas: Parks and squares as hubs for social and cultural activities.
- Community initiatives: Vibrant, participatory environments for residents.
Key projects under the plan include:
- Latifah City: 152 parks, 12 km of interconnected walking and cycling paths, central parks with diverse activities, community centers for events, 18,500 residential units, and a projected population of 141,000.
- Al Yalayis Area: Green corridor linking residential areas, offering recreational, service, and commercial facilities, 8,000 residential units, 75 parks, and an expected population of 66,000.
The new urban planning concept aligns with the “20-Minute City” model, ensuring parks and facilities are accessible within a short distance from residents’ homes.
Digital Resilience Policy and Future Readiness
Sheikh Hamdan also highlighted Dubai’s commitment to strengthening its digital infrastructure:
“We possess some of the most advanced digital infrastructures in the world. In line with the goals of the Dubai Digital Strategy, launched in 2023… we have adopted the Digital Resilience Policy today. This policy will serve as a fundamental tool to enhance digital leadership in a comprehensive and proactive manner in Dubai.”
The Digital Resilience Policy is designed to:
- Ensure continuity and efficiency of digital services.
- Protect critical digital systems and infrastructure.
- Promote responsiveness, recovery, and transformation of digital operations.
- Build public trust in government digital services.
- Foster cooperation between public and private sectors.
2026 Executive Council Agenda
Dubai Launches 152 Parks, 33km Cycling Paths in Family-Focused Plan
