Dubai invests in tomorrow’s world

Ambitious plans to grow sustainably

The key strategy for Dubai’s future is outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda – D33, which aims to double the size of the economy in the decade up to 2033 and consolidate its position in the top three global cities. Based on projects designed to drive sustainable economic growth, its aim is to make Dubai the fastest, safest and most connected city in the world.

“Dubai stands on the cusp of a new phase of rapid growth and is poised to script new success stories as a global hub for trade, enterprise and innovation, and a magnet for talent and investment,” says His Highness Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council.

Amongst its first set of projects is the launching of the Dubai Green and Sustainable Industry Plan, focusing on protecting the environment, preserving resources and investing in environmentally-friendly energy sources.

Fostering innovation

The launch of ‘Sandbox Dubai’ has enabled the testing and marketing of new products and technologies, helping to make Dubai a major hub for incubating innovations and fostering an ecosystem for creativity. There is a thriving community of start-up incubators and accelerators. It has also announced a raft of long-term strategies across AI, blockchain, 3D printing and Internet of Things (IoT).

Dubai ranks number one in the world for foreign direct investment and technology transfer in the AI and robotics sectors. The emirate also has a progressive government agenda that is creating an experimental testbed for concepts in a live setting, including Hyperloop technologies and flying manned transport.

Global leader in higher education

With the launch of the Dubai Project, the emirate has set out its aim to attract the best international universities to become a global leading centre for higher education.

There is much here to excite international associations in many sectors.

Innovation in agritech

A strategic initiative is in place to double the size of Dubai’s agricultural sector by 2033 and position the emirate as a global leader in adapting and employing agritech. Aiming to become a hub for agricultural research and innovation, it is seeking to attract specialised talent and encouraging partnerships to join a global platform for research and development while stimulating the use of clean and renewable energy sources and the consumption of locally produced goods.

Further plans and incentives to boost manufacturing and Dubai’s industry sector have also been announced.

Proactive approach

At November’s UAE Government Annual General Meeting, the roadmap for the next phase of the country’s development was launched. Based around 10 Economic Principles, it set out a proactive approach to positioning the UAE as a globally integrated economy.

Already a world hub for the digital economy, offering an international platform for digital transactions, it is an attractive environment for pioneers in big data, technology development and innovation. The UAE set out its commitment to investing in transformative technologies like Artificial Intelligence, which will play a critical role in shaping the future of the global landscape.

Alongside support for a stable financial system, strong legislative framework and the most advanced transport and logistics infrastructure, another of the key principles is ensuring the sustainability of the country’s economy. This will be achieved through advanced legislation, policies that safeguard resource sustainability, environmentally friendly energy sources and government plans and strategies aimed at preserving its natural resources. It will continue to invest in global sustainability initiatives and promote sustainable practices.