Dubai has changed the cityscape through a comprehensive development plan, and the Supreme Commission of Urban Planning has made significant progress in implementing the Urban Master Plan in the 2040s.
Mattar Al Teir, chairman of the Supreme Committee on Urban Planning, led the committee’s 33rd meeting, checking out key strategies and projects organized in the 2040 Dubai Urban Master Plan.
The conference also acknowledged progress in achieving the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai as Dubai’s leading global city, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said in a statement.
“Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, as well as His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, Dubai is set to witness the launch of major transformational projects aimed at enhancing quality of life,” Al Tayer said.
He explained that the committee will focus on implementing plans and projects that are consistent with the year of community initiatives to strengthen social ties. The initiative will support economic diversification and promote the development of five urban areas that create jobs. He added that projects with living spaces and essential services were addressed when promoting the 20-minute urban concept and including an innovative planning system.
Al Tayer highlighted that the Supreme Commission on Urban Planning has improved its approval system for new real estate projects.
“The total value of projects benefiting from the facilitated approval process exceeds AED55 billion, with a 60 percent reduction in approval time for transactions involving development project lands. 450 million square feet of land had also been allocated for citizen housing, while more than 50 master plans and projects had been reviewed and approved in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy and position it among the world’s top three urban economies by 2033.”
He said, “Several strategic programs aimed at driving Dubai’s development and strengthening its global competitiveness. At the forefront of these initiatives is the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which features over 200 projects and initiatives across 10 key pillars focusing on individuals, society, and the city—placing people at the heart of development”
He added that death planning (transport-oriented development) has also been approved to optimize land use at Dubai metro stations and support sustainable transportation.
He also announced the introduction of the Siya Al Salam Corridor’s master plan, which includes the development of five rural services and leisure stations. These projects have been implemented in collaboration with the private sector.
Dubai Walk master plan to feature 6,500km of pedestrian pathways, while the Dubai Metro Blue Line contract is awarded for a 30km expansion.
The project, approved in 2024, includes the Dubai Walk Master Plan, which will introduce a 6,500-kilometer pedestrian route in 160 areas. The first phase includes two important pedestrian routes.
- The 15-kilometer route, the Al-Ras loop connects five-kilometer historic landmarks along the waterfront.
- The Future Loop is a two-kilometer bridge near the Future Museum, which links 10 locations with a 30,000 square metres of air-conditioned levels.
The ‘Super Block’ initiative will be piloted in areas including Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama, and Al Quoz Creative Zone.
The Dubai Metro Blue Line contract was awarded in December. The 30-kilometer project, with 14 stations and underground sections, will serve nine residential and development areas and record a population forecast of 1 million by 2040.
Al Tayer also highlighted the Therme Dubai project. This highlighted working with the private sector to create the world’s longest-running interactive resorts and parks. The project is expected to attract 1.7 million visitors each year.
Dubai 2040 Urban master plan progress
Since its establishment in March 2021, the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning has completed several initiatives under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, including:
- Planning of 17,400 residential plots for citizens.
- Development of the Urban Planning Law.
- Master Plan for Dubai’s Rural and Desert Areas.
- Master Plan for Public Beach Development.
The plan aims to increase 105% in environmental regions, increase in hospitality and tourism activities and increase 134%, and increase in economic zones to 168 square kilometers. It also aims to increase the country allocated to education and healthcare and to expand 400% of public beach areas by 400%.
