In March 2021, the ruler of Dubai launched an ambitious plan to turn the desert green, literally.

The bold plan lays out the future of Dubai’s sustainable urban development that will see a massive shift in the emirate’s landscape. A strong-willed and conclusively spelt-out strategy will see a doubling in size of Dubai’s green and recreational spaces and areas dedicated to public parks.

Sheikh Mohammed’s people-centric Dubai 2040 plan focuses on reinforcing the emirate’s competitiveness as a global destination by providing a diversity of lifestyle and investment opportunities for citizens, residents and visitors over the next 20 years.

If the futuristic plan sounds grand, daring and perhaps even audacious, that’s because it is all that and more. Don’t forget this is Dubai we are talking about, a city that has on numerous occasions proven the naysayers wrong and has continued to defy gravity to soar ever higher.

One will also do well to remember that the plan was unveiled by none other than HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

Sheikh Mohammed’s track record of transforming Dubai from a sleepy desert outpost to a bustling metropolis that is now the hub of business and activity speaks for itself. He has a way of transferring his vision, energy and intensity to the people around him and to projects that are close to his heart.

And Dubai 2040 is, certainly, very close to HH’s heart.

In fact, anything that has to do with the future of Dubai gets the ruler’s undivided attention and endorsement. And this project — which will transform the emirate into an interconnected, people-led city that balances community with tourism and modernity with heritage and nature — is certainly one that has the hallmarks of his influence.

The goal, HH said during the launch of the plan, was for Dubai to become the best city to live in for its residents, estimated at 5.8 million by 2040. If there is one single objective to this multifaceted plan, it is to realise HH’s vision to make Dubai the city with the world’s best quality of life by offering the highest standards of urban infrastructure and facilities.

“Our strategic development plans are focused on creating the best possible environment and infrastructure to enhance the community’s happiness and wellbeing and support the fulfilment of the greatest human aspirations for both our citizens and people from around the world”

— Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Once complete, the plan will see Dubai’s nature reserves and rural natural areas comprising more than half (60 per cent) of the emirate’s total area. Several green corridors will be established to link the service areas, residential areas and workplaces, facilitate the movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and sustainable mobility means across the city. It will, truly, be the world’s best city to live in for not just the citizens of the UAE but also for expat residents from over 200 countries who call Dubai their second home.

“Drawing inspiration from global best practices and adapting them to local needs and requirements, we have created a development model that offers the best possible quality of life and creates the conditions for sustainable prosperity. Our goal is to create a truly inclusive environment that not only meets the needs of Dubai’s diverse population but also inspires them to tap into their creative and innovative capacities and realise their true potential”

— Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum