Dubai unveils $56bn plan to improve standard of living

Wam

• Education, healthcare prioritised
• Land and loans for Emirati families
• Expansion of private sector

Dubai has unveiled a AED208 billion ($56.64 billion) ten-year strategy aimed at making the city one of the top three in the world for standard of living.

There are also plans to double the number of Emirati families and triple the number of citizens working in the private sector by 2033.

“We aim to double the number of Emirati families within a decade, provide residential neighbourhoods that offer the world’s highest standard of living and safeguard our young generation against negative ideas that threaten the stability of our families,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, said on Thursday at the launch of the Dubai Social Agenda 33.

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Sheikh Mohammed said a total of AED208 billion has been allocated to achieving the agenda’s goals by 2033 and progress will be reviewed on January 4 every year, the UAE state-owned Wam news agency reported.

Improving the education and healthcare sectors will be among the core priorities for the Dubai Social Agenda 33.

Funding for the healthcare sector is set to increase to AED120 billion by 2033, up from AED66 million in 2014. This aims to promote healthy living, good nutrition and mental health, and improve the quality and availability of affordable healthcare.

Community development is another core priority, with funding for this sector set to rise to AED88 billion by 2033, up from AED26 billion in 2014. This will address issues such as education, citizen support, social institutions, arts and culture, citizen housing and sports.

Part of this funding – AED21.9 billion – will be dedicated to bolstering social cohesion, raising awareness of national identity and promoting citizens’ engagement in their community, Wam reported.

The Dubai Social Agenda 33 will also allocate AED14.5 billion for the development of residential compounds for Emirati citizens, AED13 billion will go towards improving the educational system, AED6.4 billion will be dedicated to the arts and culture sector and the sports sector will get an extra AED6.2 billion.

The new agenda also stated that it aims to triple the number of Emiratis working in the private sector and provide a land plot and a loan for every new Emirati family within one year of application.

“Our nation is not merely buildings and figures; it is made up of families and people. My message to everyone in charge is that our priority for the next stage is to protect, empower and support our families,” Sheikh Mohammed said.