His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler
of Dubai, has approved the second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Phase II of the plan consists of several projects under ten key initiatives, including Enhancing Urban
Centres, Dubai Real Estate Strategy, Urban Farming Plan, Preserving Urban Heritage Plan,
Developing the 20-Minute City Policy, and the Pedestrian Network Master Plan. His Highness also
reviewed the progress of 17 projects and initiatives that were part of the initial phase of the Dubai
2040 Urban Master Plan.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said, “Today, we have a clear vision for the
development of Dubai’s urban infrastructure and housing sector until 2040. Our goal is for Dubai to
be an eco- and pedestrian-friendly city, and a city with a high yield from urban agriculture.”
Phase II of Dubai 2040
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was briefed by Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner
General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being Pillar, and Chair of the Supreme
Committee of Urban Planning in Dubai, on the key projects of Phase II of the Dubai 2040 Urban
Master Plan. The new phase includes an integrated plan for developing five main urban centres
(three existing and two new centres) in Dubai.
The plan also prescribes a comprehensive strategy for Dubai’s real estate sector up to 2040 to align
it with the requirements of the Master Plan and strike a balance between supply and demand. It calls
for proactive initiatives to manage opportunities and changes in the real estate market, achieve
sustainable urban development, and boost investor confidence.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh
Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister,
and Minister of Finance; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil
Aviation Authority, and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group; H.H. Sheikh
Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; and H.H.
Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Border Security
Council.
The second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan includes a framework for high-yield
agriculture and farming by identifying suitable locations and developing the infrastructure and
facilities required to ensure food security. Phase II also outlines plans for preserving urban heritage
to enhance the emirate’s identity, promote historical areas, landmarks and buildings, and improve
the tourism experience at archaeological sites.
The master plan also calls for developing a 20-minute city where residents can reach their
destinations within a 20-minute timeframe on foot or by bicycle. The project involves developing
integrated service centres with all the necessary facilities and increasing the population density
around mass transit stations, allowing residents access to 80 percent of their daily needs and
destinations within 20 minutes.
Additionally, a plan will be developed to enhance and utilise urban spaces, such as alleyways,
spaces underneath bridges, and squares, by augmenting the elements of well-being to make them
attractive and relaxing for residents and visitors. The initiative contributes to enriching the beauty of
urban areas, developing green corridors, reducing the carbon footprint, and enhancing the
landscaping strategy. A comprehensive plan for pedestrians and soft mobility across Dubai will focus
on connected pathways in high-density areas.
Phase II of the master plan involves developing an avenue for all residential neighbourhoods. It
entails defining an area within the residential neighbourhoods and developing it under the principle
of integrated street network where facilities and services are focused on catering to the residents’
needs. This initiative enhances well-being, supports soft mobility and reduces travel time within
Dubai.
Achievements and accomplishments
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum was also briefed by Al Tayer about the 17
projects that have been completed or are nearing completion. With the support and follow-up of
Dubai’s leadership, the Supreme Committee of Urban Planning in Dubai completed six projects,
including Dubai’s National Housing Policy. As part of the policy, a historic housing budget of AED65
billion was allocated for housing citizens in Dubai, doubling the number of beneficiaries of Dubai’s
housing programme. The area of the land plots allocated for housing nationals in Dubai also
doubled, reaching 1.7 million square feet.
Among the completed projects was the launch of the Hatta Development Master Plan to enhance
well-being. The plan aims to offer investment opportunities to local residents, support local tourism,
attract investments, strengthen partnerships with the private sector, preserve heritage and nature,
and promote tourism in Hatta.
The completed initiatives also included drafting the Urban Planning Law and developing an
integrated planning database to support sustainable development in line with the emirate’s plans.
The initiatives also included the Dubai Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan,
which intends to preserve the nature of those areas and serve the needs of residents and visitors.
The plan aims to enhance the well-being of residents and visitors besides providing a unique tourist
experience and developing Dubai’s countryside as one of its main tourist attractions.
The Supreme Committee of Urban Planning aims to conclude another five projects by the end of this
year, including a project to increase the size of Dubai’s public beaches and develop a draft of the
Dubai Wellbeing Strategy.
The projects that will be completed next year include preparing a plan for integrating land uses and
transport policies, landscaping policy, directing development in coastal areas and increasing the
length of beaches, doubling the public parks and recreational areas, developing a sustainable
mobility plan, and environment and sustainability plan.
The Best City for Living
The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in
March 2021, aims to make Dubai the world’s best city for living.
Accordingly, the city’s urban infrastructure is set to be further modernised, with the development
focused on five major urban centres. The existing urban centres include Deira and Bur Dubai,
historical areas that include museums, traditional and popular markets, and historical residential
areas that highlight the emirate’s tradition and heritage. The economic and trade centre of the city
comprises the Dubai International Financial Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, and
Downtown, and serves various business and financial activities. The tourism and entertainment hub
includes Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers and serves various economic and tourism
activities.
The two new centres include Expo 2020 Centre, an economic and growth hotspot featuring
affordable housing and a focal point for the exhibitions, tourism and logistics sectors; and Dubai
Silicon Oasis Centre, a science and technology and knowledge hub that drives innovation, digital
economy development and talent generation.
The new Master Plan defines an integrated approach to the development of the urban centres by
providing equitable access to facilities, services and opportunities across the city for all residents.
The plan identifies six urbanisation levels that follow a graded structure of urban centres of mixed
uses and densities that perform specific residential and functional roles for the community within the
scope of their services.
Based on these six levels, it would be possible to determine infrastructure requirements—roads and
transportation systems, energy and government services such as hospitals, schools, service
centres, and service and recreational facilities—in a way that provides integrated services across all
Dubai districts while enhancing the use of flexible and sustainable means of mobility.
