This is a common observation from many first-time visitors to Dubai,
but it carries greater weight today for one simple reason:
Dubai is a city that means business.
It also has the figures to back up its tremendous economic feats.
GDP rose 263% between 1990 and 2003,
proof of Dubai’s status as the fastest-growing city on earth.
With a population that is expanding 5% annually
and the number of tourists projected to reach 15 million
by the end of the decade,
the city is well on its way to sustaining growth
for years to come.
But for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President
and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,
this is only the beginning.
Sheikh Mohammed announced the government’s bold vision
with his Dubai Strategic Plan 2015
and highlighted how Dubai will become
the city of the future.
The Strategic Plan for Dubai is based on five indicators:
1) Economic Development
2) Social Development
3) Infrastructure, Land and Environment
4) Security, Justice and Safety
5) Government Excellence
According to the Dubai Strategic Plan,
sustained economic development
is based on six vertical building blocks:
travel and tourism, financial services,
professional services,
transportation and logistics services,
trade and storage, and construction.
In addition to the six vertical building blocks,
the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015
highlights seven horizontal enablers:
human capital; productivity; science,
technology and innovation;
costs of doing business and living;
quality of life;
economic policy and institutional framework;
and laws and regulations.
The six vertical building blocks,
coupled with the seven horizontal enablers,
are evidence of the meticulous attention to detail
that Sheikh Mohammed and his government have shown
toward Dubai’s future.
Already recognized as the leading financial services hub
for the region,
and home to a premier aviation industry,
an ever-growing tourism sector
and a vibrant real estate market,
Dubai is set to cement its position
as an economic powerhouse
based on diverse and innovative revenue streams.
The implementation of this proposed strategic growth path
will drive GDP growth to 397 billion dirhams (US$108billion)
by 2015
and increase per capita GDP to US$44,000.
This approach will strengthen Dubai’s healthy economic mix
by ensuring a focus on key sectors
while further promoting diversification.
The development and advancement
of Dubai’s economy and infrastructure
play an important role
in its strategy for a brighter future.
But, as Sheikh Mohammed highlights
in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015,
the future of Dubai is not only about
infrastructure and towers.
It is about people,
with a particular emphasis on social development
— a vital issue for Sheikh Mohammed.
Dubai’s government and leaders have embarked
on a positive, holistic plan for its future
with concrete goals within grasp.
Excellent governance set with strong
corporate responsibility
and social development
will truly make Dubai a city
where the future begins.
-
...from the July 23, 2007 edition of Forbes Magazine
but it carries greater weight today for one simple reason:
Dubai is a city that means business.
It also has the figures to back up its tremendous economic feats.
GDP rose 263% between 1990 and 2003,
proof of Dubai’s status as the fastest-growing city on earth.
With a population that is expanding 5% annually
and the number of tourists projected to reach 15 million
by the end of the decade,
the city is well on its way to sustaining growth
for years to come.
But for His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
United Arab Emirates (UAE) Vice President
and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai,
this is only the beginning.
Sheikh Mohammed announced the government’s bold vision
with his Dubai Strategic Plan 2015
and highlighted how Dubai will become
the city of the future.
The Strategic Plan for Dubai is based on five indicators:
1) Economic Development
2) Social Development
3) Infrastructure, Land and Environment
4) Security, Justice and Safety
5) Government Excellence
According to the Dubai Strategic Plan,
sustained economic development
is based on six vertical building blocks:
travel and tourism, financial services,
professional services,
transportation and logistics services,
trade and storage, and construction.
In addition to the six vertical building blocks,
the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015
highlights seven horizontal enablers:
human capital; productivity; science,
technology and innovation;
costs of doing business and living;
quality of life;
economic policy and institutional framework;
and laws and regulations.
The six vertical building blocks,
coupled with the seven horizontal enablers,
are evidence of the meticulous attention to detail
that Sheikh Mohammed and his government have shown
toward Dubai’s future.
Already recognized as the leading financial services hub
for the region,
and home to a premier aviation industry,
an ever-growing tourism sector
and a vibrant real estate market,
Dubai is set to cement its position
as an economic powerhouse
based on diverse and innovative revenue streams.
The implementation of this proposed strategic growth path
will drive GDP growth to 397 billion dirhams (US$108billion)
by 2015
and increase per capita GDP to US$44,000.
This approach will strengthen Dubai’s healthy economic mix
by ensuring a focus on key sectors
while further promoting diversification.
The development and advancement
of Dubai’s economy and infrastructure
play an important role
in its strategy for a brighter future.
But, as Sheikh Mohammed highlights
in the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015,
the future of Dubai is not only about
infrastructure and towers.
It is about people,
with a particular emphasis on social development
— a vital issue for Sheikh Mohammed.
Dubai’s government and leaders have embarked
on a positive, holistic plan for its future
with concrete goals within grasp.
Excellent governance set with strong
corporate responsibility
and social development
will truly make Dubai a city
where the future begins.
-
...from the July 23, 2007 edition of Forbes Magazine
(Click title link at top for complete Dubai article.)
