Sheikh Mohammed approves Phase II of Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

A 20-minute city, is among 10 key initiatives that have been greenlighted by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai, under the second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

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 per cent of their daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes. 

"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," added Sheikh Mohammed, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE.

The plan also consists of several other projects, 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.

The move aims to tackle food security, promote the Emirate's identity by conserving historical landmarks, enhance the green landscape and reduce carbon footprint. 

It 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. 

.@HHShkMohd approves Phase II of #Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. pic.twitter.com/XGYKBR1euq

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 12, 2022

Sheikh Mohammed took the opportunity to review the progress of 17 projects and initiatives that were part of the first phase. The Dubai's National Housing Policy allocated a historic housing budget of AED65 billion for citizens, doubling the number of beneficiaries of Dubai’s housing programme. 

The Hatta Development Master Plan, which aims to create investment opportunities to local residents and support local tourism, has been completed, along with the drafting the Urban Planning Law to support sustainable development in line with the emirate’s plans.

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 Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, approved by His Highness 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.