'City within a city': Dubai Ruler says nearly Dh2.1 trillion in active projects underway

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced that the emirate currently has nearly Dh2.1 trillion worth of projects underway across key sectors, including housing, transportation, aviation, infrastructure and economic development.

His remarks came during the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, which began at the Dubai World Trade Centre. The annual event brought together 1,000 government and private sector leaders, along with experts, decision-makers and academics.

The forum was also attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

Other prominent attendees included Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee; Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Mohammed Highlights Dubai's Development Plans

Sheikh Mohammed said Dubai is building a city within a city, with Dh2.1 trillion in active projects and more initiatives expected to be announced in the coming phase.

He emphasised that the emirate is preparing for a new period of economic growth through major investments in housing, transportation and infrastructure.

He also highlighted the importance of expanding the city's capacity to accommodate population growth, businesses and economic activities while maintaining high standards of living, working and investing.

According to Sheikh Mohammed, cities aiming for progress must anticipate change, make timely decisions and turn ideas into projects that deliver tangible benefits for residents.

Dh1.1 Trillion Allocated for Real Estate Projects

Dubai's ongoing project portfolio covers real estate, economic zones, aviation, transportation, utilities and other essential infrastructure.

The real estate sector represents a major part of the development pipeline, with Dh1.1 trillion allocated for real estate projects through 2030.

The emirate also plans to deliver approximately 350,000 residential units to meet growing housing demand and support its expanding population.

These developments will be supported by investments in transport networks and essential infrastructure to accommodate future urban growth.

Major Investments in Aviation and Transportation

Dubai's development plans include several large-scale aviation and transport projects designed to strengthen connectivity and support economic expansion.

Key investments include:

Dh128 billion: Development of Al Maktoum International Airport, designed to handle up to 260 million passengers annually over the next decade.

Dh328 billion: Expansion of the Emirates and flydubai fleets.

Dh18.7 billion: New Emirates engineering and maintenance complex.

Dh100 billion: Road upgrades and development of the Dubai Metro Blue and Gold lines.

These projects are expected to support Dubai's growing travel demand, improve mobility and strengthen its position as a global aviation and transportation hub.

Dh100 Billion for DIFC Expansion and Dh10 Billion for Dubai Exhibition Centre

Dubai is also investing in financial services and business infrastructure to attract more companies and international investment.

The planned projects include more than Dh100 billion for Phase 2 of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), which will support the emirate's ambitions to strengthen its financial sector.

Another Dh10 billion has been allocated to expand the Dubai Exhibition Centre, increasing its capacity to host exhibitions, conferences and major international events.

Billions Allocated for Water, Power and Drainage Infrastructure

Several major projects will focus on improving essential services and strengthening Dubai's infrastructure for future growth.

The planned investments include:

Dh80 billion: Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels system.

Dh30 billion: Tasreef rainwater drainage project.

Dh151 billion: New power and water grid infrastructure.

Dh4 billion: Dubai's Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap.

These initiatives aim to improve utility networks, enhance rainwater management and expand green spaces across the emirate.

Dubai Strengthens Its Long-Term Urban Development Strategy

Dubai's development programme reflects its efforts to prepare for increasing population levels, business activity and demand for public services.

Investments in housing, roads, public transportation, aviation and utilities are intended to ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with the emirate's rapid expansion.

The projects also form part of a broader strategy to improve the quality of life, attract investment and create opportunities across multiple economic sectors.

Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum Focuses on Future Leadership

The Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum aims to establish a world-class leadership ecosystem that encourages innovation, improves institutional performance and prepares leaders for future challenges.

The forum provides a platform for government and private sector leaders to exchange ideas, share experiences and discuss best practices in leadership and management.

It also seeks to strengthen strategic thinking, encourage effective decision-making and showcase future initiatives that support Dubai's development goals.

Through the forum, Dubai aims to translate Sheikh Mohammed's leadership philosophy into practical frameworks that can be adopted across government entities, helping institutions respond to global changes and turn strategic plans into measurable results.