With six clear objectives, which include increase of foreign trade and direct investment as well as growth of digital transformation projects and government expenditure, the agenda aims at establishing Dubai’s global presence across all economic sectors.
Expanding Horizons & Innovation
At the heart of D33 is a commitment to significantly expand Dubai’s foreign trade and enhance its global connectivity. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, emphasized the transformative nature of D33, stating: “The Dubai Economic Agenda D33 includes 100 transformative projects, with economic targets of AED32 trillion dirhams over the next 10 years, doubling our foreign trade to reach AED25.6 trillion and adding 400 cities as key trading partners over the next decade”. This expansion is not just a matter of numbers; it represents Dubai’s broader strategy to become a pivotal hub in the global economy, bridging markets from Africa to Latin America and Southeast Asia.
The emphasis on green and sustainable manufacturing marks a pivotal shift in Dubai’s economic strategy, reflecting a global movement towards environmental stewardship and sustainability. By doing so, Dubai is positioning itself at the forefront of the green economy.
Innovation and entrepreneurship are crucial to D33’s vision, with the agenda setting ambitious goals to scale up 30 companies into global unicorns in new economic sectors. This initiative is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to fostering an environment where innovation thrives, and where companies are empowered to reach the global stage. The integration of 65,000 young Emiratis into the job market is a forward-looking approach to ensuring that the benefits of economic growth are widely shared. By focusing on the youth, Dubai is investing in its future, equipping a new generation with the skills and opportunities to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing world.
The launch of the Dubai Traders project is another strategic move to empower a new generation of traders in key sectors, highlighting Dubai’s role as a vibrant trading hub. Furthermore, the introduction of Dubai’s unified licence offers a unique commercial identity for all companies in Dubai, simplifying the business environment and attracting more investment. This move is part of a broader effort to create a seamless and investor-friendly ecosystem, enabling businesses to thrive and grow.
“Sandbox Dubai” represents a bold initiative to foster innovation by allowing the testing and commercialization of new technologies. This project is set to make Dubai a major innovation hub, providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs and innovators to test and launch new ideas. Meanwhile, the ambition to attract the world’s best universities to Dubai is a strategic investment in human capital, aiming to make Dubai a global hub for higher education and knowledge exchange. This focus on education is critical for building a skilled workforce and fostering a culture of lifelong learning and innovation.
Finally, the development of a scale-up program for SMEs by identifying 400 high-potential companies showcases Dubai’s commitment to supporting entrepreneurship and small business growth. By enhancing the capacity of SMEs and supporting their expansion on the global stage, the initiative contributes to economic diversification and innovation.
Economic Resilience & Social Development
Already a year into the agenda, Dubai is already reaping the benefits. In the first few months of implementing the D33 agenda, the city reported an impressive 3.3% economic growth. From rise in tourism hubs and tech-powered communications networks to accommodation and transportation activities, the plan seems to prove Dubai’s adaptability. This early success highlights the effective strategies under D33, showcasing Dubai’s economic resilience and proactive approach to expansion.
The Dubai Social Agenda, launched alongside the D33, underscores Dubai’s commitment to societal development, with healthcare being a primary focus. It aims to ensure that Dubai’s healthcare system is equipped to meet future challenges, emphasizing innovation and sustainability in medical services and public health. This focus on healthcare is pivotal, as it aims to safeguard the well-being of the community, ensuring that Dubai remains a vibrant, healthy, and sustainable city for its residents and visitors alike.
“Cities aiming to elevate their status on the global stage need to focus on four key areas: embracing a broader definition of economic prosperity that encompasses social welfare, happiness, and wellbeing; improving resilience and recovery capabilities in economic downturns; prioritising sustainability, happiness, and wellbeing of citizens; and tackling demographic and environmental challenges. Dubai’s aspirations are boundless when it comes to adopting technological and artificial intelligence advancements, cementing its standing as a global hub for innovation,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner-General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being Pillar, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
As Dubai embarks on this journey, the D33 agenda sets a blueprint for the city’s future development. It is a reflection of Dubai’s resilience, vision, and tireless ambition to not only enhance its economic prosperity but also to contribute to shaping a sustainable and innovative future for the global community.
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