Dubai announces major projects to Enhance Transportation, Data Economy, and Community Involvement
Dubai has approved plans to transform transportation, data, and community participation in the emirate.
3 min
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has endorsed major projects aimed at enhancing Dubai’s stature as a prime catalyst for economic growth, a top destination for global tourism, and a crucial transport hub linking continents, aligning with the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai.
During a meeting of The Executive Council at the Arabian Travel Market (ATM) exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Hamdan declared: “Dubai is investing in the future and is leading global tourism following His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s announcement to build the world’s largest airport with an AED128bn ($35bn) investment and a capacity for 260m passengers annually.
Major projects approved
It was also noted by Sheikh Hamdan that Dubai serves as a connector between the North, South, East, and West, offering superior infrastructure that sets the foundation for companies aiming at global expansion.
He emphasized the significance of community engagement in shaping Dubai’s future, saying: “We aim to achieve balanced economic and social development through placing people at the heart of progress and by engaging Dubai’s community in designing its future.”
Issam Kazim, CEO of Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), part of the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), presented a report showing robust growth in global demand for Dubai’s tourism sector, which spans leisure, cultural, eco-tourism, medical tourism, and conferences. This surge in tourism will be supported by the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport, set to be the largest globally with 400 gates and five runways, propelling Dubai towards being one of the world’s top three tourism destinations.
The Executive Council approved the Commercial Transport Strategy 2030 under the Economic Agenda (D33), aiming to nearly double the commercial transport and logistics sector’s economic contribution to approximately AED16.8bn ($4.6bn), increase technology usage in infrastructure by 75%, cut carbon emissions by 30%, and enhance operational efficiency by 10%. Over the next seven years, Dubai plans to launch multiple projects to support this sector’s growth and competitiveness.
Enhancing Community and Data Economy
The Council also approved a plan to optimize traffic flow in the city, enhancing business efficiency and quality of life. This strategy includes developing priority public bus routes, reducing travel times by up to 59%, and promoting school transport usage to decrease traffic around schools by 13%.
Furthermore, the plan incorporates flexible working hours and remote work policies to reduce traffic congestion. Dubai’s strategic direction for increasing the data center economy was also approved, positioning the city as a frontrunner in the future economy driven by emerging technologies.
This strategy, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda which aims to boost productivity by 50% through digital adoption and innovation, focuses on developing high-performance computing, utilizing liquid cooling systems, and providing state-of-the-art data centers powered by renewable energy.
By 2028, Dubai aims to be a hub for sustainable data centers, ready for Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and next-generation technologies like Web 3.0 and the Metaverse, thereby enhancing the emirate’s data capacity fivefold, increasing value addition by AED14.3bn ($3.9bn) annually, and strengthening its regional data industry leadership.
The Executive Council also endorsed the Community Participation Policy, supporting Social Agenda 33 by boosting community involvement in shaping policies, legislation, and government services, thus aligning services more closely with community needs and expectations identified through enhanced public engagement.
This policy will foster cooperation among various stakeholders to improve the overall quality of life for residents. Developed collaboratively by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council, the Digital Authority, the Supreme Legislation Committee, and the Department of Finance, the Community Engagement Policy is grounded in the principles of inclusivity, empowerment, sustainability, cooperation, and transparency.
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
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This agreement aims to foster the development of robust partnerships between the communities of both regions.
4 min
The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Chambers, marking a significant step towards enhancing cooperation and strengthening economic and trade relations between Dubai and Australia. This strategic agreement aims to foster the development of robust partnerships between the business communities in both regions.
In today’s interview, we will delve with Mr. Lyall Gorman, Vice President of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, into the objectives and anticipated impacts of this MoU, explore the key initiatives and projects that will arise from this collaboration, and discuss the potential challenges and strategies for overcoming them.
We will also look into how this agreement aligns with the broader strategic goals of the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the future of trade relations between Australia and the Middle East.
Can you give us a brief overview of the MoU signed with the Dubai Chamber? What are the main objectives?
The MoU we signed is designed for the two chambers to collaborate for mutual benefit and interest, focusing on business-to-business interactions. We are currently exploring opportunities around delegations, information sharing, trade, commerce, and e-commerce. The main goal is to bring businesses together in a structured manner to share ideas and encourage positive outcomes.
This partnership aims to increase the understanding of each other’s economies, recognize opportunities in each other’s regions, and work together to create mutual benefits. By doing that, we hope to enhance the economic ties between Dubai and Australia, leveraging each other’s strengths to create a more dynamic and prosperous business environment.
How do you see this MoU impacting trade relations between Australia and Dubai in the short and long term?
In the short term, we are expecting to generate a significant increase in awareness. By sharing information, data, and demographic insights, we will gain a better understanding of each other’s economic environments. This will help us identify existing opportunities for collaboration and potential mutual investment. From a trade perspective, we anticipate increased exports from Australia to Dubai and vice versa. This could include areas such as disruptive technology, medical research, education, construction, and agriculture—sectors that are currently emerging and critical.
In the long term, this enhanced understanding and collaboration will allow us to identify and capitalize on more opportunities. It’s about recognizing what’s happening in each other’s regions, understanding potential opportunities, and working together to create economic value. By fostering a deeper economic connection, we aim to create sustainable growth and mutual benefits over time.
What sectors or industries do you see as the primary beneficiaries of this partnership?
There are several mutual opportunities we aim to explore. Dubai has evolved incredibly over the last 20 years, achieving remarkable growth. However, there are still areas where further cooperation can drive growth. Some of the key initiatives will focus on sectors such as AI, digital disruptive technologies, smart technologies, financial services, education, construction, and advanced technologies.
Australia is highly regarded for its building codes and manufacturing capacity, especially in the construction sector. Additionally, I believe food security presents an interesting opportunity. As a major exporter of meat and other food products, Australia can contribute significantly to food security discussions, which is particularly relevant for Dubai.
Education is another area with significant potential for collaboration. By exploring these sectors, we aim to implement projects that not only address current challenges but also pave the way for sustainable development and innovative solutions in both regions.
What challenges do you foresee in the implementation of this MoU, and how do you plan to address them?
The cultural differences can impact how business is conducted, and this requires careful navigation. To address this, we need open and transparent communication, fostering a spirit of collaboration and mutual respect. It’s essential to have a genuine desire to embrace each other’s cultural differences and find common ground.
Another potential challenge is ensuring that both sides fully understand and adapt to each other’s regulatory environments and market dynamics. Dubai has matured significantly into a global business and corporate hub, which helps, but there are still differences to consider.
By prioritizing understanding and respect, and committing to ongoing learning from each other, we can effectively manage these challenges. Working together in a considerate and respectful manner will be crucial in overcoming any hurdles that may arise during the implementation of this MoU.
How does this MoU align with ACCI’s broader strategic goals for international trade and collaboration?
This MoU aligns closely with ACCI’s broader strategic goals by emphasizing the importance of fostering and diversifying economic partnerships on a global basis. The current global geopolitical situation has underscored the need for diversifying our supply chains and business relationships.
From an Australian perspective, the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving geopolitical environment have further highlighted the necessity of expanding our economic partnerships.
The Middle East, including the GCC, are regions where Australia already has strong relationships that can be further strengthened. Therefore, by working together, collaborating, and sharing knowledge and forward-thinking ideas, this MoU will help us identify and shape initiatives that add value and align with our strategic goals for international trade and collaboration.
How do you envision the future of trade relations between Australia and the Middle
I believe it will become stronger, more robust, and more regular, all for mutual benefit. There is a genuine willingness between both regions to grow and expand this relationship through a partnership model rather than a transactional one. This approach involves setting short, medium, and long-term goals, fostering a thriving and enduring relationship.
We have already established a strong partnership with Dubai Chambers and maintain a good relationship with the Dubai International Chamber here in Australia, led by Sophia Demetriades Toftdahl. This aligns with our strategic goal of global diversification in business.
Additionally, we recently signed an MoU with the Qatar Chamber and are about to sign with the Abu Dhabi Chamber as well.
Engaging with Saudi Arabia also makes sense, as it is a significantly emerging country. The last few years under new leadership have brought clarity to its economic, political, and social future and a strong passion and drive to become a major player in the region and global stage
Chris Dixon, a partner who led the charge, says he has a ‘very long-term horizon’
Americans now think they need at least $1.25 million for retirement, a 20% increase from a year ago, according to a survey by Northwestern Mutual
