Dubai has rolled out a wide-ranging set of new policies aimed at raising the quality of life for residents, in line with the city’s long-term social and economic development agendas.
At a meeting of The Executive Council of Dubai held at Emirates Towers, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, key initiatives were approved spanning healthcare, education, family services, and smart infrastructure. The measures align with the goals of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
“Dubai puts people at the heart of all its development plans,”
Sheikh Hamdan said.
“These policies are part of a broader effort to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready society.”
One of the most significant moves is the approval of a new healthcare plan designed to place Dubai among the top 10 cities worldwide for healthy life expectancy. Led by the Dubai Health Authority, the strategy will see the development of three new hospitals, 33 primary healthcare centres, and multiple specialised facilities by 2033, particularly in newly developed residential areas. The expansion will be delivered through public-private partnerships and supported by incentive packages to attract investment and talent.
The plan also involves an in-depth analysis of healthcare demand and supply, improved insurance coverage for mental health and rehabilitation, and expanded scholarships for Emirati medical students.
In the education sector, a new policy by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) targets 100% of Emirati students in private schools being enrolled in institutions rated ‘Good’ or better. The initiative includes tailored educational models, the expansion of the Dubai Distinguished Students Programme, and efforts to increase the number of Emirati teachers while enhancing curriculum quality and parental engagement.
To support family cohesion, Dubai will launch a Unified Centre for Family Care, managed by the Community Development Authority. The centre will integrate services such as counselling, child protection, custody support, and social guidance across two locations—Deira and Bur Dubai—enhanced by digital platforms.
Dubai also introduced a Smart Buildings Policy aimed at promoting energy-efficient, tech-driven infrastructure. Spearheaded by Dubai Municipality, the policy sets voluntary standards for new developments to reduce power consumption by 25%, water use by 15%, and operational costs by 20%. Features include smart energy and water systems, automated climate control, and real-time monitoring.
This initiative supports broader environmental goals under the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, while also positioning Dubai as a magnet for sustainable real estate investment.
The newly approved measures underscore the emirate’s people-centric approach to development and its ongoing commitment to building a resilient and forward-looking urban environment.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
