The Dubai 2040 Master Plan – Making Dubai the world’s best city to live

An ambitious goal has been set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai to make Dubai “the world's best city to live in.”

To ensure this vision is realised, the ruler recently announced the launch of the Dubai 2040 Master Plan via the Dubai Media Office.

Under the plan, the next couple of decades will see Dubai ‘go large’ through projects such as increasing the space of public beaches by 400%, while a whopping 60% of Dubai's land area is set to become nature reserves – ushering in a new era focused on environmental protection and appreciation.

Importantly, the Dubai 2040 urban master plan means inner-city areas will be revamped and infrastructure will be significantly enhanced. Planners say they want more than half of the population of Dubai to live within 800 metres of their nearest public transport facility.

This is the seventh major development for the emirate since 1960. Since then, the Dubai population has soared from 40,000 to 3.3 million due to its ever-growing attractions, year-round sun, safe status, and cosmopolitan vibe.

“Our strategic development plans are focused on creating the best possible environment and infrastructure to enhance the community’s happiness and wellbeing and support the fulfilment of the greatest human aspirations for both our citizens and people from around the world.”

Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Of course, the city is well used to grabbing global headlines for being a great place to live – most recently being named one of the best countries in the world for language diversity and safety, according to a global survey of expats living in 181 countries.

Construction is an area Dubai continues to excel in too. This year, Dubai Municipality scooped an Innovation Award for the largest 3D printed building.

Now, the Dubai 2040 plan will bring in a raft of exciting new outlined proposals including revamping Dubai’s urban centres such as Deira and Bur Dubai, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR).

This will boost economic growth, significantly increase job opportunities, attract further foreign investment, and add even more world-class facilities and amenities for citizens, residents, and visitors alike.

The plan also integrates the Hatta Development plan, which is an elaborate scheme in which many heritage sites will be reconstructed to offer visitors a wider choice when exploring the UAE's history and culture.

Meanwhile, new urban hotspots Dubai Expo 2020 Centre and Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre will also be developed in the run up to 2040; more information on these plans to be released soon.

There’s good news for the tourism sector too, as space for hotels and tourist activities will leap by 134% between now and 2040.

Business will get a major boost as well, as land for commercial activities is set to increase to 168 sq.km. There will also be a 25% increase in designated space for educational and health facilities.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed commented: “Our strategic development plans are focused on creating the best possible environment and infrastructure to enhance the community’s happiness and wellbeing and support the fulfilment of the greatest human aspirations for both our citizens and people from around the world.”