His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai Social Agenda 33 today. This agenda is for the decade to come, until 2033, and highlights the theme “Family: The Foundation of Our Nation”.
The launch of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 continues Sheikh Mohammed’s tradition of unveiling promising national programs and projects on January 4th of each year. This date marks the anniversary of his accession as the ruler of Dubai.
Family, the foundation of our nation
Sheikh Mohammed said that the Dubai Social Agenda 33 is the plan for Dubai’s society over the next decade. The agenda’s targets are Emirati families in Dubai and all aspects of their lives. It will focus on matters like housing, quality of life, identity and values, social cohesion, and healthcare. Moreover, it will emphasize the importance of equipping the new generation with skills for the future. The agenda has been allocated a budget of AED208 billion until 2033.
“We aim to double the number of Emirati families within a decade, provide residential neighborhoods that offer the world’s highest standard of living, and safeguard our young generation against negative ideas that threaten the stability of our families,” His Highness said.
The Dubai Social Agenda 33 outlines clear objectives and programs based on the allocated budget. It “will be overseen by my sons Hamdan, Maktoum, Ahmed and their brothers who grew up as part of the larger Dubai family and will care about its wellbeing more than anyone else,” he added.
Dubai among the top three cities
Dubai’s goal is to be among the top three best cities in the world in terms of living standards. It aims to accelerate social development among families in Dubai. Therefore, it has issued directives to double government support aimed at implementing the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
“Our nation is not merely buildings and structures; it is made up of families and people. My message to everyone in charge is that our priority for the next stage is to protect, empower, and support our families,” Sheikh Mohammed said.
With families at the core of the Dubai Social Agenda 33, the program will focus on families’ formation and values, protection and empowerment, and health and education. Dubai’s vision is to create healthy stable families capable of nurturing a generation that believes in its abilities and is connected to its identity as well as prepared for the future.
Innovative programs
In turn, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, stressed that the Dubai Social Agenda 33 is the road map towards achieving Dubai’s vision for family happiness and cohesion. It will provide the highest standards of housing and health care and an advanced educational system that meets the aspirations of a tolerant community that is connected to its national identity.
Investing in people
For his part, H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, commented on the agenda’s budget allocations. The budget will contribute to breakthroughs in terms of social work and capacity building for every citizen. “Balancing purposes and areas of focus, the Dubai Social Agenda covers all aspects of life in Dubai and addresses all citizens’ concerns now and in the future,” he added.
Vital pillars
With government support worth AED208 billion, more than double the support allocated to the social agenda in the past decade, Dubai Social Agenda 33 operates under two main pillars: healthcare and community development.
Government funding for healthcare increased 1.8 times from AED66 million between 2014 and 2023 to AED120 billion until 2033. This pillar aims to develop the healthcare sector to become among the best in the world. It aims to enable the sector to deal with future challenges through advanced infrastructure and qualified healthcare workers.
Read: UAE prepares for a packed 2024 calendar of events
Government funding
Meanwhile, government funding for community development increased 3.4 times from AED26 billion over the past decade to AED88 billion. This pillar covers a wide range of sectors that will improve and enhance quality of life and social well-being. It will help ensure quality education, adequate citizen support and housing as well as the establishment of social institutions. Furthermore, it will seek to nurture a thriving arts and culture scene, as well as promote and encourage heathy lifestyle through sports.
The agenda has allocated AED26 billion for citizen support which aims to enhance family stability and well-being. Additionally, social institutions will receive AED21.9 billion to support current as well as new initiatives. These seek to improve social cohesion, increase awareness of national identity, and enhance citizens’ participation in their communities.
Housing plans
With ambitious housing plans, Dubai Social Agenda 33 has allocated AED14.5 billion to develop integrated residential complexes for Emirati citizens. This will contribute to building Dubai’s future neighborhoods. Moreover, it has allocated AED13 billion to support the development of a sustainable educational system that nurtures talent and promotes entrepreneurship among students.
Arts and culture and the sports sector are other areas of focus under this pillar. They will receive funding worth AED6.4 billion and AED6.2 billion respectively. The focus on these sectors aims to turn Dubai into a cultural hub that nurtures creativity and welcomes intellectuals and artists from around the world. Furthermore, it seeks to establish Dubai as a sports hub. The emirate is already a favorite destination for hosting sporting events and training camps.
For more news on the economy, click here.
