IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
Following the completion of Dubai Strategic Plan 2015, the Dubai Executive Council announced Dubai Plan 2021, which sets out six pillars of development that support the social and economic development of Dubai.
Over the last two decades, Dubai has undergone unprecedented growth and an unrivaled transformation on a global level. Through such a rapid pace of development, the essence and importance of controlled and directional growth has been emphasized by HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. As such, HH Sheikh Mohammed established the first documented long-term strategy for the Emirate, namely Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 (DSP 2015). DSP 2015 embodied the vision for development set forth by His Highness, which centered on five main areas of development: economic, social, security and safety, infrastructure and environment, and government excellence. With these thrusts identified, DSP 2015 provides both the private and public sectors with a roadmap of development for the next seven years. As DSP 2015 finalizes this year, Dubai's Executive Council, under the patronage of HH Sheikh Mohammed, have announced Dubai Plan 2021 (DP 2021), the next installment of His Highness' vision for the Emirate.
As Dubai continues to accelerate economically, socially, and toward World Expo 2020, DP 2021 aims to reinforce Dubai's positioning as a global center and destination across a number of fields. Importantly, the development of the Dubai Plan 2021 takes into account the impact and involvement of everyone in Dubai: Emiratis, residents, visitors, government, businesses, international organizations, and others. In so doing, the project for development includes input from key industry stakeholders from both the public and private sectors, including interviews, workshops, and a comprehensive media campaign to spread awareness and garner feedback on the priorities of the plan. Furthermore, the government has established four developmental principles crucial to the long-term success of the plan. The first and foremost objective of the DP 2021 was to yield a strategy to push Dubai to the top ranks of cities around the world. Second, DP 2021 must identify and adopt the best practices in national strategic planning. Third, the plan must be able to be measured and assessed by all constituents. Fourth, the approach to the plan must engage various constituents and stakeholders involved in or affected by Dubai Plan 2021. As such, the development of DP 2021 began in November 2013 and involved over 60 leaders of the Emirate and the government, 200 government employees, 40 external experts, 70 university students, and 75 workshops, and culminated in the launch of the DP 2021 in December 2014.
The end result of over one year of planning and the strategy for the next five years centers around what Dubai considers the core to its previous and future success: the people and society that make up the city. With this, the first and foremost objective of DP 2021 is to achieve people's happiness. Happiness has been identified as a clear linchpin to success for the aspirations of the city across all areas. The Dubai Plan 2021 seeks to address the needs of the people in order for them to achieve happiness, thereby allowing them to achieve the city's aspirations. In order to accomplish this ambition, DP 2021 rests upon six pillars. First, Dubai aims to create an inclusive and cohesive society and create an exemplary multicultural destination around the world. Second, Dubai aims to build upon the rich high-quality experience that acts as a critical advantage to create a preferred place to live, work, and visit. Third, Dubai seeks to create a pioneering government that acts as an authority for the people and becomes a leader in creativity, leadership, transparency, and innovation. Fourth, DB 2021 aims to continue the success Dubai has had as a pivotal hub in the economy by ensuring a sustainable and economically friendly global business growth center going into the future. Fifth, Dubai targets to develop economically in line with being a leader in infrastructure integration, connectivity, safety, and environmental awareness. Sixth, Dubai underscores the importance of its people and ensuring their education, innovation, and happiness across all areas of life.
As Dubai continues to grow toward its aspirations of becoming the capital of the Islamic economy, a global trade hub, and an international tourism destination, the importance for controlled and guided growth becomes underscored. Through the success of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 and over a year of planning including input from both private and public stakeholders, the Executive Council of Dubai put into force the Dubai Plan 2021, which sets forth the roadmap for development, which centers on the theme of improving people's sense of happiness.
IN PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Review: Diplomacy
Toward 2020
In the run-up to hosting World Expo 2020, the Emirate's strong foreign relations and openness to FDI stand it in good stead to reap rewards from hosting the event. The onus now is on preparing the city for the influx of visitors, and in so doing meeting its goals for Vision 2021.
read articleGuest Speaker
Hon. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Minister , Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana
TBY talks to Hon. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration of the Republic of Ghana, on the country's presence in Dubai and how the two are working together.
read articleGuest Speaker
Lilianne Ploumen, Minister , Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands
TBY talks to Lilianne Ploumen, Minister of Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, on collaboration between the two states and the idea of trilateral cooperation.
read articleGuest Speaker
HE María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Minister , Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia
TBY talks to HE María Ángela Holguín Cuéllar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Colombia, on aspects of relations between Colombia and the UAE, visa exemptions, and encouraging bilateral trade.
read articleFocus: Drydocks World
No Rig Too Big
Drydocks World is one of the leading shipyard facilities in the world and is gaining international recognition worldwide for its construction projects. With the expansion of its rig operations as well as its offerings in the renewable energy sector, Drydocks World is set for sustainable success.
read articleInterview
Mahmud P.K. Merali, Managing Partner, Merali’s Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors
TBY talks to Mahmud P.K. Merali, Group Managing Partner at Merali's Chartered Accountants & Registered Auditors, on recent developments in the Emirate's economy, and the UAE Chartered Accountant Certification.
read articleFocus: The Budget
Budgeting for Growth
The Dubai Government recently approved its 2015 budget, historically its largest, marking the first budget surplus since the global financial crisis. The Dubai authorities have utilized successful economic growth in 2014 as a spring board to continually develop Dubai as an attractive Emirate to invest in.
read articleInterview
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)
TBY talks to HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), on activities in the Emirate, solar energy, and the increased demand generated by the upcoming Expo.
read articleFocus: The Halal Industry
What’s At Steak?
With Dubai's ambition to become the capital of the Islamic economy, collaboration between the public and private sector plays a pivotal role in the certification of halal products and creating an environment conducive to the growth of the industry.
read articleInterview
HE Hamed Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General, Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA)
TBY talks to HE Hamed Obaid Al Mansoori, Director General of the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA), on the broadband landscape, bitstream, and the authority's role in the Islamic economy.
read articleInterview
HE Mattar Mohamed Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, Roads & Transport Authority (RTA)
TBY talks to HE Mattar Mohamed Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai, on recent developments, the PPP model, and the use of technology in transport development.
read articleFocus: Dubai Water Canal
Route Canal
In the build up to World Expo 2020, Dubai has staged an ambitious set of infrastructure projects to increase its capacity to handle its expected 25 million visitors. The Dubai Water Canal is a $550 million initiative aimed at increasing marine passenger flow from downtown to the Arabian Sea as well as developing the surrounding land with marinas, shopping centers, and restaurants.
read articleInterview
Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director, UAE Region of DP World
TBY talks to Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director, UAE Region of DP World, on acquiring the Jebel Ali Free Zone, improving Dubai's connectivity, and the company's future strategies.
read articleFocus: Dubai Maritime City & Vision 2030
By The SeaShore
With the launch of Dubai Maritime Vision 2030 and the commencement of construction on the Dubai Maritime City project, Dubai is creating a holistic strategy as well as developing key infrastructure to contend for the top spot among the world's leading international maritime centers.
read articleReview: Construction
Expo(nential) Development Ahead
The sound of Dubai's bursting property bubble so rancorous back in 2009 is now a distant memory as vast Emirati and Dubai-specific construction and infrastructural schemes take elegant form in glass, steel, and concrete. In short, the familiar megaprojects remain in the limelight.
read articleGuest Speaker
Yu Tao, President, China State Construction Engineering Corporation—CSCEC (Middle East) (L.L.C)
TBY talks to Yu Tao, President and CEO of China State Construction Engineering Corporation—CSCEC (Middle East) (L.L.C), on working on the Palm Jumeirah, targets for the future, and Expo 2020.
read articleFocus: Mohammed Bin Rashid City
All The World
A city within a city, Mohammed Bin Rashid City aims to attract visitors and residents with its use of green space, attractions, and luxurious residences. The development is currently ongoing with construction and sales beginning in District One, Dubai Hills Estate, and Dubai Creek Harbour.
read articleInterview
HE Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA)
TBY talks to HE Dr. Raja Al Gurg, Vice-Chairperson and Executive Director of the Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), on building a sustainable healthcare model, offering quality care, and research facilitation.
read articleFocus: Rashid Hospital Project
Sustainably Healthy
The first phase in the grand transformation of Rashid Hospital is scheduled for completion in 2Q2015. While also addressing the city's healthcare needs, Rashid Hospital's reconstruction will be an emblem of sustainability and green technology utilization.
read articleInterview
Prof. Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, CEO, American University in the Emirates (AUE)
TBY talks to Prof. Muthanna G. Abdul Razzaq, President and CEO of the American University in the Emirates (AUE), on identifying market demand, increasing graduates' employability, and closing the gap between theory and practice.
read articleInterview
HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM)
TBY talks to HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM), on emerging markets, diversifying the hotel sector, and establishing Dubai as a business and tourism hub.
read articlePhoto Essay: A GLOBAL Cuisine
The Best Sense
Through its remarkable economic growth, Dubai has become a world-class city that attracts visitors and residents from across the entire world. Because of this, Dubai has become a food-lover's paradise and an international heartland for the taste-seeker.
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