H.H. Sheikh Hamdan marks 20 years leading Executive Council of Dubai

Dubai has recorded major gains in its economy, public services and quality of life over the past 20 years, with people at the centre of its development strategy.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has led a pivotal phase in the emirate’s development, driven by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Since becoming Chairman of The Executive Council in September 2006, Sheikh Hamdan has helped shape a government model focused on turning plans into action, priorities into projects, and decisions into measurable results.

Today, 99.9 per cent of people in Dubai say they feel safe, while healthy life expectancy has reached 80.75 years.

Customer satisfaction with Dubai government services stands at 95 per cent, while employee happiness is at 89.3 per cent.

The emirate has also invested heavily in families and communities, with AED 50 billion in integrated housing support for citizens over the past two decades.

Dubai now has 27 majlis and community centres, while its green spaces cover more than 55.7 million square metres.

The economy has expanded significantly, with Dubai’s GDP doubling over two decades to reach AED 937 billion.

Non-oil foreign trade has exceeded AED 3 trillion, while real estate transactions reached AED 917 billion in 2025.

Dubai also welcomed 20 million visitors, while its road network has expanded to nearly 26,000 lane-kilometres, strengthening connections between communities, businesses and key destinations.

The emirate’s global standing has strengthened alongside this growth.

Dubai International remains the world’s busiest airport for international passenger traffic. Dubai also ranks first globally for attracting greenfield foreign direct investment projects.

The city has been named the world’s cleanest for the sixth consecutive year, and ranks among the world’s top financial centres.

It also ranks second globally for using technology to improve services and make it easier to do business.

Together, these achievements highlight Dubai’s ability to combine economic strength, world-class infrastructure, quality of life and global connectivity.

And as Dubai looks ahead, the focus remains clear: putting people first, creating new opportunities and turning strategic priorities into measurable impact.

Under the leadership of Sheikh Hamdan, The Executive Council continues to drive this journey — building on Dubai’s achievements and strengthening its position as one of the world’s leading cities.