Launch of Dubai Plan 2021 marks the beginning of a new phase of systematic developments in Dubai

ReportPublished: 22:53 December 17, 2014 Gulf News

In keeping with its constant drive towards excellence and making its mark as a world-class city, Dubai is all set to move towards another groundbreaking goal — the Dubai Plan 2021.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the Dubai Plan 2021 yesterday.
The launch ceremony was attended by Shaikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Executive Council. The launch marks the beginning of a new phase of sustainable and systematic developments in all vital sectors in the emirate of Dubai.
Shaikh Mohammad affirmed the importance of cooperation between all stakeholders to achieve the objectives of the plan, which basically targets people’s happiness and welfare by developing all sectors. He asserted that collaboration among various departments in Dubai Government will lead to excellence and a comprehensive development in the quality of government services.

Rapid changes
Shaikh Mohammad said that the rapid regional and global changes compel us to double our efforts to protect our achievements and enhance our opportunities to reach new ones; this approach constitutes a strategic objective that serves the best interest, both individually and collectively. The Dubai 2021 Plan, he said, is a clear and detailed road map, and the success depends on our commitment and our ability to cope with the changes efficiently.
Shaikh Hamdan directed all the entities in the Government of Dubai to align their strategic plans with the Dubai Plan 2021 to ensure consistency and synergy. He said: “Dubai 2021 is a city that puts people first. Dubai Plan 2021 is the highest priority for the Government of Dubai for the next seven years. It represents a road map documenting the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad for Dubai’s future and an interpretation for the community’s hopes and aspirations for a promising future.”
Dubai Plan 2021 took one year in the preparation phase, following directives from Shaikh Hamdan to the General Secretariat of the Executive Council earlier this year to work on the development of the Dubai Plan 2021 with the aim of launching it with the close of 2014.
The Plan is inspired by the vision of Shaikh Mohammad. The Executive Council formed teams made up of representatives from various entities in the Government of Dubai in addition to a strong representation from the private sector and civil society.
The framework of Dubai Plan 2012 includes six themes (see opposite page) that define and describe Dubai in the year 2021.
Cooperation
Commenting on the launch of the plan, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council Abdullah Al Shaibani praised the cooperation of all parties involved in the development of the plan and their eagerness to collaborate through the various workshops organised in this regard.
“Dubai is a city that embraces all members of its community with their diverse cultures and languages, and makes them feel an integral part and key players in shaping its future. Our wise leadership constantly urges us to look for ways that guarantee people’s happiness and offer them better services with the highest international standards. During our continuous collaboration with all partners in the formulation of Dubai Plan 2021, we have translated these visions into reality through initiatives, programs and strategic plans developed to enhance Dubai’s status locally and globally”.
He added: “Dubai continues to flourish and rise, and launching Dubai Plan 2021 supports Dubai’s development, ensuring its sustainability in line with long term well-thought out standards that align with the leadership’s vision and that fulfil the needs of all of Dubai’s people.”
Measurable goals
The development of the Dubai Plan 2021 from its inception is predicated on its objectives being measurable to ensure complete compliance with the goal. Accordingly, the Dubai Plan 2021 team paid close attention to the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that would be used to measure the achievement of the six themes and related aims defined in the strategic framework. These KPIs will be monitored on a regular basis by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council in collaboration with relevant government entities.
These KPIs will be used to publish an annual report to the Executive Council and top leadership, summarising Dubai’s performance and assessing its success in achieving the aim of the Dubai Plan 2021, incorporating in-depth analysis and benchmarks.