Dubai’s Resilience and Vision Spotlighted at WGS 2024

During the World Governments Summit (WGS) 2024, Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner-General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar, and Director-General of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, lauded the city’s adaptability and resilience. The summit, themed ‘Shaping Future Governments,’ is taking place from February 12-14.

Al Tayer emphasized the need for future governments to prioritize city development, legislative transformations, and crisis-resilient economies in the face of escalating challenges associated with global growth. He credited Dubai, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for its model of adaptability, citing initiatives like the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at achieving sustainable growth.

Dubai’s success in economic diversification and its transition to a service-based economy were highlighted, with the service sector contributing 54 percent to GDP and the trade sector contributing 25 percent in 2022. Al Tayer urged cities aspiring for global prominence to focus on economic prosperity, resilience, sustainability, and addressing demographic and environmental challenges.

Dubai’s progress in attracting businesses and technology startups, as well as its goal to issue 40,000 permits for remote work by 2030, was underlined. Al Tayer stressed the role of governments in driving the transformation of cities into smart cities, emphasizing the importance of flexible policies, partnerships with tech firms, and investment in innovative projects like Dubai Data and Dubai Artificial Intelligence Roadmap.

The significance of the logistics services sector in Dubai’s economy was discussed, with the land commercial transport sector expected to double to AED 8.4 billion by 2030. Al Tayer highlighted the importance of smart infrastructure in creating safer and more livable urban spaces, citing the government’s investments in infrastructure development and smart technologies.

Al Tayer provided insights into the economic benefits of infrastructure enhancements, citing AED 290 billion saved in time and fuel from 2006 to January 2024. He emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing global leadership in mobility through initiatives like the Dubai Metro Blue Line project.

The role of urban planning in creating vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods was underscored, citing examples from Singapore and Barcelona. Al Tayer praised the success of specialized cities in Dubai, such as Dubai Internet City and Dubai Media City, in attracting global businesses and contributing to economic growth.

The real estate industry’s success in Dubai, especially post-COVID-19, was highlighted, with sales reaching AED 412 billion in 2023, a 55 percent increase from the previous year. Al Tayer attributed this success to transparency, credibility, ease of investment, superior investor services, and the nation’s high standards of security and safety.

WGS 2024, with over 4,000 participants from public and private sectors, features 110 interactive sessions, 200 speakers from international organizations, and the launch of more than 25 strategic reports in collaboration with knowledge partners.