Dubai is marking two decades of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s leadership of The Executive Council, a period in which the emirate has recorded major milestones across its economy, infrastructure, public services and quality of life, building on the vision and leadership of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Since Sheikh Hamdan, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, assumed the chairmanship of The Executive Council in September 2006, Dubai has witnessed a transformation across virtually every major sector, with its economy expanding rapidly, infrastructure reaching new levels, public services becoming more efficient and the emirate strengthening its position as a global hub for business, trade, tourism and investment.
The scale of the progress is reflected in Dubai’s economic growth, with GDP doubling over the past two decades to AED937 billion, while non-oil foreign trade has surpassed AED3 trillion. At the same time, government expenditure over the period reached AED1.2 trillion, supporting major investments in infrastructure, public services and strategic development priorities.
The 20-year milestone is being marked by a broad range of achievements that reflect the impact of Dubai’s long-term development strategy — from a road network extending to 25,974 lane-kilometres and real estate transactions of AED917 billion in 2025, to 20 million visitors, AED50 billion in citizen housing solutions and more than 55.7 million square metres of green spaces.
The progress has extended beyond economic and physical development to improvements in the everyday lives of residents. Customer happiness across the Government of Dubai has reached 95%, employee happiness stands at 89.3%, healthy life expectancy has risen to 80.75 years, and 99.9% of people report feeling safe in the emirate.
Integrated housing solutions for citizens worth AED50 billion over 20 years have helped support family stability and enable citizens to plan with confidence for their children’s future.
Across the emirate, 27 majlis and community centres promoting broader community engagement, direct communication and social cohesion, reinforcing Dubai’s social infrastructure alongside its urban and economic development.
Dubai’s green spaces have crossed 55.7 million square metres, supporting residents’ comfort, community wellbeing and a better urban environment.
Together, these outcomes show the impact of government decisions in daily life: greater safety, better health and education, trusted services, stable homes and stronger communities.
Dubai welcomed 20 million visitors, supporting tourism, hospitality, transport and services, and affirming its appeal as an accessible, diverse and efficient destination.
Dubai’s road network has reached 25,974 lane-kilometres, connecting communities to workplaces and services, supporting trade and supply chains, and enabling urban and economic growth.
Together, the milestones of the past 20 years illustrate how Dubai’s leadership has combined a clear long-term vision with coordinated government action and sustained investment, strengthening the foundations for the emirate’s next phase of growth and global competitiveness.
