The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is among the top three destinations in the 2024 Quality of Life Index, having placed the wants and needs of its people at the heart of its development.

To strengthen the country’s claim as the world’s preferred destination to live and visit, Dubai has launched a unique strategy that will raise the benchmark for living standards across the globe: the Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

Crafting an urban identity

The strategy aims to cement Dubai as a city dedicated to the wellbeing of the community and environment. It focuses on creating an urban identity which people are not only proud to be a part of but are also passionate about building on.

Over 200 projects, initiatives, and supporting plans will be implemented—all geared towards improving key aspects of life, including culture, nature, mobility, employment, education, health, and safety. They will also work to raise Dubai’s global standing in the economy, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, ‘D33’ which has bold ambitions of doubling the size of the city’s economy over the next decade.

80%

of essential services to become accessible within 20-minutes

200+

projects, initiatives and plans to be implemented

Under this vision, upgrades will be made to the infrastructure of existing neighborhoods, prioritizing the convenience and safety of residents and visitors, alike. The hope is they will be able to access 80% of essential services within a short journey and will bring Dubai closer to its goal of becoming a 20-minute city.

To further improve Dubai’s connectivity, more than 115 kilometers of pedestrian and cycling tracks will be constructed, cycling tracks on beaches will be expanded by 300%, and sustainable and smart mobility will be the encouraged mode of transport.

Nurturing the great outdoors

Sustainability is integral to the success of the new strategy, underpinning several initiatives to preserve Dubai’s remarkable blend of natural beauty and modernity. These include planting more than 3,000 trees and plants, developing over 200 parks and squares, and expanding the area of public parks by 180%.

This commitment to the outdoors comes as part of a wider mission to nurture an advanced culture of recreation. Wanting to offer everyone in Dubai the highest quality of leisure and entertainment, the strategy will facilitate more than 1,000 annual events across the arts, community, sports, and more—ultimately, enhancing the city’s cultural and creative diversity.

Guided by the Quality of Life Strategy, Dubai is set to be a premier destination for ideas to flourish and individuals to thrive. By restructuring the very fabric of urban excellence, it is showing the world why it is more than just a place to live; it is an opportunity to discover a true sense of home.