Ruler unveils vision that puts Dubai at centre of world trade

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid laid out a vision for a more “flexible and efficient” Dubai Government.

The Vice President and Ruler of Dubai outlined measures to shape the emirate’s future at a Dubai Council meeting yesterday.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, and Deputy Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed.

Trade was placed firmly at the centre of the progressive new plan to enhance Dubai’s status on the global stage.

“We are determined that we will be the world’s airport and main port,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

The emirate will adopt a Dubai International Trade Map, which currently includes shipping and air links with more than 400 cities around the world.

This network will be expanded to 200 new cities to consolidate the role of the emirate in global trade.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry will be split into three: Dubai Chamber of Commerce, Dubai Chamber of International Trade and Dubai Chamber for Digital Economy.

Changes will also be made to government employment arrangements, with three-year contracts introduced for all officials and directors of Dubai departments, agencies and institutions. There will be more accountability, and an evaluation and rewards system will be introduced.

A performance management system will increase transparency and accountability in performance assessment and promote excellence and innovation in leadership positions.

Well-performing executives will be rewarded, but if a chief executive receives a “below expectations” appraisal for two years in a row, they will be referred to the Dubai Government Human Resources Department.

Dubai Council also approved a five-year plan to raise the value of the emirate’s foreign trade exchange from Dh1.4 trillion to Dh2tn.

The directives came a day after the UAE launched a 10-year industrial strategy titled Operation 300bn, the aim of which is to make industry the main driver of the UAE’s economy.

The sector currently contributes Dh133 billion to the country’s GDP, but the government is aiming to double this by 2031.

“We know what we want, and we know how to reach it, and we have the national energies to implement the plan,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“Whoever does not move forward is in retreat. Whoever relies on past achievements loses his future.

“Dubai’s place is in the future and its destiny is to be the vibrant global economic heart of this region. The future is more beautiful if the resolve is greater.”