Dubai Ruler Reveals Dh2.1 Trillion of Active Projects at Leadership Forum

At the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum – the premier annual gathering dedicated to management and leadership – held on Wed 14 Oct 2026 at 8:34 AM at the Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced that nearly Dh2.1 trillion worth of projects are currently underway across housing, transport, aviation, infrastructure and economic development. The event brought together 1,000 senior officials from government and private sector in Dubai, along with experts, decision‑makers and academics.

“Dubai is building a city within a city. Today we have Dh2.1 trillion in active projects underway, with more to be announced in the coming phase. Our momentum is continuous and our achievements are ongoing. This is a remarkable period for growth and development; the ideal time to invest in Dubai and its infrastructure. Dubai is preparing for a new phase of economic growth through heavy investment in housing, transportation and infrastructure.”

Also present were Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai; Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Olympic Committee; Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; and Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, who chairs both the Executive Office of the Ruler and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development.

“Today, we build the infrastructure of tomorrow by expanding Dubai’s capacity to accommodate the growth of its population, businesses and economic sectors. Our goal is to ensure Dubai remains ready for growth, while delivering the highest standards of living, working and investing.”

“Cities that aspire for progress act before others. We want leaders who can read shifting dynamics, make swift decisions, and transform ideas into projects and projects into tangible outcomes that people can feel in their lives.”

Officials said the current project portfolio covers housing, transport, aviation, infrastructure, economic zones and real estate, together with water, power, sewerage and landscaping works intended to match the emirate’s rapid expansion and strengthen its capacity for future growth.

Sector‑by‑Sector Investment Breakdown

The plan earmarks Dh1.1 trillion for real estate developments through 2030. In aviation, Dh128 billion is set aside for Al Maktoum International, described as the world’s largest airport with a projected capacity of 260 million passengers per year over the next decade. A further Dh328 billion is allocated to grow the Emirates and flydubai fleets, accompanied by Dh18.7 billion for a new Emirates engineering and maintenance facility. Over Dh100 billion is reserved for the second phase of the Dubai International Financial Centre, while Dh100 billion goes to road upgrades and the construction of the Dubai Metro Blue and Gold lines. Dh10 billion will fund the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre. Dh80 billion is directed to the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels system, Dh30 billion to the Tasreef rainwater drainage programme, Dh151 billion to new power and water grid infrastructure, and Dh4 billion to the Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap.

The housing strand of the programme aims to deliver about 350,000 residential units, proceeding alongside upgrades to transport and infrastructure networks.

Leadership Forum’s Objectives

The forum reflects Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s vision of building a world‑class leadership ecosystem that shapes future opportunities and serves as a step toward institutionalising his management philosophy into a framework usable across all Dubai bodies.

It aims to embed leading leadership and management practices, encourage the exchange of ideas, and analyse experiences that boost institutional performance, while presenting Dubai’s forthcoming initiatives and outlining its development vision and strategic direction.

Furthermore, the forum intends to place leaders from all Dubai entities and sectors at the heart of global shifts, foster collective strategic thinking in decision‑making, and highlight innovative leadership models.