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Sheikh Hamdan launches ‘Dubai Quality of Life Strategy’ 2033

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Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, today approved the ‘Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033’, a visionary strategy dedicated to ensuring the comprehensive wellbeing of all segments of the community including nationals, residents and visitors. Encompassing a holistic and integrated approach to wellbeing, the strategy aims to establish Dubai as a global leader in quality of life and enhance its status as the world’s preferred destination to live, work and visit.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed stressed that caring for people remains the cornerstone of Dubai’s sustainable development strategies. The wellbeing of individuals is the ultimate objective of our development plans and the primary criterion for the success of government programmes.

“We have today approved the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 as part of our efforts to raise our global standing in the economy as well as in the areas of innovation and wellbeing. The vibrancy and cultural diversity of our society are key to our development journey.”

“The Dubai Quality of Life Strategy encompasses over 200 projects, initiatives, and plans. The strategy encompasses ten key pillars, all dedicated to fostering the wellbeing of individuals, society, and the city. Our objective is to establish Dubai as one of the world’s best cities in terms of wellbeing, offer every resident a healthy, active, and enjoyable lifestyle, build a society that takes pride in its identity and cultural diversity, and offer the highest quality of leisure and entertainment. Dubai’s name will become synonymous with fine living worldwide.”

“All projects initiated as part of the strategy will be overseen by a new office dedicated to enhancing quality of life in Dubai, in coordination with over 19 government entities and dozens of private organisations,” His Highness added. 

Innovative initiatives
HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum made these remarks after reviewing the highlights of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy, which is aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The strategy features an integrated roadmap for sustainable urban development in the city for all segments of the community aimed at realising His Highness’s vision for Dubai’s future and establishing it as one of the world’s best cities in terms of wellbeing. 

Upon arrival at the designated location for the plan’s launch at Keturah Reserve, His Highness was received by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner-General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being Pillar. His Highness was briefed about a host of innovative initiatives that included wellbeing districts, the 20-minute city concept, development of a new generation of parks, the walking strategy, development plans for outlying areas, the development of beaches, the landscaping strategy, and the development of sports and entertainment facilities accessible to all.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed reviewed the new vision for designing model neighbourhoods covering three districts across Dubai: Al Mizhar 1, Al Khawaneej 2, and Al Barsha 2. This new vision aims to enhance the infrastructure of these existing neighbourhoods by upgrading social amenities and services, promoting soft mobility options for healthier living environments, and improving connections between community hubs such as parks, mosques, and shops.

More than 115 km of pedestrian and cycling tracks will be constructed, more than 3,000 trees and plants will be planted, and more than 20 investment opportunities will be created during Phase 1 of the strategy for the residents of Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2.

The redevelopment plans include upgrading the existing collector streets and constructing shaded canopies, lanes for bikes and e-scooters, pedestrian walkways, restrooms, and family recreational spaces. 

The vision also involves landscaping, constructing distinctive architectural gateways for each residential community, giving a unique character to every neighbourhood, and improving alleyways and street intersections to boost safety and provide pedestrian lanes. 

Furthermore, it offers investment opportunities for locals, enhances public services, and delivers the ’20-minute city’ concept, which aims to ensure residents can access 80% of essential services within a 20-minute journey aboard soft and sustainable mobility options. 

His Highness also reviewed the designs of the next generation of parks in Dubai, featuring new and innovative design elements that cater to the diverse needs of the community, reflect the unique character of each district, and incorporate sustainable activities to foster wellbeing. More than 30 parks with the new designs will be developed across the emirate within three years.

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed directed all government departments in Dubai to expedite the implementation of projects and initiatives linked to the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy.

Announcements

UAE’s Jaywan card can now be used for online shopping on thousands of websites

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Online shopping with the UAE’s Jaywan card just got a major upgrade.

Network International has announced that Jaywan cardholders can now use their cards to pay on thousands of online stores connected to its payment gateway, expanding the domestic payment scheme beyond in-store purchases.

The move is expected to make online payments faster and more convenient while supporting the UAE’s push towards a cashless economy.

What is Jaywan?

Launched by Al Etihad Payments, a subsidiary of the Central Bank of the UAE, Jaywan is the country’s domestic payment card scheme.

It was introduced to provide a secure local payment option, reduce transaction costs and strengthen the UAE’s digital payments ecosystem.

Until now, Jaywan cards were mainly accepted for in-store purchases. With the latest expansion, cardholders can also use them for online shopping across thousands of merchants powered by Network International.

What this means for shoppers

For UAE residents, the update means more flexibility when shopping online.

Whether you’re ordering groceries, booking services or buying products online, you’ll be able to use your Jaywan card anywhere that supports Network International’s payment gateway.

The company says the integration offers secure, fast and seamless online payments, while merchants won’t face additional charges for Jaywan transactions processed through its platform.

A step towards a cashless UAE

The expansion is part of the UAE’s broader strategy to accelerate digital payments and reduce reliance on cash.

By making Jaywan available both in stores and online, payment providers are helping create a more connected digital payment ecosystem for businesses and consumers alike.

As more banks, merchants and payment providers adopt the scheme, residents can expect to see Jaywan accepted across even more everyday payment services in the future.

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Dubai Chambers launches one-stop digital platform to help businesses start, grow and expand

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Starting and growing a business in Dubai is set to become easier with the launch of Business in Dubai, a new digital platform by Dubai Chambers that brings together essential corporate services in one place.

Designed as a single gateway for companies, the platform connects businesses with trusted service providers, helping them access everything from financial solutions to technology, marketing and certification services without having to navigate multiple channels.

The initiative aims to simplify business operations while strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most competitive destinations for investment and entrepreneurship.

What does the platform offer?

The Business in Dubai platform currently provides 65 corporate services through seven accredited partners, offering companies a wide range of support as they establish or expand their operations in the emirate.

The services are grouped into four key categories:

  • Financial services
  • Marketing and business growth services
  • Technology services
  • Testing, inspection and certification services

The current network of partners includes ZENDATA Cybersecurity, FAST Ventures, Mamo, OCTA, SGS Gulf Limited, Vault, and Pemo.

Helping businesses grow

Dubai Chambers said the platform has been designed to save companies time and resources by bringing multiple business services under one digital roof.

Khalid AlJarwan, Executive Vice President of Commercial and Corporate Services at Dubai Chambers, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s commitment to creating an environment that supports business growth both locally and internationally.

He said the platform will strengthen Dubai’s investment ecosystem by making it easier for companies to access the services they need to scale their operations and contribute to the emirate’s long-term economic development.

Boost for the digital economy

Saeed Al Gergawi, Vice President of Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, said the platform will particularly benefit businesses operating in the digital economy by simplifying access to trusted service providers.

He added that the initiative creates a more flexible and efficient business environment, enabling entrepreneurs and companies across different sectors to focus on growth rather than administrative processes.

A single digital gateway

By consolidating key business services onto one platform, Dubai Chambers aims to reduce the time and effort companies spend searching for service providers, allowing them to concentrate on innovation, expansion and day-to-day operations.

The launch forms part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen its business ecosystem and reinforce its position as a leading global hub for trade, investment and entrepreneurship.

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What the new DIFC investment fund proposals mean for investors

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Dubai’s financial regulator is planning the biggest update to the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) investment fund rules in more than a decade.

The Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) has launched a public consultation on a wide-ranging package of reforms designed to modernise the DIFC’s investment fund framework, simplify regulations for fund managers and strengthen investor protection.

Here’s what you need to know.

Why is the DFSA changing the rules?

The DFSA says the investment fund industry has evolved significantly since the current framework was introduced in 2006.

The proposed reforms aim to:

  • Modernise regulations to reflect today’s investment market.
  • Reduce unnecessary compliance requirements.
  • Make it easier for fund managers to operate.
  • Maintain strong investor protection.
  • Align DIFC regulations with international best practices.

What are the proposed changes?

The consultation includes several key proposals:

More flexible rules for private investment funds

The DFSA plans to replace rigid classifications for specialist private funds with a more flexible framework that can better accommodate modern investment strategies.

Simpler licensing for fund managers

Investment managers may no longer need separate licences for certain activities, such as arranging investments or dealing on behalf of clients, as these would be covered under an existing asset management licence.

Updated rules for master-feeder funds

The regulator also wants to modernise regulations governing “master-feeder” fund structures to reflect current market practices better.

Removal of the external fund manager regime

The DFSA proposes removing the external fund manager framework as more firms are now seeking direct authorisation from the regulator.

More investment opportunities for employees

Employees could be given greater flexibility to invest in private funds managed by their own employers, either directly or through dedicated investment vehicles.

Technical improvements

The consultation also proposes several technical amendments to improve clarity and consistency within the Collective Investment Law.

Could tokenised investment funds become a reality?

The consultation also seeks industry feedback on regulating tokenised investment funds.

Tokenisation uses blockchain technology to represent ownership units digitally, potentially making investment funds more efficient and accessible.

At this stage, the DFSA is only gathering feedback and has not proposed formal regulations.

Will retail investors get access to more investment opportunities?

Another topic under discussion is the possible introduction of a long-term investment fund regime.

If developed in the future, it could allow retail investors to access certain long-term assets—such as infrastructure projects or private market investments- that are currently limited to professional investors.

No regulatory changes have been proposed yet; the regulator is first seeking industry views.

Who can provide feedback?

The consultation is open until September 7, 2026.

The DFSA is inviting comments from:

  • Fund managers
  • Asset managers
  • Fund administrators
  • Legal advisers
  • Auditors
  • Compliance professionals
  • Other participants in the DIFC investment funds industry

The proposals form part of Dubai’s wider efforts to strengthen its position as a leading regional hub for wealth and asset management while ensuring regulations remain modern, proportionate and investor-focused.

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