A quarter century of transformation
“For 25 years, The Executive Office has inspired teamwork and effectively implemented our development vision,” Sheikh Mohammed said. “Today, we witness the results of an integrated government work ecosystem led by The Executive Office, culminating in Dubai’s prominent global standing.
“The Executive Office is a source of exceptional ideas, an accelerator of change, and a launchpad for future-focused projects and initiatives that have laid a foundation for continued economic and social progress.”
He added, “The Executive Office will continue to play a key role in advancing Dubai’s strategic vision for global leadership. Twenty-five years of achievement fuels our drive for further transformation and advancement.”
Celebrating teamwork and strategy
During the anniversary ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed met with The Executive Office team, lauding their vital contributions to government decision-making and sector-wide development. He urged them to intensify their efforts to drive the next phase of Dubai’s growth across key sectors.
His Highness also toured an exhibition highlighting the Office’s most significant projects and achievements. A video presentation showcased the impact of its initiatives since its inception.
Bold vision and unconventional solutions
Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of The Executive Office, stated:
“Under the guidance and direct oversight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Executive Office has served as a foundation for envisioning and shaping Dubai’s future. Designed as a lab for bold ideas and unconventional solutions, the Office has helped propel Dubai to global competitiveness.”
He continued: “By translating leadership directives into action, placing innovation and creativity at the heart of government, we’ve seen transformative progress in both social and economic sectors.”
Al Gergawi added: “Marking 25 years of achievement renews our commitment to pioneering new approaches in governance, ensuring Dubai remains the world’s most agile city in decision-making and adaptation.”
A model of proactive governance
The Executive Office represents a unique governance model rooted in meticulous planning, deep analysis, and strategic foresight. It has played a central role in shaping Dubai’s long-term development across economic, social, cultural, political, and developmental sectors.
As Sheikh Mohammed’s direct executive arm, the Office provides guidance based on comprehensive analytical studies and serves as a specialised think tank. It tracks performance across sectors, monitors the implementation of key initiatives, and issues regular reports to His Highness.
Future-facing strategies and scenario planning
In addition to short-term implementation, The Executive Office develops long-term strategies through scenario planning and global trend analysis. It continues to propose forward-thinking development projects across diverse fields to strengthen Dubai’s resilience and adaptability.
With Sheikh Mohammed’s ongoing support, the Office has become a hub for strategic thinking, a driver of innovation, and a cornerstone of Dubai’s transformation.
Landmark initiatives and economic milestones
Among its landmark achievements is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), launched in 2004. DIFC established Dubai as a global financial hub. In 2024, DIFC posted record growth:
-
6,920 active companies
-
1,823 new companies (25% YoY increase)
-
Workforce of 46,000+
-
Over $700 billion in assets under management
-
Home to family businesses managing $1.2 trillion
Driving transformation through the Dubai Council
Launched in 2020, the Dubai Council has implemented 25 transformative projects, formed four higher committees, and overseen restructuring efforts across key government entities—spurring growth and innovation across multiple sectors.
Social impact and humanitarian work
The Office also houses the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI). Launched in 2015, MBRGI is the region’s largest humanitarian and development foundation.
-
30 initiatives spanning health, education, culture, and innovation
-
Dh2.2 billion invested in 2024
-
149 million beneficiaries across 118 countries
Smart transformation and digital leadership
The Smart Dubai initiative, launched in 2013 and later evolved into Digital Dubai in 2021, propelled the emirate to:
Shaping the future: Dubai Future Foundation
Established in 2016, the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) has led future-focused programmes.
-
Created the Museum of the Future, which welcomed 3 million+ visitors and 40 heads of state
-
Launched Dubai Future District Fund, contributing Dh3 billion to Dubai’s GDP
Reviving Hatta through sustainable growth
The Hatta Development Plan (2016) delivered over 40 initiatives:
-
Attracted 1.5 million tourists annually
-
Boosted infrastructure, sustainable tourism, and employment
-
Elevated local quality of life
Streamlining governance through The Executive Council
Formed in 2003, the Executive Council of Dubai oversees 60+ government entities, ensuring:
Economic powerhouse: Dubai Holding
Founded in 2004, Dubai Holding manages:
Nurturing leaders of tomorrow
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD) has graduated over 1,000 leaders, including:
-
9 ministers
-
10 deputy ministers
-
15 director generals
-
99 executive directors
A vision powered by innovation
The Executive Office remains at the forefront of Dubai’s innovation-driven journey. It continues to shape policies that respond to global shifts, secure Dubai’s future leadership, and enhance the quality of life across all sectors.
With 25 years of strategic foresight, collaborative action, and innovative solutions, The Executive Office stands as a powerful force in Dubai’s rise as a global model of agile governance and visionary development.
