Sheikh Mohammed attends event to mark 25th anniversary of The Executive Office

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended a ceremony to mark the 25th anniversary of The Executive Office.

The Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum embodies a unique model of governance, grounded in his vision and proactive approach.

This approach prioritises meticulous planning based on in-depth analysis, developing strategies to maximise efficiency and achieve targets, driving continuous progress across Dubai's economic and social landscape.

Established by decree of Sheikh Mohammed, The Executive Office has been instrumental in supporting Dubai's decision-making process.

Serving as the direct executive arm for Sheikh Mohammed's directives and initiatives, The Executive Office plays a crucial role in shaping Dubai's future vision and direction.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, also attended the event.

Sheikh Mohammed extolled the work of The Executive Office in setting a defining template for leadership and innovation over a quarter century, highlighting its role in helping realise his vision for Dubai as a global pioneer that constantly strives for excellence and anticipates the future.

Sheikh Mohammed said: "For 25 years, The Executive Office has inspired teamwork and effectively implemented our development vision. Today, we witness the results of the integrated government work ecosystem overseen 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."

Sheikh Mohammed 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."

During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed met The Executive Office team, praising their contributions in enabling government decision-making and Dubai's development across various sectors.

He emphasised the team's vital role in showcasing Dubai's leadership in diverse spheres and urged them to intensify their efforts to accelerate the next phase of Dubai's growth in key sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed toured an exhibition showcasing The Executive Office's key strategic projects and initiatives, highlighting their significant contributions to Dubai's modernisation and progress.

He also viewed a video depicting The Executive Office's achievements ever since its establishment.

Mohammad Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of The Executive Office stated: "Guided by the vision and direct oversight of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, The Executive Office has, for the past 25 years, served as a solid foundation for envisioning and shaping Dubai's future. From its inception, The Executive Office was designed not as a typical government entity, but as a laboratory for bold ideas and unconventional solutions. Through this approach, and in collaboration with all stakeholders, it has propelled Dubai to unprecedented global prominence and competitiveness."

Al Gergawi added: "Over the past 25 years, we have translated the leadership's directives into action that places innovation and creativity at the core of government work. This resulted in major projects and initiatives that have driven transformative social and economic progress in Dubai."

Al Gergawi reiterated: "Celebrating 25 years of achievement today underscores our commitment to redoubling our efforts and continuing to pioneer new approaches to government work, ensuring that Dubai remains the most agile city in decision-making and the most adaptable to change."

It conducts comprehensive analytical studies across various sectors - economic, social, political, cultural, and developmental - to inform strategic decisions.

Functioning as a specialised think tank, The Executive Office advises relevant entities, ensuring informed decision-making. It also monitors the implementation of plans, programmes, and projects initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to guarantee their success.

Furthermore, The Executive Office continuously monitors Dubai's performance across various sectors, providing regular reports to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. These reports track progress on key initiatives and decisions.

The Executive Office also develops long-term strategies and plans, incorporating scenario planning and in-depth analysis to anticipate and address future challenges and global trends. It also conducts studies and proposes development projects across diverse fields.

With the direct support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, The Executive Office has become a hub for creative and strategic thinking and a source of innovative solutions. Over 25 years, its unique vision and commitment to innovation have fuelled remarkable achievements, playing a vital role in Dubai's modern progress and comprehensive development.

The Executive Office has launched major projects that have driven fundamental transformations, elevating Dubai's global standing, enhancing its international competitiveness, and advancing its economic and social sectors.

Among the most prominent of these projects is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), established in 2004. The DIFC marked a new chapter in Dubai's success, solidifying the emirate's and the UAE's position as a global economic powerhouse.

Thanks to the vision of  Sheikh Mohammed, DIFC has transformed Dubai into a leading international financial centre.

In 2024, the DIFC demonstrated its influence in shaping the future of finance, achieving record-breaking performance. Active companies within DIFC grew to 6,920, with 1,823 new companies joining in, recording a 25% increase. The workforce expanded to over 46,000 employees, and assets under management reached over $700 billion. The DIFC also hosts family businesses managing $1.2 trillion in assets.

Launched by The Executive Office in 2020, the Dubai Council drives major transformative projects to elevate Dubai's global standing.

The Dubai Council has launched 25 such projects and formed 4 higher committees to oversee impactful initiatives that have spurred significant social and economic progress in Dubai.

The Dubai Council has overseen strategic projects that aimed to restructure key entities in Dubai, which helped spur growth across various sectors.

The Executive Office also houses the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), a unique global organisation launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed in 2015.

As the region's largest humanitarian, development, and community organisation, MBRGI encompasses 30 initiatives and foundations focused on combating poverty and disease, spreading knowledge and culture, empowering communities, and fostering innovation.

In 2024, MBRGI invested Dhs2.2 billion, impacting 149 million people in 118 countries.

Among the pioneering initiatives of The Executive Office is Smart Dubai, launched in 2013 and later evolving into the Dubai Digital Authority (Digital Dubai) in 2021. Digital Dubai has spearheaded Dubai's digital transformation, propelling Dubai to first place in the Arab world and Asia, and fourth globally, in the IMD's 2025 Smart City Index.

The Executive Office also houses the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), established in 2016 to spearhead future-focused programmes and projects.

Among its most prominent achievements is the Museum of the Future, an architectural marvel dubbed the world's most beautiful building.

Since opening, the Museum of the Future has welcomed over 3 million visitors and 40 heads of state. DFF also established the Dubai Future District Fund, whose investments have contributed Dhs3 billion to Dubai's GDP.

The Hatta Development Plan, another Executive Office initiative launched in 2016, encompasses over 40 initiatives which have significantly impacted Hatta, boosting tourism to 1.5 million annual visitors.

This growth has brought enhanced infrastructure and sustainable tourism and employment opportunities, which in turn bolstered wellbeing and quality of life for citizens in this area.

The Executive Council of Dubai, also operating within The Executive Office, was established in 2003 to oversee more than 60 government entities. A regional benchmark for governance, The Executive Council translates the leadership's vision into tangible improvements in quality of life.

It achieves this objective by setting public policy, prioritising future directions, overseeing implementation, and ensuring alignment of sector-specific plans and government entities with Dubai's strategic direction.

The Executive Council also manages efforts aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government work, improving government services and overseeing the governance of entities under the Government of Dubai.

Dubai Holding is another key entity launched by The Executive Office in October 2004. Currently it Manages Dhs280 billion in assets, and employs over 45,000 people across 34 countries.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), also supported by the Executive Office, has graduated over 1,000 leaders and participants since its establishment in 2003, including 9 ministers, 10 deputy ministers, 15 director generals, and 99 executive directors.

The Executive Office continues to champion numerous other initiatives dedicated to comprehensive development, enhancing quality of life, fostering the knowledge economy, and driving innovation.

The Executive Office continues its dedicated work to translate Sheikh Mohammed's vision for Dubai: to proactively embrace future trends and maintain its leadership position.

This is achieved through ongoing strategic foresight and development initiatives, and by establishing policies that respond to global shifts and strengthen Dubai's global standing. 

WAM