The Dubai Council has been established by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The council has been designed to “drive change in Dubai, oversee social and economic governance in the emirate, improve competitiveness, economic leadership and attractiveness of the emirate, to become the best city to live in”.
Headed by Sheikh Mohammed, it will oversee six areas of growth for the emirate including: economy, citizens’ services, government development, infrastructure, security and justice, and health and knowledge.
In a 12-point plan, on the 14th anniversary of his ascension as Ruler of Dubai, he has warned that those not performing will be replaced.
In a signed letter he said: “Performance benchmarks shall be set and signed with all general directors in Dubai — and are to be approved by the Dubai Majlis. The benchmark, which will include the goals and projects for each department, will be revised every two years.
“Whoever fails to bring about a real change within the two-year period will be released from their duties.”
The council will map out a vision for Dubai’s next 50 years, which will be overseen by its deputies Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed.
New projects
According to the letter, it will hold at least one meeting every month, during which the agenda should include launching new projects for the emirate.
It added: “The council will oversee the launch of mega projects in Dubai, open up new development sectors, harness opportunities, direct government and semi-government companies and follow up on all development indicators.”
Consultative councils for each of the six areas, which will be affiliated to Dubai Majlis, will comprise seven members from both the private and public sectors.
“They shall offer opinions, ideas and submit progress reports to ensure transparency and promote a sense of responsibility and engage subject matter experts in shaping decisions,” the letter said.
Consultative council heads
Shaikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum will be appointed as Commissioner General of Dubai Economic Track, encompassing Dubai economy, tourism department, free zones, airports, ports and customs.
Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer will, in addition to his current duties, be Commissioner General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning and Well-Being. He will oversee: Dubai Municipality, Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment and Dubai Land Department.
Major Gen. Talal Belhoul will serve as the Commissioner General for the Security and Justice track, including: Dubai Courts, Civil Defence, Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.
Abdullah Mohammed Al Basti will be Commissioner General of the Government Development. The entities under this include: Dubai Department of Human Resources, Dubai Statistics Centre, Dubai Smart Government.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer will be appointed Commissioner General for Health and Knowledge. This will include: Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).
Major General Abdullah Khalifa Al Merri will serve as Commissioner General of the Citizens. The entities under this include: Dubai Community Development Authority, and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Affairs Department (IACAD).
Sheikh Mohammed said: “What worked for the past may not work for the future. What benefitted us in the past 20 years may be not be useful for the next 20. Time makes it an imperative to change tools, renew institutions and tackle recessions.
“In the same way, the future compels us to have new blood, restructure our culture and ideas to ensure that we achieve real changes over the coming period.”
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