Dubai Approves City-Wide Upgrades to Boost Quality of Life

Big changes are coming to Dubai as part of a series of reforms aimed at improving daily life for residents. New updates across health, education, family services and infrastructure were officially approved on Thursday during a meeting led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and UAE Deputy Prime Minister.

The plans are part of the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Dubai Economic Agenda D33, long-term strategies to build a more modern, inclusive and efficient city.

Hamdan bin Mohammed chairs Executive Council meeting and approves new policies and initiatives promoting healthcare, family welfare, education and smart buildings. pic.twitter.com/gHqK827x74

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 8, 2025

New hospitals and clinics to rise across developing areas

Dubai’s healthcare sector is getting a major boost. The new plan will see:

• 3 new hospitals

• 33 primary health centres
  These will be built by 2033, with a focus on growing communities such as Al Yalayis, Al Awir, Hind City, Nad Al Sheba, Al Lisaili, and Lehbab.

The city is also stepping up investment by partnering with private companies and offering incentives to attract both local and global healthcare providers.

Mental health, scholarships and global partnerships on the agenda

In addition to building new facilities, the reforms include:

• Expanded mental health services

• Scholarship programs for Emirati doctors

• International partnerships to improve care and attract more medical investment

Emirati students to only attend schools rated ‘Good’ or above

Under the new education policy, all Emirati students in private schools will now be required to enroll in schools that have received a minimum rating of “Good.”

There are also plans to:

• Improve curriculum quality

• Hire more Emirati teachers

• Expand learning programmes across the board

One-stop family support centres to open in Deira and Bur Dubai

Families will soon be able to access counselling, child protection and social support services all in one place. The new Unified Centre for Family Care will open in two key locations and will also offer digital tools for easier access.

Smart buildings coming to reduce bills and help the environment

Dubai is also going green with the new Smart Buildings Policy, which will require:

• Energy-efficient building designs

• Lower water use and maintenance costs

• Smart tech that improves overall quality of life for residents

These buildings will be built with both sustainability and comfort in mind.

Sheikh Hamdan said the approved reforms show Dubai’s focus on improving the lives of its people while building a smarter, greener and more future-ready city.