His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended a ceremony celebrating the 25th anniversary of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, was also present at the event.
His Highness 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, Dubai Media Office reported.
His Highness 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.”
Acknowledging team contributions
His Highness 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, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed met with The Executive Office team, commending their contributions to facilitating government decision-making and advancing Dubai’s development across various sectors. He emphasized the team’s essential role in demonstrating Dubai’s leadership in diverse fields and encouraged them to intensify their efforts to accelerate the next phase of growth in key sectors.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed also toured an exhibition showcasing The Executive Office’s strategic projects and initiatives, highlighting their significant contributions to Dubai’s modernization and progress. He viewed a video that illustrated The Executive Office’s achievements since its establishment.
A laboratory for bold ideas
His Excellency Mohammad Al Gergawi, UAE minister of Cabinet Affairs and Chairman of The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, 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.”
Driving transformative change
Furthermore, His Excellency 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.”
His Excellency 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.”
Proactive approach
The Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum represents a unique model of governance, rooted in His Highness’s vision and proactive approach. This methodology emphasizes meticulous planning informed by in-depth analysis, developing strategies to maximize efficiency and achieve targets, thereby driving continuous progress across Dubai’s economic and social landscape.
Established by decree of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, The Executive Office has been pivotal in supporting Dubai’s decision-making process. Acting as the direct executive arm for His Highness’s directives and initiatives, The Executive Office plays a crucial role in shaping Dubai’s future vision and direction. It conducts comprehensive analytical studies across various sectors—economic, social, political, cultural, and developmental—to inform strategic decisions.
Monitoring function
Functioning as a specialized think tank, The Executive Office advises relevant entities to ensure informed decision-making. It also oversees the implementation of plans, programs, and projects initiated by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed to guarantee their success.
Additionally, The Executive Office continuously monitors Dubai’s performance across various sectors, providing regular reports to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed that track progress on key initiatives and decisions.
The Executive Office develops long-term strategies and plans, utilizing scenario planning and in-depth analysis to anticipate and address future challenges and global trends. It also conducts studies and proposes development projects across a range of fields.
A hub for creative thinking
With the direct support and guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, The Executive Office has evolved into a hub for creative and strategic thinking, providing innovative solutions. Over the past 25 years, its unique vision and commitment to innovation have led to remarkable achievements, significantly contributing to Dubai’s modern progress and comprehensive development.
The Executive Office has initiated major projects that have driven fundamental transformations, enhancing Dubai’s global standing, boosting its international competitiveness, and advancing its economic and social sectors.
Dubai International Financial Centre
Among the most notable projects is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), established in 2004. The DIFC marked a pivotal moment in Dubai’s success, reinforcing the emirate’s and the UAE’s status as a global economic powerhouse.
Inspired by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, DIFC has transformed Dubai into a leading international financial hub.
In 2024, DIFC showcased its impact on the future of finance with record-breaking performance. The number of active companies within DIFC rose to 6,920, with 1,823 new firms joining, reflecting a 25 percent increase. The workforce expanded to over 46,000 employees, and assets under management exceeded $700 billion. Additionally, DIFC hosts family businesses managing $1.2 trillion in assets.
The Dubai Council
Launched by The Executive Office in 2020, the Dubai Council is focused on driving transformative projects to enhance Dubai’s global standing.
To date, the Dubai Council has initiated 25 projects and established 4 higher committees to oversee impactful initiatives that have significantly contributed to social and economic progress in the city.
The Council has managed strategic projects aimed at restructuring key entities in Dubai, facilitating growth across various sectors.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives
The Executive Office is also home to the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), a distinctive global organization launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed in 2015. As the region’s largest humanitarian, development, and community organization, MBRGI encompasses 30 initiatives and foundations aimed at combating poverty and disease, promoting knowledge and culture, empowering communities, and fostering innovation. In 2024, MBRGI invested AED2.2 billion, positively impacting 149 million people across 118 countries.
Smart Dubai
One of 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. Moreover, Digital Dubai has led the city’s digital transformation, positioning Dubai first in the Arab world and Asia, and fourth globally, in the IMD’s 2025 Smart City Index.
Dubai Future Foundation (DFF)
The Executive Office also encompasses the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), founded in 2016 to lead future-focused programs and projects. One of its most notable achievements is the Museum of the Future, an architectural marvel recognized as the world’s most beautiful building. Since its opening, the Museum has welcomed over 3 million visitors and hosted 40 heads of state. Additionally, DFF established the Dubai Future District Fund, which has contributed AED3 billion to Dubai’s GDP through its investments.
Hatta Development Plan
Launched in 2016, the Hatta Development Plan is another initiative by the Executive Office that includes over 40 projects significantly impacting Hatta. This plan has boosted tourism to 1.5 million annual visitors, leading to improved infrastructure and sustainable tourism, as well as enhanced employment opportunities. As a result, the wellbeing and quality of life for residents in the area have greatly improved.
The Executive Council of Dubai
The Executive Council of Dubai, functioning within The Executive Office, was established in 2003 to oversee more than 60 government entities. Serving as a regional benchmark for governance, the Council translates the leadership’s vision into measurable improvements in quality of life. It accomplishes this by setting public policy, prioritizing future directions, overseeing implementation, and ensuring that sector-specific plans align with Dubai’s strategic goals. Additionally, the Executive Council manages initiatives aimed at enhancing government efficiency, improving services, and overseeing the governance of entities under the Government of Dubai.
Dubai Holding
Dubai Holding, another vital entity established by The Executive Office in October 2004, currently manages AED280 billion in assets and employs over 45,000 people across 34 countries.
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), supported by the Executive Office, has successfully graduated over 1,000 leaders since its inception in 2003. This includes 9 ministers, 10 deputy ministers, 15 director generals, and 99 executive directors.
The Executive Office remains committed to various initiatives aimed at comprehensive development, improving quality of life, fostering a knowledge economy, and driving innovation.
In line with His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for Dubai, the Executive Office is dedicated to proactively adapting to future trends and maintaining the city’s leadership position. This is achieved through strategic foresight, development initiatives, and the establishment of policies that respond to global changes while enhancing Dubai’s global standing.
