Dubai’s significant growth as a global destination is the result of a deliberate strategy that intertwines a dynamic tourism sector with a firm commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life. This approach, which welcomed 13.95 million international overnight visitors between January and September this year, builds on a record 18.72 million in 2024. Far from being a recent development, this people-centric vision has been a core element of the city’s planning since its early days as a trading hub under His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
A Resident-Centred Growth Model
Dubai’s development is designed to ensure that tourism acts as an engine for shared prosperity rather than an independent industry. This strategy is woven into the city’s role as a global hub for innovation and business, aligned with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. While many major destinations face questions about the strains of unchecked tourism, Dubai distinguishes itself with a resident-focused approach where growth serves as a catalyst for collective enrichment.
This vision is supported by strong cross-governmental alignment and sustained investment in infrastructure, from aviation and public transport to housing and leisure. Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) have forward-looking plans to strategically manage the city’s expansion in line with economic and population growth.
Enhancing Urban Liveability
A key ambition is to cement Dubai’s status as a top global liveability hub, a goal formalised in the Quality of Life Strategy 2033. This plan unites 19 government and private entities in over 200 initiatives focused on sustainable development, mobility, and cultural experiences. Safety and security are foundational to this strategy, with the city ranking third in Numbeo’s Safety Index by City 2025. This stable environment provides confidence for residents, entrepreneurs, and investors.
Investments in tourism directly benefit residents by encouraging new cultural spaces and greater vibrancy across communities, with large-scale events like the annual Dubai Run transforming Sheikh Zayed Road for all to enjoy. Mobility enhancements, such as the development of the Dubai Metro Blue Line and improvements to major roads, streamline connectivity and simplify daily routines.
Fostering Community and Accessibility
Initiatives are also in place to strengthen social cohesion and address practical needs. The First-Time Home Buyer Programme, a joint effort by the Dubai Land Department and the Department of Economy and Tourism, directly addresses housing accessibility for both Emiratis and expatriates. By easing entry into homeownership, the initiative encourages people to establish long-term roots, a timely move as Dubai sees a sharper drop in available homes under Dh1 million.
Inclusivity is another core priority. Dubai was recently recognised as the first Certified Autism Destination™ in the Eastern Hemisphere, a milestone reflecting a citywide effort to make tourism accessible for everyone. This commitment is visible in infrastructure, from accessible Metro stations and public beaches to dedicated training for tourism professionals.
Integrating Sustainability into the Vision
Sustainability is now intrinsic to Dubai’s long-term planning, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 Strategy. Initiatives like the Dubai Sustainable Tourism Stamp, awarded to 153 hotels in its latest cycle, demonstrate a clear commitment to reducing environmental impact. The Dubai Can ‘Refill for Life’ campaign has already eliminated over 30 million single-use plastic bottles. Furthermore, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan aims to expand natural and green spaces by more than 400%, embedding sustainability into daily life for both residents and visitors.
Looking ahead, Dubai continues to pioneer a model where every visitor contributes to a city that is even better to live in. As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated, “in the race for excellence there is no finish line.” The city’s strongest asset remains the synergy between opportunity and liveability, driven by public-private partnerships and progressive policies that create a blueprint for the future of global tourism.
