Dubai's Green Expansion and Digital Strategy

Dubai Strengthens Future with Parks and Resilience Policy

Dubai has announced another milestone in its city's development: the establishment of 152 new public parks alongside the introduction of a comprehensive digital resilience policy, reinforcing digital governance and infrastructure protection. These measures aim to improve the quality of life for residents, making the city more livable and sustainable.

Year of the Family and the Dubai Social Agenda 33

These announcements are part of a long-term vision initiated by the President of the United Arab Emirates under the slogan "Family: The Foundation of Our Nation." In alignment with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 program, Sheikh Hamdan, the Crown Prince of Dubai, has approved projects focused on people, particularly families. The goal is to create an urban environment where community, sustainability, and a healthy lifestyle are everyday realities.

152 New Parks: Building a Green Future

The most striking element among the announcements is undoubtedly the ambitious plan to implement 152 new parks in the neighborhoods of Madinat Latifa and Al Yalayis. The vision is for every resident to be within 150 meters of the nearest green space, fulfilling the "20-minute city" concept where everyday services are easily accessible on foot.

In Madinat Latifa, 11% of the area will consist of green spaces and walkways. More than 12 kilometers of pedestrian and cycling paths will be constructed, serving 77 parks and 18,500 housing units for an expected 141,000 residents.

Similar scale and philosophy developments are also planned for Al Yalayis, with 75 parks and 8,000 housing units for a total of 66,000 residents. Central green corridors will connect the residential areas, ensuring a nature-friendly living experience and opportunities for social interaction.

Livable City, Community Life

The parks and green spaces will not merely serve as decoration. They are intended to be interactive community spaces that also host cultural and social events. Community majlis (traditional meeting places) and wedding halls will be built, strengthening local community bonds.

The goal of the new urban planning model is not just to provide housing but to reinterpret the Fareej concept (traditional community clusters). The aim is to create neighborhoods where community experience, active lifestyles, and ecological sustainability coexist.

Digital Resilience Policy: Safe and Effective Digital Future

Alongside physical space development, protecting the digital space is equally important. The Dubai Executive Council has approved the Digital Resilience Policy, ensuring the continuity of digital services, cybersecurity, and the protection of technological infrastructure.

This strategy is part of the Dubai Digital Strategy, launched in 2023, with the goal of realizing the city's complete digital transformation. Artificial intelligence, cloud services, and data-driven decision-making are all part of this vision. The newly adopted policy provides a comprehensive, proactive framework that ensures Dubai remains a leader in the digital space.

Protection at the Highest Level

The policy's key elements include rapid risk recognition, reducing response times, and enhancing the protection of critical digital infrastructure such as data centers, networks, cloud platforms, and end-user devices. It also places strong emphasis on strengthening public-private sector cooperation. The goal is not only protection but also maintaining trust: the population can expect reliable and uninterrupted digital services, whether in administration, healthcare, or education.

2026 Strategic Plan: Toward Dubai Plan 2033

During the announcements, the Executive Council also presented its 2026 work plan, facilitating the objectives of the Dubai Plan 2033. Focus areas include social development, transportation and infrastructure improvements, economy, entrepreneurship encouragement, public safety and justice, and enhancing public service quality.

The planning model for new residential districts is in line with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, outlining the directions for long-term city development. Balancing nature, community life, and modern technological infrastructure is a key element of Dubai's vision for the future.

Summary

Dubai continues to set an example of how to simultaneously develop the physical and digital aspects of urban life. Both the 152 new parks and the digital resilience policy aim to enable residents to live healthier, safer, and more community-oriented lives. The harmony between urban planning, community building, and technological advancement clearly shows why many see Dubai not just as an economic hub but as a center for social innovation as well. The future is not only being built here—it is already livable.

(Source of the article: Approval of the construction of parks by Dubai's Crown Prince.)