The Strategic Affairs Council, affiliated with The Executive Council, was established in December 2017, under the chairmanship of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council. Its role is to proactively enhance the governmental decision-making process in Dubai. This is achieved through the authority granted to formulate public policies for the emirate in various strategic areas, submit them to The Executive Council for approval and adoption, and coordinate the alignment of sectoral and governmental plans with Dubai's strategic plan to ensure their effective implementation. 

The Strategic Affairs Council is responsible for approving strategic plans, policies, initiatives, projects, and the annual agenda to support the overarching directions and policies of the emirate across all sectors, which it submits to The Executive Council for approval. The Strategic Affairs Council is responsible for approving strategic plans, policies, initiatives, projects, and the annual agenda to support the overarching directions and policies of the emirate across all sectors. These are then submitted to The Executive Council for approval. 

The Strategic Affairs Council also design and approve development plans to enhance the overall performance of the government. This involves monitoring global competitiveness indicators relevant to Dubai, submitting necessary plans to enhance the emirate's global standing to The Executive Council for approval, and coordinating and collaborating with relevant authorities. 

"Additionally, the Council approves programs aimed at achieving and promoting excellence, leadership, and innovation in government performance, and honors outstanding achievements according to the best global standards, models, and practices. It also endorses programs aimed at promoting leadership and the development of government services, improving their efficacy and quality, according to the best international models and practices. 

Moreover, the council provides key inputs on legislative projects with strategic impact, submitted by relevant government entities, to help create an attractive and stimulating legislative and regulatory environment.