• His Highness: I am proud of the Government of Dubai for its continual pursuit of excellence and its culture of healthy competition, which ultimately benefits the people it serves
• Today, Dubai’s Government represents a global model, and we have ambitions in line with our society’s expectations to further enhance government work
• Entities and individuals recognised across various categories for their notable contributions to strengthening Dubai’s position as one of the world’s leading, most future-ready cities
• Officials hail Dubai’s outstanding government performance and highlight the global benchmark it has set, inspiring public entities to push the boundaries

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today honoured the winners of the Dubai Government Excellence Awards, marking the conclusion of the 2024 edition of the Dubai Government Excellence Program. Praising Dubai’s Government for creating a global model of excellence and leadership, His Highness commended the 12 government entities and 8 individuals awarded during a ceremony held at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

“The Dubai Government Excellence Program has been continually driving excellence since it was launched 27 years ago, establishing outstanding performance as a hallmark of Dubai’s Government. Today, the Government of Dubai represents a global model, and we have ambitions in line with our society’s expectations to further enhance government work and shape one of the world’s leading cities,” he said.

His Highness added: “Congratulations to all the winners and participants on your achievements; you are pioneers and role models in performance and innovation. I am proud of the Government of Dubai for its continual pursuit of excellence and its culture of healthy competition, which ultimately benefits the people it serves. Its ambitions know no bounds, and the Dubai Government Excellence Program continues to set the bar even higher with every edition.”

The winners of the Dubai Government Excellence Program Awards 2024 were honoured during a ceremony held in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, in addition to senior government officials.

Three new categories

A total of 12 awards in the organisational category were conferred following elaborate performance evaluation of 30 government entities, while eight awards were bestowed upon individuals under the Dubai Excellence Medals. The 2024 edition of the awards feature three new organisational categories including most Future-Ready Entity, Entity in Digital Enablement, and Best Government Joint Initiative.

The winners were assessed under a comprehensive evaluation process implemented in accordance with the updated model for government excellence launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed in February 2023. Its criteria include social impact, future readiness and the development of human competencies, and it is based on three pillars: the vision, the distinctive value and the development enablers.

His Excellency Abdulla Mohammed Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, and Chairman of the Dubai Government Excellence Program, noted how the programme’s thorough evaluation process represents a global benchmark. He said: “Congratulations to all the winners. All participating entities have proved that the culture of excellence that exists within Dubai’s Government translates into concrete work and continuous development to serve the people and enhance Dubai's leading global position.”

Dr. Hazza Khalfan Al Nuaimi, General Coordinator of the Dubai Government Excellence Program, highlighted how Emirati evaluators were involved in all stages of the evaluation process: “We congratulate all the winning entities and individuals and reaffirm our commitment to supporting the government in its pursuit of excellence.”

Hamdan bin Mohammed chairs meeting of The Executive Council of Dubai, launches new logo for the Government of Dubai

- His Highness allocates AED40 billion for the ‘Dubai Portfolio for Public-Private Partnership’
- His Highness approves Dubai’s ‘Affordable Housing Policy’ and ‘Dubai Sandbox’ project

Hamdan bin Mohammed: The reconstituted Executive Council of Dubai marks the start of a new strategic phase to enhance the government’s operational framework and consolidate Dubai’s stature

- “We have revitalised Dubai’s iconic old emblem and adopted it as the new logo for the Government of Dubai”
- “The new logo symbolises the emirate's visionary leadership, transformative development journey, and evolution into a city of the future”

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, presided over the first meeting of The Executive Council of Dubai, following its recent reconstitution.

During the meeting, His Highness approved the launch of the Government of Dubai’s new logo and the allocation of AED40 billion for the ‘Dubai Portfolio for Public-Private Partnership’ for 2024-2026. His Highness also approved Dubai’s ‘Affordable Housing Policy’ and the ‘Dubai Sandbox’ project, designed to support 100 tech ventures in its initial phase.

Sheikh Hamdan praised the efforts of the former Council members in bolstering Dubai’s position on the global stage and extended a warm welcome to the new members. He said that the reconstituted Executive Council of Dubai marks the start of a new strategic phase to enhance the government’s operational framework and consolidate Dubai’s stature.

“The newly formed Executive Council of Dubai will act as the driving force and catalyst for constructive change for Dubai. It will play a pivotal role in ensuring sustainable development, enhancing people’s wellbeing, and strengthening Dubai's global standing,” His Highness said.

The meeting, held at Emirates Towers, was attended by His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance of the UAE, and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.

“We have revitalised Dubai’s iconic old emblem and adopted it as the new logo for the Government of Dubai. The new logo symbolises the emirate's visionary leadership, transformative development journey, and evolution into a city of the future,” His Highness said.

The government’s identity goes beyond the logo, encompassing dedicated teams committed to serving and operating under a culture of efficiency and excellence, His Highness noted. “These teams are a source of great pride and represent the cornerstone of Dubai’s success as a leading global city and a leading destination for living and working, HH Sheikh Hamdan added.

His Highness directed the General Secretariat of The Executive Council of Dubai to oversee the immediate implementation of the new logo across Dubai’s Government entities. In addition to adopting the new logo, entities will retain their individual logos to reflect their distinctiveness.

The General Secretariat of the Executive Council of Dubai said that government entities will be granted a six-month transition period to implement the new logo.

AED40 billion to boost development projects
During the meeting, The Executive Council of Dubai approved AED40 billion for the ‘Dubai Portfolio for Public-Private Partnership’. Overseen by the Department of Finance through the Dubai Digital Platforms, the portfolio aligns with the objectives outlined in the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. These goals include increasing government spending to AED700 billion, elevating private sector investment in development projects to AED1 trillion, and raising foreign direct investment to AED650 billion by 2033.

Since its launch in 2021, the portfolio has seen growth in both its value and the number of public-private partnership projects. Originally comprising 30 projects in sectors such as infrastructure, public transport, and urban development, valued at over AED25 billion, it underscores the crucial role of private companies as strategic partners in the emirate's development.

Affordable Housing Policy
The ‘Affordable Housing Policy’ is aligned with the goals of Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to foster vibrant and healthy communities by providing diverse job opportunities and addressing housing needs.

This policy will cater to various segments of society, offering a range of housing options suitable for individuals across different income levels. Additionally, it will facilitate the development of new accommodations for workers closer to their workplaces, enhancing the quality of these facilities and ensuring the provision of adequate services for all segments of society.

Aligned with Dubai's commitment to enhancing its global standing as a leading destination for living and working, the policy seeks to strengthen social cohesion and improve urban development. Multiple entities, including Dubai Municipality, the Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Land Department, and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, are involved in implementing the policy.

Dubai Sandbox project
The ‘Dubai Sandbox’ project has been approved to support the testing and regulation of cutting-edge technologies in Dubai. It enables tech projects and assists government entities in implementing legislation to keep pace with technological advancements. Comprising four main pillars—economic impact, strategic impact, innovation, and applicability—the project aims to empower companies and enhance Dubai's business environment.

In collaboration with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Future Foundation, the project focuses on establishing a standardised governance and regulatory framework for innovation. The ‘Dubai Sandbox’ project will accelerate the growth of start-ups based in Dubai, particularly in technology and emerging sectors, fostering an entrepreneurial culture and facilitating access to funding. Additionally, it seeks to have an international impact by integrating with the global innovation ecosystem.

As part of the first package of 100 transformative projects of D33, aimed at doubling the emirate's economy over the next decade and positioning Dubai as one of the world’s top three city economies, the project aligns with the D33 agenda's goal of establishing Dubai as a leading hub for innovation. This includes areas such as artificial intelligence, real estate technology, health-tech, and green technologies geared toward addressing climate change.

 

In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Decree No. (14) of 2024 on the new members of The Executive Council of Dubai (TEC) chaired by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. HH Sheikh Mohammed also issued Decree No. (15) of 2024 on the new members of The Strategic Affairs Council of the TEC, chaired by HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai. The two Decrees are effective from the date of their issuance and will be published in the Official Gazette.

According to Decree No. (14) of 2024, HH Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai; and HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority will serve as Deputy Chairmen of TEC.

According to Decree No. (15) of 2024, HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of TEC; and HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Deputy Chairman of TEC, will serve as Deputy Chairmen of The Strategic Affairs Council.

According to Decree No. (14) of 2024, members of the TEC include: Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), His Excellency Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chief of Police and Public Security, in addition to the Secretary General of The Executive Council of Dubai, Director General of HH the Ruler's Court, Attorney General of Dubai Public Prosecution, Director General of the Department of Finance, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Director General of the Roads and Transport Authority, Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy, Director General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, Director General of the Government of Dubai Media Office, Director General of the Dubai Digital Authority, Director General of the Community Development Authority, and Director General of the Knowledge and Human Development Authority.

Decree No. (14) of 2024 annuls Decrees No. (28) and (51) of 2005, (30) of 2006, (25) of 2008, (59) of 2009, and (45) of 2013 pertaining to the appointments related to TEC. Decree No. (14) of 2024 annuls any other legislation that may contradict it.

According to Decree No. (15) of 2024, members of The Strategic Affairs Council include the Secretary General of TEC, Director General of HH the Ruler's Court, Director General of the Department of Finance, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police, Director General of RTA, Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council of Energy, Director General of Dubai Municipality, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, and Director General of the Dubai Health Authority.