20 years of leadership: H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Dubai’s model of excellence

• 4 January 2026 marked the 20th anniversary of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s accession as Ruler of Dubai.
• He has overseen the development of internationally recognised projects, like the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.
• Key priorities in Dubai include innovation, human capital development, and tech adoption — with policies designed to support startups and SMEs.

For 20 years, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has spearheaded Dubai’s transformation into a globally competitive city shaped by ambition, discipline, and results. Since January 2006, his leadership has converted vision into real achievements.

This philosophy is reflected in the words displayed on the façade of the Museum of the Future, one of three inspirational quotes written by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed:

“The future belongs to those who can imagine it, design it, and execute it. It isn’t something you await, but rather create.”

That conviction continues to shape Dubai’s institutions, infrastructure, and international standing.

Sheikh Mohammed guides Dubai’s future economy

Dubai’s development under H.H. Sheikh Mohammed is guided by long-term, future-oriented planning. Comprehensive strategies such as the Dubai Economic Agenda 2033 and Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, along with long-term infrastructure investment, strengthen the business environment. This is while supporting steady population growth, which passed four million residents in 2024.

Major transport and logistics projects are driving this momentum. The Dubai Metro Blue Line, a project worth AED 18 billion, will add 30 km and 14 stations as part of the city’s rail expansion. At the same time, Al Maktoum International Airport is undergoing expansion and will eventually be able to handle up to 260 million passengers annually. These projects undoubtedly enhance connectivity and market access for founders doing business in Dubai.

Human capital is also a key part of the visionary leader’s agenda. In a social media post on 4 January, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, particularly highlighted this. He noted that H.H. Sheikh Mohammed has always believed in the people of the UAE and views human potential as the nation’s greatest wealth. The pursuit of excellence and ambition has become a defining characteristic of the UAE’s spirit under his direction, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed continued.

This ethos continues to guide policies that support startups and SMEs, while also bolstering technology adoption across Dubai.

Moreover, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed has overseen the creation and growth of major state-owned investment platforms, including Dubai World and Dubai Holding. These organisations support economic diversification in areas such as logistics, hospitality, real estate, and investment.

Notably, real estate provides one of the clearest examples of how disciplined, long-term policy can lead to real results. The Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which debuted in 2024, set a clear objective: to reach AED1 trillion in property transactions by 2033.

In a message on X (formerly known as Twitter), H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said, “Today, the 2025 real estate transactions report was released, reaching 917 billion dirhams, exceeding our team’s expectations.” This progress clearly brings the goal closer ahead of schedule and shows global investors and industry leaders that Dubai has a stable, liquid, and policy-driven market. It also improves the outlook for capital growth and rental returns.

Dubai’s urban transformation and iconic landmarks

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s direct involvement in world-class projects put an imprint on Dubai’s skyline and ultramodern architecture. The groundbreaking of the Burj Khalifa in 2010, the expansion of the Dubai Mall, and the opening of the Dubai Metro in 2009 all revolutionised urban scale and efficiency. The successful hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai, even during a global health crisis, exhibited resilience and increased confidence in doing business in the city.

A proud, society-first legacy

Alongside building infrastructure, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed has also focused on developing social and intellectual capital.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, which started in 2015, coordinates more than 30 programs across humanitarian aid, healthcare, education, innovation, and community empowerment. Meanwhile, the Great Arab Minds initiative, introduced in 2022, honours outstanding Arab scholars, scientists, and thinkers whose work helps advance knowledge and benefit society.

These efforts help build Dubai’s economic future by building a skilled, connected workforce and promoting innovation in areas like education, healthcare, and governance.

Defining Dubai’s global competitiveness

Dubai’s strong global standing today is the result of clear vision, diversification, execution, and people-centred leadership. As this future-forward emirate grows, entrepreneurs who do business in the city benefit from an economy guided by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed’s lasting vision.