Sheikh Mohammed's Executive Office turns 25: What you need to know
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, attended a ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of The Executive Office of Sheikh Mohammed.
Sheikh Mohammed praised the work of The Executive Office in setting a benchmark for leadership and innovation over the past quarter century. He highlighted its pivotal role in realizing his vision of Dubai as a global pioneer committed to excellence and future readiness.
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'For 25 years, The Executive Office has fostered teamwork and effectively implemented our development vision,' Sheikh Mohammed said. 'Today, we witness the outcomes of an integrated government work ecosystem led by The Executive Office, which has contributed significantly to Dubai's global prominence.
'The Executive Office is a wellspring of exceptional ideas, a catalyst for change, and a launchpad for forward-looking projects and initiatives that have underpinned our economic and social progress.'
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
Sheikh Mohammed added: 'The Executive Office will remain central to advancing Dubai's strategic vision for global leadership. These 25 years of achievements inspire our continued drive toward transformation and progress.'
The Executive Office represents a distinctive model of governance, rooted in a forward-thinking vision and a proactive leadership approach. Tasked with translating the vision of Dubai's ruler into actionable strategies, the office plays a central role in shaping the emirate's future.
Established by decree, the Executive Office acts as the strategic arm of Sheikh Mohammed, leading initiatives that drive economic, social, and developmental progress across Dubai. With a foundation built on meticulous analysis and long-term planning, the Office supports decision-making processes that align with Dubai's aspirations for global leadership.
Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website
A strategic think tank
Functioning as a specialised think tank, the Executive Office conducts comprehensive analytical studies across economic, political, cultural, and developmental sectors. These insights directly inform key directives and decisions issued by Sheikh Mohammed.
The office not only advises government entities but also monitors the execution of projects initiated under the leadership's guidance. It tracks performance across sectors, producing regular reports to ensure alignment with Dubai's strategic goals.
By integrating scenario planning and forecasting, the office prepares for global challenges, ensuring the emirate remains resilient and adaptive. Development proposals, strategic blueprints, and reforms are all filtered through this rigorous process.
Nurturing innovation and creativity
With the close involvement of Sheikh Mohammed, the Executive Office has evolved into a center of innovation and strategic thought. Over the past 25 years, its commitment to creative problem-solving and bold ambition has underpinned transformative achievements that continue to define Dubai's rapid ascent.
The Office has spearheaded numerous landmark initiatives that have reshaped the city's global profile, enhanced competitiveness, and strengthened its economy and social fabric.
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
One of the most significant milestones driven by the Executive Office is the establishment of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) in 2004. The DIFC marked a turning point, positioning Dubai as a global financial hub.
In 2024, DIFC reached new heights. The number of active companies rose to 6,920, with 1,823 new firms joining—a 25 per cent year-on-year increase. The workforce exceeded 46,000, and assets under management surpassed $700bn. Notably, the centre now hosts family offices managing over $1.2tn in assets, further cementing its influence in global finance.
The Dubai Council
Launched in 2020 under the direction of the Executive Office, the Dubai Council was formed to implement transformational projects across the emirate. So far, it has initiated 25 strategic projects and established four high-level committees to drive development in critical sectors.
The council has played a key role in restructuring public institutions and enhancing the efficiency of services, which in turn has catalyzed growth across Dubai's economy.
Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI)
Also operating under the Executive Office is the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), founded in 2015. As the region's largest humanitarian and development organization, MBRGI encompasses 30 programs focused on alleviating poverty, promoting education, and advancing innovation.
In 2024, MBRGI invested Dhs2.2bn in humanitarian work, impacting 149 million people in 118 countries.
Digital transformation through Smart Dubai
In 2013, the Executive Office launched Smart Dubai, later evolving into Digital Dubai in 2021.
The initiative has propelled the emirate's digital transformation and ranked Dubai first in the Arab world and Asia, and fourth globally in the IMD 2025 Smart City Index.
Digital Dubai continues to streamline government operations, enhance public services, and integrate emerging technologies across sectors.
Dubai Future Foundation
The Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), launched in 2016, is another key entity housed within the Executive Office. DFF is responsible for future-focused programs including the Museum of the Future—an architectural landmark that has welcomed more than 3 million visitors and 40 heads of state since opening.
Additionally, DFF launched the Dubai Future District Fund, which has invested Dhs3bn, directly contributing to the city's GDP and bolstering its innovation ecosystem.
Hatta Development Plan
The Hatta Development Plan, introduced by the Executive Office in 2016, comprises over 40 initiatives aimed at revitalizing the mountainous enclave. Annual tourism has soared to 1.5 million visitors, with improved infrastructure, eco-tourism, and employment opportunities enhancing quality of life for local residents.
The Executive Council of Dubai
Established in 2003, the Executive Council of Dubai also operates within the Executive Office and oversees more than 60 government departments. The council ensures alignment between sector strategies and Dubai's overarching vision, while focusing on governance, service improvement, and institutional efficiency.
It plays a critical role in translating policy into action and continuously refining government operations to deliver measurable improvements in citizen wellbeing.
Dubai Holding
Dubai Holding, another major entity launched by the Executive Office in 2004, manages Dhs280bn in assets and operates in 34 countries. The conglomerate employs over 45,000 people and plays a significant role in driving economic diversification and international investment.
Leadership development
The Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), founded in 2003 and supported by the Executive Office, has trained more than 1,000 leaders, including 9 ministers, 10 deputy ministers, 15 director generals, and nearly 100 executive directors.
The center continues to identify and mentor emerging talent, preparing the next generation of leaders to navigate global change and complexity.
Continuing the vision
As Dubai positions itself at the forefront of global development, the Executive Office remains at the core of the city's transformation. Through strategic foresight, data-driven planning, and alignment with global trends, the Office is executing Sheikh Mohammed's vision to ensure Dubai's continued leadership on the world stage.
With a focus on inclusive growth, innovation, and sustainability, the Executive Office is not only shaping policy—but also securing Dubai's role as a model for visionary governance in the 21st century.
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