Sheikh Mohammed outlines 50-year charter for Dubai

Dubai - The pledge comes a day after Sheikh Mohammed shared his 8-point mantra of governance.

A Dubai Silk Road that connects the East and West and the North and South are among the nine visions laid out by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"Our region has historically been one of civilisation and trade and this role must be restored," Sheikh Mohammed said in the 'Fifty-Year Charter' unveiled on Sunday.

The document is a "pledge and promise, on behalf of myself and the ruling family of Dubai, of what we will undertake to improve the quality of life, develop the community of Dubai, and ensure the future of generations to come".

The charter will be released on January 4 each year to announce exceptional projects in Dubai. "We have divided this document into nine articles in order to facilitate implementation, follow up and accountability."

The pledge comes a day after Sheikh Mohammed shared his 8-point mantra of governance.

Below is the full text of the charter:

The Fifty-Year Charter

In the Name of Allah, and praise be to Him!

From Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, to the people of Dubai and its residents is a document that represents our pledge and promise, on behalf of myself and the ruling family of Dubai, of what we will undertake to improve the quality of life, develop the community of Dubai, and ensure the future of generations to come.

It is an annual document that I have named 'The Fifty-Year Charter' to mark my 50th anniversary of assuming my first official post in serving my country, and in the hope of another 50 years during which we will maintain a city governed by law and bound by the spirit of compassion, love harmony and tolerance.

A prosperous city where future generations achieve their dreams and aspirations.

On January 4, 2019, I declare my commitment, as well as the commitment of the ruling family of Dubai, and the commitment of our government and all our teams to the vision presented in this document.

We have divided this document into nine articles in order to facilitate its implementation, follow-up, and accountability.

This document does not replace the government's strategies, but it is a document that includes some aspects of our vision for the future city of Dubai and the life we wish to maintain for everyone living in this community.

We will release The Fifty-Year Charter on January 4 each year to announce exceptional projects in Dubai.

Our guidance to everyone is to act in accordance with this charter, and in accordance with the Eight Principles of Dubai document, which we have launched, to ensure continued prosperity.

The following are the nine articles, which I will personally observe, and overseen by the Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Article 1: Dubai Silk Road

Dubai is destined to be a crossroad between East and West, and between North and South.

We have the largest international airport in the world. It connects us with more than 200 cities.

Over the next 10 years, more than one billion passengers will pass through our airports.

Worldwide, we operate around 80 ports that are connected to hundreds of cities.

Our next goal is to build our own Silk Road in cooperation with our friendly neighbours who share our vision.

Our region has historically been a region of civilisation and trade, and this role must be restored. We will seek to build international cooperation to support these aspirations.

Article 2: A Geo-Economic Map for Dubai

In the coming phase, we will work to develop a geo-economic map for the city of Dubai and set up specialised, integrated economic zones in the whole city.

Each geo-economic sector in the city will have its own council, which manages and markets it.

Each geographical sector will have its own economic and investment goals.

We will monitor the achievement of these goals with transparency.

A Governor will be appointed for each economic zone to oversee the achievement of its goals, as well as its progress and success.

Article 3: First Virtual Commercial City

Dubai will lead the establishment of the rst virtual commercial city in the region that grants commercial licenses without having to reside in Dubai. e city will allow investors to open bank accounts and grant e-residencies according to best international laws and regulations. We aim to have 100,000 companies in the virtual city.

Article 4: A Central Education File for Every Citizen

We aim to develop a centralised education database for every citizen to document all the academic degrees obtained, classes and training taken, and conferences attended.

This will help us design customised educational plans for our citizens that suit their personal skills.

We aim to build an educational and learning system that explores and develops people's skills.

These are some highlights of our future vision reflected in a number of practical programs that can be implemented and measured. A new Charter shall be launched in January 4, every year to sustain the welfare and happiness of our society.