The Ruler of Dubai has talked about his vision for 2020 and beyond. In fact, government efficiency seems to be the most important goal, according to him.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister, has issued a signed letter. The letter outlines 12 principles towards good government and development.
According to the letter, ‘Dubai Council’ will lead six sectors in the UAE; the economy, services for citizens, infrastructure, governmental development, justice and security as well as health and knowledge.
The leaders of the councils will be Sheikh Mohammed and his sons, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed has pointed out that the government departments heads will sign a pledge in order for the services to improve and become more efficient. The pledge will be reviewed every two years.
According to him, those who do not succeed to bring real change within two years will be relieved of their duties.
Sheikh Mohammed describes the pledge as the “January 4 document”.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “On this fourth day of January, we renew our commitment to the emirate’s development, the consolidation of justice, and the improvement of life for you and future generations”.
In his opinion, slack managers and lazy friends will not stop these goals from being achieved.
“Changes accelerate around us, competition increases with us and expectations rise in our generations. We must respond and our responsibility is to maintain development, excellence and continued growth.”
He has written that the future will be completely different with the past. He believes that what has benefited the country in the past 20 years, may not benefit the UAE in the coming 20 years. Time makes the government and people to fight stagnation, renew institutions, and change tools.
The council will lead social and economic transformation of Dubai, oversee economic development and life quality for the Dubai’s citizens, residents and tourists over the coming 50 years.
The board will oversee the development of future sectors as well as government and semi-government projects.
Sheikh Hamdan thinks of the document as a roadmap to turn Dubai into “a jewel of the world’s cities”.
Sheikh Mohammed said the council will arrange meetings at least every month. He also pointed out that its agenda will include the launch of a “major project” in the Emirate.
The members of the Royal Family and senior officials would have a role as ‘commissioner generals’ to oversee the duties of the council.
These include Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chairman of Emirates Group, to control the economy including Department of Economic Development, Commerce Marketing and Department of Tourism, and Dubai’s free zones, such as airports, ports and customs.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the Roads and Transport Authority, will manage urban planning, infrastructure, and wellbeing pillar, overseeing Mohammed bin Rashid Housing Establishment, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Land Department.
Talal Belhoul, director-general of the State Security Department in Dubai, will manage the security and justice pillar. He will also oversee Dubai Civil Defense, Dubai Courts and Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services.
Other areas include citizens’ services, health and wellbeing, and government development.