What makes Dubai Strategic Plan (DSP) so special is that it is attainable, at least by the emirate's own standards. DSP covers the period 2007 to 2015.
Among other objectives, the plan calls for registering substantial growth rates in the gross domestic product and per capita income.
In economic terms, the DSP aims at increasing Dubai's GDP from $37 billion in 2005 to $108 billion by 2015. Also, the plan calls for raising annual per capita income from $33,000 in 2005 to $44,000 in 2015.
Additionally, the DSP intends to register an average of 11 per cent annual growth in the GDP.
Certainly, economic growth statistics must be in constant terms in order to avoid the impact of inflationary pressures.
In fact, Dubai authorities have committed themselves to achieving figures of 2005 only by the year 2010, which was part of an earlier plan ushered in the year 2000.
Earlier date
However, the emirate managed in attaining GDP growth and per capita income levels midway through the course. Accordingly, chances are good that Dubai will succeed in reaching the new targets by 2015 if not at an earlier date.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, personally uncovered the ambitious plan in an extraordinary gathering last week.
To be sure, the DSP is not confined to economic goals. In fact, the plan is divided into five sections: economic development; social development; infrastructure, land and environment; safety, security and justice; and finally public sector excellence.
With respect to economic development, the plan calls for focusing energies on sectors where Dubai enjoys a competitive advantage. These sectors are tourism, transport, trade, construction and financial services.
Accordingly, non-oil sectors will be the key in shaping Dubai's economy for the years to come. Already, the services sector accounts for three quarters of Dubai's GDP.
As to social development, the plan calls for preserving the UAE's national identity. This issue is considered vital, as foreign nationals constitute the majority of people working and living in the emirate.
Additionally, the plan on cultural activities notably stresses awareness of local culture. Likewise, the plan underscores the significance of elevating quality of healthcare and educational services throughout the emirate.
Infrastructure
As to infrastructure, land and environment, Shaikh Mohammad assured his audience that the authorities are addressing traffic bottlenecks in Dubai. Additionally, the government commits itself to ensuring the availability of energy sources, notably electricity.
With respect to safety, security and justice, police officials intend to enhance safety for all people living and visiting Dubai. The DSP stresses the importance of ensuring safety at the workplace. As part of efforts to ensure justice, the authorities intend to speed up implementation of court orders once verdicts are issued.
The DSP stresses the need for strengthening accountability and transparency in governmental departments. Still, growing emphasis will be placed on e-government in handling basic matters including complaints.
Undoubtedly, the challenge ahead lies in implementing details of the DSP. If history is any guide, the emirate should experience no difficulty in achieving its economic goals. However, the biggest test relates to the social element. Source
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