General Secretariat of the Executive Council launches ‘Dubai Pulse Report 2016’

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council has attended the launch of the second edition of the Dubai Pulse Report. The report titled ‘Competitiveness and Resilience in a Changing World’ was prepared by the Executive Council of Dubai.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Emirates Group and Second Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council, also attended the launch.

The annual report is issued by the General Secretariat of the Executive Council to monitor and evaluate implementation and progress of the Dubai Plan 2021 goals. It highlights four key areas, including maintaining Dubai’s competitiveness on a regional and global level, enhancing the resilience and sustainability of the government, enhancing the urban environment, and family unity and social cohesion H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed was briefed on key achievements in the implementation of Dubai Plan 2021 goals in 2016 and the main challenges that remain. The session also highlighted key recommendations to improve Dubai’s competitiveness in a fast-moving and unpredictable regional and global climate.

Commenting on the launch, Sheikh Hamdan highlighted the importance of the report, which offers important information that contributes to formulating future steps to sustain the government’s performance and the achievement of the objectives of Dubai Plan 2021. His Highness also highlighted the report’s role in the decision-making process based on an objective and comprehensive understanding of the current situation. He said the report provides valuable inputs for reinforcing and updating Dubai’s strategic plans.

Sheikh Hamdan said that the findings of the Pulse Report highlight the importance of resilience and flexibility, adding that the region is witnessing unprecedented challenges, and it is therefore imperative that Dubai builds its resilience and flexibility to remain capable of responding to challenges. "Today, more than ever, initiative and quick response are crucial to successful leadership," he continued.

The Dubai Crown Prince added, "Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has established a solid foundation for creating an innovative and creative work environment. Inspired by this vision, our country became a magnet for talents and skills. We are fully committed to making Dubai one of the best places in the world for incubating and encouraging talent."

"My message is that we are building an inclusive city, a place where citizens, residents and visitors, are united by common human values based on peace and tolerance. This is a city where everybody can enjoy a high quality of life regardless of his or her background," His Highness concluded.

Abdulla Abdul Rahman Al Shaibani, Secretary General of the Executive Council of Dubai, said, "The results of this year’s Dubai Pulse Report indicate a disparity in the performance across all economic, societal, and urban indicators. This is quite predictable given the volatility in the global and regional environments. Specifically, I would highlight the dip in oil prices as well as the continuing instability in the region. But despite these challenges, Dubai’s performance across the key indicators remains far ahead of other countries in the region. This resilience is a result of Dubai’s diversified economy and its world class infrastructure and urban environment."

According to the report findings, despite the decline in economic growth in Dubai, its economy performed better than those of other countries in the region. Some sectors in Dubai saw strong growth. Tourism surged 9 percent while manufacturing grew by 3.9 percent, and logistics rose by 4.5 percent.

"Building on the directives of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, we are working with government entities to implement the recommendations highlighted in the report. We are confident that our government will continue on the path of the founding fathers in adapting to changes and challenges, and enhancing our resilience to fulfil the aspirations of our leadership and people," he added.