H.H. Sheikh Mohammed says it's 'ideal time to invest in Dubai'

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has highlighted the endless possibilities Dubai continues to offer, with "AED2.1 trillion worth of projects underway" and more "in the coming phase".

"Our momentum continues, and our achievements are ongoing... this is the ideal time to invest in Dubai and its infrastructure," he said at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum on Tuesday. 

"Dubai is preparing for a new phase of economic growth through heavy investment in housing, transportation and infrastructure," he said, adding, "Today, we build the infrastructure of tomorrow by expanding Dubai’s capacity to accommodate the growth of its population, businesses and economic sectors. Our goal is to ensure Dubai remains ready for growth, while delivering the highest standards of living, working and investing."

Mohammed bin Rashid at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum: Our momentum continues, and our achievements are ongoing and this is the ideal time to invest in Dubai and its infrastructure. Dubai has AED 2.1 trillion worth of projects underway. pic.twitter.com/HvxTeQjiQm

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) October 13, 2026

Dubai’s portfolio of ongoing projects spans a wide range of sectors, from housing, transportation and aviation to infrastructure, economic zones and real estate. It also encompasses water, power, sewerage and landscaping projects, all designed to keep pace with the emirate’s rapid growth and strengthen its capacity for future expansion.

This pipeline of projects features flagship plans across multiple industries, including AED1.1 trillion allocated for real estate projects through 2030. In aviation, AED128 billion is allocated to Al Maktoum International, the world’s largest airport designed to handle up to 260 million passengers annually over the next decade. Additionally, AED328 billion is dedicated to expanding the Emirates and flydubai fleets, alongside AED18.7 billion for the new Emirates engineering and maintenance complex.

Planned projects also include over AED100 billion to develop Phase 2 of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), AED100 billion for road upgrades and the development of the Dubai Metro Blue and Gold lines, AED10 billion to expand the Dubai Exhibition Centre, AED80 billion for the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels system, AED30 billion for the “Tasreef” rainwater drainage project, AED151 billion for new power and water grid infrastructure and AED4 billion for the emirate’s Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap.

In line with Dubai’s urban and economic growth, the emirate’s housing sector plans include delivering approximately 350,000 residential units, in parallel with the expansion of transport and infrastructure networks.

During his opening address at the Forum, Mohammed Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, said, "Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid restored people’s confidence and inspired a generation to achieve the impossible."

Future projects

• AED 1.1 trillion for real estate projects through 2030
• AED 128 billion cost of Al Maktoum International, the world's largest airport
• AED 328 billion is dedicated to expanding the Emirates and flydubai fleets
• AED 18.7 billion for the Emirates engineering and maintenance complex
• AED 100+ billion to develop DIFC
• AED 100 billion for RTA projects
• AED 80 billion for the Dubai Strategic Sewerage Tunnels system
• AED 30 billion for the "Tasreef rainwater drainage project
• AED 10 billion to expand the Dubai Exhibition Centre
• AED 151 billion for new power and water grid infrastructure
• AED 4 billion for the Dubai Blue and Green Spaces Roadmap