Features of Strategic and Territorial Planning in the UAE

Abstract

Amid the ongoing national debate on the development and implementation of strategic and territorial planning documents, an analysis of the latest long-term planning practices in the UAE is of particular interest and relevance. The adopted long-term vision documents, "UAE 2021," "We Are the UAE 2031," and "UAE 2071," serve as fundamental benchmarks for the
entire national strategic planning system, setting ambitious goals and defining priorities for decades to come. It is emphasized
that strategic planning in the UAE is based on the principles of long-term vision, proactive management of the future, and
continuous adaptation to global challenges using advanced technologies and bold urban experiments. The Master Plan remains
the primary political and long-term strategic document for the largest metropolis, Dubai, for 20 years. The plan demonstrates how
large-scale urbanization can be combined with environmental goals and improved quality of life through the implementation
of smart technologies, economic diversification, and polycentric development, combining economic growth with environmental
responsibility and respect for cultural identity. Mandatory elements of the master plan include clear goal-setting and organized
monitoring of the implementation of adopted documents.