H.H. Sheikh Mohammed marks 25 years of Executive Office

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has marked 25 years of The Executive Office by thanking the team for contributing to "shaping the future of the nation".

"The Office has served as a hub of ideas, a trusted partner in decision-making, a driver of change and a key force in executing our vision for the future," Sheikh Mohammed highlighted in a video posted on social media platform X.

"From government and economic strategy to social and technological innovation, the Executive Office reflects Dubai’s culture of excellence — accelerating change, enabling new strategies and empowering young talent to reach new heights.

"To all who have contributed to the Office's achievements, we extend our sincere appreciation.

"We continue to invest in our youth - their ideas spark progress, their energy drives change  and their ambition will shape the future of our nation.The journey continues — with steady steps and a clear sense of purpose," he highlighted.

Mohammed bin Rashid: Today, we celebrated 25 years since the establishment of The Executive Office, together with the team.
Over the past quarter-century, the Office has served as a hub of ideas, a trusted partner in decision-making, a driver of change, and a key force in… pic.twitter.com/5ZghYYmMti

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 22, 2025

In 25 years, the Office has "driven teamwork and effectively implemented the developmental vision for Dubai".

The Executive Office has launched major projects that have driven fundamental transformations, elevating Dubai's global standing, enhancing its international competitiveness, and advancing its economic and social sectors.

Among the most prominent of these projects is the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), established in 2004, that is instrumental in shaping the future of finance, achieving record-breaking performance. Active companies within DIFC grew to 6,920, with 1,823 new companies joining in, recording a 25 per cent increase. The workforce expanded to over 46,000 employees, and assets under management reached over $700 billion. The DIFC also hosts family businesses managing $1.2 trillion in assets.

Launched in 2020, the Dubai Council drives major transformative projects to elevate Dubai's global standing. It has launched 25 such projects and formed 4 higher committees to oversee impactful initiatives that have spurred significant social and economic progress in Dubai.

The Executive Office also houses the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI), which has grown into the region's largest humanitarian, development  and community organisation. MBRGI encompasses 30 initiatives and foundations focused on combating poverty and disease, spreading knowledge and culture, empowering communities, and fostering innovation. In 2024, MBRGI invested AED2.2 billion, impacting 149 million people in 118 countries.

Among the pioneering initiatives of The Executive Office is Smart Dubai, launched in 2013 and later evolving into the Dubai Digital Authority (Digital Dubai) in 2021. It has spearheaded Dubai's digital transformation, propelling Dubai to first place in the Arab world and Asia, and fourth globally, in the IMD's 2025 Smart City Index.

The Executive Office also houses the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), established in 2016 to spearhead future-focused programmes and projects. Among its most prominent achievements is the Museum of the Future, which has welcomed over 3 million visitors and 40 heads of state since its opening. DFF also established the Dubai Future District Fund, whose investments have contributed AED3 billion to Dubai's GDP.

The Hatta Development Plan, another Executive Office initiative launched in 2016, encompasses over 40 initiatives which have significantly impacted Hatta, boosting tourism to 1.5 million annual visitors. 

The Executive Council of Dubai, also operating within The Executive Office, was established in 2003 to oversee more than 60 government entities. The Executive Council also manages efforts aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government work, improving government services and overseeing the governance of entities under the Government of Dubai.

Dubai Holding is another key entity launched by The Executive Office in October 2004, and currently manages AED280 billion in assets, and employs over 45,000 people across 34 countries.

The Mohammed Bin Rashid Center for Leadership Development (MBRCLD), also supported by the Executive Office, has graduated over 1,000 leaders and participants since its establishment in 2003, including 9 ministers, 10 deputy ministers, 15 director generals, and 99 executive directors.

Mohammed bin Rashid attends ceremony marking the 25th anniversary of the Executive Office. pic.twitter.com/9sLXt4jQpo

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 22, 2025

The Executive Office continues to champion numerous other initiatives dedicated to comprehensive development, enhancing quality of life, fostering the knowledge economy, and driving innovation.

The Executive Office continues its dedicated work to translate Sheikh Mohammed’s vision for Dubai: to proactively embrace future trends and maintain its leadership position. This is achieved through ongoing strategic foresight and development initiatives, and by establishing policies that respond to global shifts and strengthen Dubai's global standing.