Dubai’s Development Path: Strengthen the Real Economy to Stabilize People’s Lives & Share Prosperity with All
Dubai has built a world-renowned business and urban brand centered on tourism, finance, real estate, and international trade — an achievement we can all be proud of. Yet from the perspective of ordinary residents and low- to middle-income groups, we face real challenges: an over-reliance on non‑productive sectors, soaring living costs, and uneven distribution of economic benefits, leaving many unable to share in the city’s progress.
High housing prices continue to drive up living costs. Heavy dependence on imports keeps daily consumer prices high. Rent, food, transportation, utilities, and other basic expenses have become a heavy burden for average families. The glamorous landmarks and booming service sector largely serve capital and high-end demand, while local workers, laborers, and small and medium enterprises struggle under high costs, finding it hard to settle down and live securely.
Over-reliance on light-asset and capital-intensive industries weakens economic resilience. The job market is tilted toward high-end services and temporary positions, lacking stable, sustainable industries and manufacturing that can create broad employment. Without solid manufacturing, local processing, and supply chain support, Dubai is like a tall building without a firm foundation — prosperous on the surface, but unable to keep wealth within the city and benefit ordinary people.
With people’s well‑being as our priority, we offer practical suggestions:
1. Strengthen the real economy & develop high-value-added local manufacturing
Leverage Dubai’s ports and logistics advantages to develop food processing, light industry, electronics assembly, building materials, furniture, and other low‑energy, high‑employment industries. Upgrade “transit trade” to “manufacturing + trade + logistics”. This will stabilize supply chains and create large numbers of blue-collar and skilled jobs, providing stable incomes for ordinary residents.
2. Reduce living costs & deliver benefits to low- and middle-income groups
Control excessive rises in housing and rental prices; increase affordable and public housing supply. Lower logistics and import dependence through local production to stabilize daily consumer prices. Adjust pricing for utilities, transportation, parking, and public services to ease the burden on household budgets.
3. Balance the economic structure for greater stability and inclusiveness
While continuing to develop tourism, finance, and real estate, increase the share of real economy and manufacturing to reduce the risks of an over‑hollowed economy. Use real-sector development to stabilize jobs, prices, and livelihoods, so Dubai becomes a home for ordinary residents, not just a playground for capital.
Dubai’s greatness lies not only in its skyscrapers and luxury, but in enabling everyone who builds this city to live and work in peace.
May Dubai shift from “attracting capital” to “nurturing people”.
May we build a solid foundation through the real economy, share prosperity fairly, and create a more sustainable and compassionate future for Dubai.