In alignment with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as the best and most civilized city in the world, the Steering Committee for Preserving Dubai’s Civilized Appearance held its first meeting. The session, chaired by His Excellency Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Head of the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, underscored the unified efforts of government institutions to elevate Dubai’s global urban identity.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures including His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Committee and Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning; His Excellency Abdullah Al Basti, Secretary General of the Executive Council; His Excellency Omar Sultan Al Olama, Director General of the Crown Prince’s Office; His Excellency Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism; and Engineer Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
A Vision Built on Culture, Beauty, and Values
Al Gergawi emphasized that Dubai’s civilizational identity is not merely an aesthetic feature, but the very essence of its global distinction. “The civilization of cities is measured not only by buildings or economic power, but by their spirit, values, the cleanliness of their streets, and the refinement of their people,” he stated.
He noted that the committee will transform Dubai’s urban experience into a comprehensive, measurable, and tech-driven system. This model will be built on precise indicators to preserve and elevate the city’s public appearance while continuously reviewing international competitiveness benchmarks. “Our goal,” he said, “is to make Dubai the best, most beautiful, most refined, and most civilized city in the world—one that reflects respect, values, and quality of life in everyday behavior and urban practices.”
Unified Urban Vision
HE Mattar Al Tayer highlighted that the committee’s strategic vision is directly guided by Sheikh Mohammed’s aspiration and Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed’s decision to form the committee. The vision is to maintain Dubai’s status as a premier global city for living, working, and visiting. He emphasized the importance of coordinated urban planning, visual aesthetics, and sustainable development within the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
An Inclusive Mission
HE Abdullah Al Basti stressed that all sectors—from government and private institutions to the wider community—are partners in achieving Dubai’s vision. The new performance indicators introduced by the committee are meant to ensure that the city’s development reflects its aesthetic, cultural, and environmental standards. The objective is to create a peaceful, clean, and attractive urban environment supported by the shared responsibility of its residents.
A Model for Future Cities
HE Omar Sultan Al Olama described Dubai’s civilizational model as an inspiration for future cities—balancing innovation with cultural authenticity. He noted that the city’s strategic efforts aim to build an exceptional urban environment that inspires the world.
HE Lieutenant General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri affirmed Dubai Police’s commitment to upholding public order and community safety, in alignment with the city’s civilizational goals. Their role includes monitoring and addressing uncivil behaviors while promoting a culture of discipline and social responsibility.
Strategic Urban Integration
HE Helal Saeed Al Marri connected the committee’s mission to the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the D33 Economic Agenda. He emphasized the importance of public-private cooperation in maintaining Dubai’s global reputation as a sustainable and visually coherent urban destination.
Engineer Marwan bin Ghalita highlighted that Dubai Municipality operates around the clock to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal and quality of life. Their work encompasses integrated waste management, green spaces, urban cleanliness, and infrastructure—all contributing to making Dubai the cleanest and most livable city in the world.
Scientific and Measurable Approach
During the meeting, the committee discussed engaging global experts to design research-based systems that elevate Dubai’s urban experience. Tools for monitoring and enforcement across various sectors were reviewed to address behaviors that contradict the city’s civilizational identity. A clear action plan was also introduced to improve visual identity, reinforce positive behaviors, and sustain urban quality.
Introduction of New Civilizational Indicators
A set of civilizational indicators has been introduced to systematically assess and maintain Dubai’s urban appearance. These include:
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Urban Aesthetics Indicator: Evaluates the harmony and beauty of the city’s architecture in line with the comprehensive urban plan.
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Cleanliness Indicator: Measures the city’s commitment to keeping public spaces clean according to global standards.
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Order and System Indicator: Assesses the effectiveness of regulatory systems that support a high-quality, civilized life.
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Public Behavior Indicator: Tracks societal commitment to positive values and laws, while addressing harmful practices.
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Tranquility Indicator: Focuses on minimizing noise and disturbances to ensure a peaceful urban environment.
These indicators collectively aim to reinforce Dubai’s status as a city that blends architectural beauty with ethical refinement, becoming the most civilized and desirable place to live, work, and visit worldwide.
