Sheikh Hamdan approves 20 Minute City, City Terminal and Disease Early Detection projects in Dubai

Dubai has announced the launch of three huge game-changing projects that will change life as we know it in the emirate.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Dubai Future Foundation, approved the launch of three new projects under the Dubai 10X Initiative.

The initiative aims to place Dubai 10 years ahead of other cities by adopting future-focused government models.

So to keep ahead of the rest of the world, Dubai has approved plans for projects that will save time and money for many Dubai residents, plus improve the overall health and well-being of the public.

The projects have been selected from a pool of 79 ideas developed by over 120 employees representing 33 government entities in Dubai. They were evaluated based on their impact potential, how quickly they can be implemented and the impact they’ll have on the quality of life in Dubai.

Hamdan bin Mohammed approves launch of three new projects under the Dubai 10X Initiative, which aims to place Dubai ten years ahead of other cities by adopting future-focused government models. pic.twitter.com/GMnQDhsGA9

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) January 28, 2026

Sheikh Hamdan approves Dubai 10X projects

1) 20-Minute City

First announced back in 2023, the RTA’s 20-Minute City plan has now been given the seal of approval from Sheikh Hamdan.

The concept is aimed at reducing reliance on cars in Dubai by ensuring residents have access to 80 percent of all essential services and amenities within 20 minutes of walking, cycling and sustainable transport.

The pilot project also aims to improve road safety across the emirate, increase shaded green areas and introduce flexible mobility corridors.

Implementation of this one is already underway in Al Barsha 2. Another example of the 20-Minute City concept is the Dubai Walk Master Plan.

2) City Terminal Project

Dubai international airport DXB — (Credit: DXB)

Designed to improve travel efficiency and passenger experience, the project will enable travellers to complete check-in procedures at locations across Dubai before being transported directly to airport departure halls via secure vehicles.

It aims to reduce the notoriously busy airport congestion and streamline all travel operations.

Implementation of this project will be particularly important as Dubai prepares to transition travel operations from Dubai International Airport to Al Maktoum International Airport in the coming years.

The project is developed in collaboration with the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Police, Emirates, Dubai Airports, the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai, and e& Group.

3) Disease Early Detection System

How to get medical insurance in Dubai — (Credit: Canva)

The Dubai Health Authority is leading a major project to enable early diagnosis, improved care outcomes and reduced treatment costs in the emirate.

The pilot phase is targeting diabetes, which currently costs Dubai an estimated Dhs2.78 billion annually.

Widening the net with this project could have a significant impact on the health and well-being of Dubai residents by both catching diseases early and keeping treatment costs down.

The initiative spans multiple hospitals and health centres, including Canadian Specialist Hospital, Aster Clinics, King’s College Hospital London, Medcare Hospital and HMS Mirdif Hospital.