Press Releases
01 Feb 2026
Statement of Mattar Al Tayer Marking 18th Anniversary of Hamdan bin Mohammed’s Appointment as Crown Prince of Dubai and Maktoum bin Mohammed’s Appointment as First Deputy Ruler of Dubai
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Roads and Transport Authority, extended his highest congratulations to His Highness Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, and to His Highness Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, on the 18th anniversary of assuming their leadership responsibilities in the Emirate of Dubai. He affirmed that this occasion represents a pivotal milestone in Dubai’s strategic transformation journey and marks a qualitative shift in leadership practices and in shaping the future.
He said: “Over the past eighteen years, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed have presented an advanced leadership model that combines clear vision, swift decision-making, and humanity in management, along with the ability to transform challenges into sustainable development opportunities. Their approach draws inspiration from the vision of His Highness Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, in building a proactive government that does not wait for the future but creates it.
“Alongside Their Highnesses’ efforts in managing major strategic portfolios, they have accorded special attention to citizens’ affairs, providing direct care and close follow-up on matters relating to citizens and their quality of life. This reflects a human-centred, development-driven approach that places people at the heart of the development process. This commitment is clearly demonstrated through the close supervision of the citizens’ housing programme and the oversight of the implementation of the targets set under Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033, including a series of qualitative projects and initiatives that strengthen family stability, social wellbeing, and economic opportunities for citizens, while building a cohesive, productive and prosperous society.
“Their Highnesses’ support for major strategic projects across the roads and transport sectors has been decisive in enhancing future infrastructure readiness. Foremost among these is the implementation of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, one of the largest mass transit projects currently undertaken by Roads and Transport Authority, extending 30 km and comprising 14 stations. The line will serve nine key districts expected to accommodate around one million residents by 2040. He also highlighted the Aerial Taxi and autonomous taxis, which are scheduled to commence operations this year, in addition to the delivery of more than 70 road projects over the next three years. Together, these initiatives will enhance mobility efficiency, improve traffic flow, elevate quality of life, and support sustainable urban development.
“The leadership role of His Highness Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been particularly evident in steering future-focused portfolios, foremost among them artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and accelerating the adoption of advanced technologies across government operations. Through his guidance, Dubai has established a clear strategic direction that positions the emirate as a global platform for artificial intelligence applications and a pioneering model in leveraging these technologies to enhance government efficiency, quality of life, and economic competitiveness. He affirmed that this approach has transformed artificial intelligence in Dubai from a mere technical tool into a central engine for decision-making, policy development, productivity improvement, and faster delivery.
“The leadership of His Highness Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has formed a fundamental pillar in consolidating financial stability, strengthening economic resilience, and enhancing Dubai’s readiness to keep pace with global shifts. This has been achieved through balanced fiscal and economic policies that have reinforced investor confidence, strengthened the emirate’s position as a global hub for business and finance, and established it as a launchpad for the new economy.”
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer concluded: “The achievements realised over the past eighteen years constitute a solid foundation for a more ambitious phase ahead. He stated that, guided by the vision and leadership of His Highness Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai will witness a new qualitative leap centred on deepening the use of artificial intelligence, accelerating innovation, strengthening the integration of the digital economy, and developing smart infrastructure capable of keeping pace with future aspirations. Dubai is entering a more advanced stage that will further consolidate its position as a global city for creating opportunities, an open laboratory for future solutions, and a leading model in advanced government leadership.”