Brief
Dubai unveils plan to make 40% of new buildings smart and plant 3.5 million trees
The Dubai Municipality outlined a 2040 vision that includes smart construction, massive urban greening and a Dh30 bn drainage upgrade.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai Municipality announced a sweeping urban‑development strategy that targets 40% of new buildings to be fully smart by 2033, expands green space to 187 sq km and plants about 3.5 million trees by 2040, Gulf News reported on 13 October 2026.
What happened
During a session titled “Dubai Municipality and Life in Dubai 2033” at the Mohammed bin Rashid Leadership Forum, Director General Marwan Ahmed bin Ghalita presented the plan. The strategy also includes a Dh30 billion Tasreef rain‑water drainage project slated for completion in 2033, which will raise the city’s drainage capacity by 700% to handle more than 20 million cubic metres of rainwater per day.
What the reports add
Gulf News noted that the plan covers public parks, beaches, food‑safety measures, construction innovation and the use of digital‑twin technology to manage city operations. It highlighted a virtual dialogue between bin Ghalita and Saeed, the municipality’s first AI‑powered virtual media spokesperson, to illustrate how artificial intelligence will support the rollout.
What was said
Bin Ghalita told the forum that the smart‑building target and green‑space expansion are meant to “make everyday life easier and improve residents’ wellbeing.” The outlet quoted him as saying the drainage upgrade will be the region’s largest integrated rain‑water system.
How it came about
The new strategy builds on earlier municipal initiatives, such as the flame‑tree planting programme announced in September 2026 and the record surge in park visitors reported in mid‑2026. Those efforts have already increased public‑space usage and set a precedent for large‑scale greening, paving the way for the current 3.5 million‑tree target.
Key facts
- Dubai aims for 40% of new buildings to use fully smart construction technologies by 2033. (gulfnews.com)
- The city plans to plant approximately 3.5 million trees by 2040. (gulfnews.com)
- Green and landscaped areas are targeted to reach 187 square kilometres. (gulfnews.com)
- The Dh30 billion Tasreef drainage project will increase rain‑water capacity by 700%, handling over 20 million cubic metres per day. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Dubai's Vision 2040: Smart buildings, 3. 5 million trees, and expansive green spaces”
