Dubai’s ‘Dubai-it’ mindset fuels 11 landmark projects, officials say. The approach, championed by the ruler of Dubai, turns bold ideas into reality. From Creek Dredging to a Global Trade Hub.
In the 1950s the Dubai Creek was a modest port, but silt and a weak current limited the size of vessels that could enter. A feasibility study estimated that dredging would cost millions of dirhams – a steep price for a city still recovering from the collapse of its pearl‑diving industry. Yet Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum pressed ahead, asking “why not” instead of questioning the expense. The work reshaped the waterway and opened the port to larger ships, marking the first step toward Dubai’s emergence as an international trading centre. The dredging project is remembered as the foundation of Dubai’s commercial rise. By allowing deeper drafts, the creek attracted traders from across the Gulf and beyond, turning a regional harbor into a bustling hub. The success of that early gamble set a precedent for future ventures, reinforcing the belief that ambitious plans can be turned into lasting infrastructure.
World Trade Centre and the Power of Vision. In 1979 the Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC) opened, a 39‑storey tower designed by British architect John R Harris. Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the building as the Sheikh Rashid Tower, and it became the tallest structure in the region, a title it held for more than two decades. The location was remote at the time, prompting skeptics to question the practicality of a trade centre in the middle of an empty stretch of land. Despite early doubts, the DWTC proved the value of long‑term planning. The centre attracted exhibitions, conferences and businesses, gradually filling the surrounding area and cementing Dubai’s reputation as a commercial gateway. Its endurance illustrates how the city’s leadership has repeatedly chosen to act on bold concepts rather than waiting for certainty.
The ‘Dubai-it’ Initiative and Future Projects. To Dubai-it is to believe that the extraordinary is achievable. That speed and excellence can go hand in hand. That the future is not something to wait for, but something to build. — Issam Kazim, Head of DTCM. On Wednesday Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice‑President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, launched the ‘Dubai-it’ initiative. The programme translates the city’s long‑standing attitude into a formal model, aiming to embed the same confidence in upcoming developments.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Dubai-it mindset? The Dubai-it mindset is a philosophy championed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum that encourages bold ideas to be turned into reality through speed, confidence and execution.
Which 11 landmark projects illustrate the Dubai-it mindset? The article highlights projects from the 1950s Dubai Creek dredging to the 1979 Dubai World Trade Centre and the recent Dubai-it initiative, representing the 11 key milestones that embody the approach.
How did the Dubai Creek dredging project affect Dubai’s development? By deepening the creek, the dredging allowed larger ships to enter, transforming the modest port into an international trading hub and laying the foundation for Dubai’s commercial rise.
When was the Dubai World Trade Centre opened and why was it significant? The Dubai World Trade Centre opened in 1979, becoming the region’s tallest building at the time and proving that long‑term planning could turn a remote site into a bustling commercial gateway.
What is the Dubai-it initiative launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum? Launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Dubai-it initiative formalises the city’s long‑standing attitude into a model that aims to embed confidence and rapid execution into future development projects.
