A series of plans and policies to help make Dubai one of the world’s most beautiful, most liveable, and healthiest cities have been approved by Sheikh 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.

The initiatives include: the Public Parks and Greenery Strategy; the Aviation Talent 33 initiative and the Sports Sector Strategic Plan 2033, said a Wam news agency report.

In line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Executive Council approved the Public Parks and Greenery Strategy, with a budget of AED18.3 billion ($5.01 billion).

The strategy encompasses over 800 projects, including 310 new parks, the improvement of 322 existing parks, 120 new open spaces, over 70 roads’ rights-of-way, and 14 technological projects.

It aims to boost annual park visits in Dubai to 95 million by 2040 and triple the number of trees, provide 187 sq km of green areas – 11 sq m per person – and use 100 per cent recycled water for irrigation.

The project also promotes healthy lifestyles, aiming for 80 per cent of Dubai’s residents to live within a five-minute walk of their neighbourhood park and within a 10-minute cycle ride of a district park.