Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has unveiled a plan to catapult Dubai into the world’s top cities by economic strength in the next 10 years.

According to The National, the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai said the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) plans to add billions of dirhams to the economy across more than 100 projects.

A key goal is placing Dubai in the top three cities by economic strength by 2033 and within the top four global financial centres. The city’s economy would double in the next decade, he said.

The plan envisages a programme to support 30 private companies to achieve unicorn status ― worth more than $1 billion (about Dh3.67 billion). Other business incubators will support the growth of private companies, with 400 of the most promising identified. The D33 plan further seeks to bring 65,000 Emiratis into the labour market, while attracting new universities to the city, bolstering the higher education sector.

“We have adopted today the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33' for the next 10 years, praise to God”, said Sheikh Mohammed, who on Wednesday celebrated 17 years as Ruler.

“During the next decade, we aim to double Dubai's economy and be ranked among the world's top three economic cities. Dubai Economic Agenda includes 100 transformative projects of which details will be announced, economic targets totalling Dh32 trillion for the next 10 years, foreign trade doubling to Dh25 trillion during the next decade and connecting Dubai with 400 new cities around the world through trade corridors”, he said.

“The goal of Dubai is to become one of the top four global financial centres within 10 years, attracting foreign direct investments exceeding Dh700 billion. Our digital transformation will add Dh100 billion to Dubai's economy annually. Our city has more than 300,000 investors. I invite you to join us in becoming one of the fastest growing cities in the world”, he added.

Today, the top financial centres are considered to be New York, London and Hong Kong, with Shanghai, Singapore and San Francisco typically next on the list.