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UAE, 00 February 2026: His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said: Global cities are experiencing an unprecedented phase of accelerated change across all dimensions, including growth, technology, public expectations, and environmental challenges. He noted that this reality requires governments to redefine their roles and tools in leading major transformations, shifting from the role of operator to that of enabler and regulator, while empowering the private sector to drive innovation through clear and structured partnerships--an approach he stressed is essential to ensuring sustainable growth and enhancing quality of life for future generations. He added that during the previous edition of the Summit, and in the presence of His Highness 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, a memorandum of understanding was signed with The Boring Company to study the implementation of the Dubai Loop project. Al Tayer said: The project has since moved from the study phase to implementation, with the support of the wise leadership, and is set to become a reality in the near future. It represents a step change in the emirates transport system. He emphasised that the project constitutes a transformative solution for first- and last-mile mobility trips, aimed at introducing innovative approaches within this segment of the mobility ecosystem. These remarks were delivered during the main panel discussion at World Government Summit 2026, moderated by journalist Mina Al-Oraibi, and attended by a distinguished gathering of decision-makers, government leaders, and representatives from international organisations and the private sector. The session examined the role of governments in leading urban transformation, the future of mobility, and the importance of partnerships in building resilient cities capable of adapting to accelerating global change. Era of Urban Acceleration Al Tayer said: The current phase facing global cities can be described as an era of urban acceleration, driven by population growth, rapid technological advancement, rising public expectations, and escalating environmental challenges. He noted that more than 55% of the worlds population currently lives in cities, a proportion expected to rise to 70% by 2050, placing increasing pressure on infrastructure and urban services. He added that Dubai has recorded an annual population growth rate of around 7%, with the daytime population close to 6 million, alongside sustained growth in international tourism. The emirate welcomed more than 17 million international visitors last year, representing a 5% increase compared to 2024. Al Tayer added: Global geopolitical developments have contributed to strengthening Dubais attractiveness as a preferred destination for living and long-term settlement, underpinned by the emirates high standards of quality of life, safety, and stability. He affirmed that Dubais vision, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is centred on transitioning towards a mobility ecosystem that places people at the heart of planning. This approach aims to reduce travel time and emissions while enhancing quality of life, enabling the emirates shift from a city designed for vehicles to a city designed for people. Confidence and Quality of Life Indicators His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said: Dubais attractiveness is also reflected in qualitative indicators that underscore the confidence of high-net-worth individuals and business leaders in the emirates economic and social environment. He noted that the number of luxury vehicles registered in Dubai has reached approximately 170,000 vehicles, while the cumulative value of premium number plates over the past three years has totalled around AED 1.7 billion, reaffirming Dubais position as a preferred global destination for living and investment. He said that these indicators, together with rapid population growth and rising visitor numbers, place direct pressure on infrastructure systems and quality of life. This reality, he explained, calls for innovative solutions and sustainable investments that balance the need to accommodate growth with maintaining service efficiency, at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping how services are designed and how swiftly decisions are made. Environmental Challenges and Rising Expectations His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said: Environmental challenges are among the most pressing issues facing cities today, given that urban areas account for more than 70% of global carbon emissions. He added that this reality requires governments to adopt sustainable transport solutions that reduce reliance on private vehicles. He also highlighted that customer expectations continue to rise, particularly among younger generations, who benchmark government services against the worlds leading digital practices and expect nothing less than fully integrated and seamless service experiences. From Operator to Enabler His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer said: Are governments capable of addressing these challenges on their own? The clear answer is no. The next phase requires governments to move from the role of operator to that of enabler and regulator, while empowering the private sector to lead innovation through partnerships defined by clear objectives and standards. This approach is reinforced by the outcomes of the World Economic Forum 2026, which highlight the importance of strengthening public-private partnerships, particularly in technology and the urban economy. He explained: Dubai is a city that transforms challenges into opportunities, having adopted this approach at an early stage through the development of flexible legislative and regulatory frameworks. Amon
