Dubai residents have long experienced the magic of turning dreams into reality, and now there’s a term that embodies this culture: “Dubai-it.” This concept captures the essence of the city’s relentless pursuit of ambition and excellence, inspired by an initiative from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Birth of “Dubai-it”

On June 17, Sheikh Mohammed, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, unveiled the “Dubai-it” initiative. He defined it as a verb, encapsulating the city’s essence: “To achieve something extraordinary with excellence in record time.” This philosophy emphasizes the transformative journey of Dubai, which evolved from a barren desert into a thriving global metropolis. The initiative resonates deeply with residents, who feel it articulates their daily lives and aspirations.

Many individuals living in Dubai have embraced this ethos wholeheartedly. For them, “Dubai-it” is more than just a phrase; it’s a way of life that reflects their high-energy, task-focused approach. The city inspires them to set ambitious goals and accomplish them swiftly and effectively.

Voices of Residents

Saba Hiba Assi, a 45-year-old Lebanese managing director of Bu Abdullah Investment Group, is one of those inspired by the initiative. Having lived in Dubai for four years, Assi felt exhilarated upon first encountering Sheikh Mohammed’s post about “Dubai-it.” She remarked that he accurately articulated a sentiment many residents share—the fast-paced, high-quality lifestyle that defines Dubai. “It feels like he captured our spirit perfectly,” she stated, highlighting the city’s dedication to excellence and speed.

As a business leader, Assi relates closely to the principles underlying “Dubai-it.” She often races against time to achieve her goals and has developed a knack for delivering outstanding results quickly. “This is me,” she confessed, emphasizing a daily commitment to embodying the initiative’s values in her work life.

A Mindset for Success

Rashid Shaikh, an Indian entrepreneur and founder of RIVIA, shares similar sentiments. Having lived in Dubai for over 25 years, he sees “Dubai-it” as an embodiment of the city’s spirit. He describes the phrase as not merely a slogan but rather an entire mindset—one that encourages decisiveness and excellence without settling for mediocrity. “My first reaction was pride,” he expressed, recognizing the phrase as a fitting representation of the city’s dynamic energy.

Shaikh, who transitioned from a corporate role to founding his own fragrance company, believes that the environment in Dubai fosters innovation and ambition. He remarks, “The city instills confidence and inspires its residents to transform their aspirations into tangible actions.” His commitment to this philosophy is evident as he continuously strives to “build, improve, and refuse to stay small.”

With plans to launch a podcast focusing on the stories of successful entrepreneurs in Dubai, Shaikh aims to inspire the younger generation to embrace entrepreneurial spirit and personal growth. He credits the vibrant atmosphere of the city for driving his ambitions forward, believing that success lies not just in dreaming but also in diligent execution.

Dubai’s “Dubai-it” initiative encapsulates a lifestyle that thrives on ambition, innovation, and excellence. As residents like Assi and Shaikh illustrate, this philosophy is more than a trend; it’s a blueprint for transforming dreams into reality, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a place where anything is possible through hard work and dedication.