Dubai is set to revolutionize urban mobility and quality of life with the launch of the ‘Dubai Walk’ project, spearheaded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This ambitious initiative aims to transform the city into a pedestrian-friendly metropolis, integrating an extensive network of walkways, green spaces, and smart features to promote healthier living and sustainable urban development.
A Visionary Leap Towards a Pedestrian-Friendly City
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan, a groundbreaking initiative designed to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors by making Dubai a truly walkable city. This project aligns with Dubai’s strategic vision to become a global leader in sustainability and modern infrastructure, emphasizing a commitment to creating an inclusive environment that fosters well-being and innovation.
Key Takeaways
- Extensive Network: The plan includes a 6,500 km network of walkways, with 3,300 km of new pathways and 2,300 km of upgrades by 2040, and an additional 900 km planned beyond that.
- Enhanced Connectivity: The initiative will feature 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to improve urban connectivity.
- Phased Implementation: The first phase (2025-2027) will introduce 17 km of walkways, including the 15 km Al Ras Historical Route and The Future Loop, a 2 km elevated walkway around the Museum of the Future.
- Diverse Walkway Categories: Walkways are categorized into:
- Scenic-leisure walkways (waterfront paths, green trails, rural walkways)
- City connectivity walkways (links to public transport hubs)
- Community walkways (linking residential areas to attractions)
- Smart and Sustainable Features: Walkways will incorporate cultural elements, greenery, shaded areas, misting systems, and smart applications for navigation. A dedicated app will allow users to track activity and earn rewards.
- Alignment with Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: The project supports the ’20-Minute City’ concept, aiming to increase pedestrian and soft mobility from 13% to 25% by 2040.
Transforming Urban Spaces and Mobility
The Dubai Walk project is a significant component of the broader Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which envisions doubling green and recreational spaces and increasing public beaches by 400%. This comprehensive plan focuses on sustainable urban development, aiming to provide the highest standards of urban infrastructure and facilities. The Dubai Walk will integrate innovative designs, air-conditioned sections, and digital interaction zones to promote sustainability and pedestrian safety.
Projects like the Al Ras area rehabilitation will preserve Dubai’s historical character, while modern elements such as The Future Loop will create seamless connections to landmarks like the Museum of the Future, Dubai World Trade Centre, and metro stations. The plan also introduces three urban models—Plazas, Superblocks, and Boulevards—to redefine pedestrian spaces in key locations, focusing on accessibility and cultural integration. Roads like Al Khaleej and Jumeirah will be transformed into pedestrian-friendly boulevards, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a global pioneer in urban planning and community well-being.
Sources
- Dubai Trolley arrives in Downtown, set to roll out soon – News – Emirates, Emirates24|7.
- Dubai firms unveil plans for ‘city of the future’ – News, Emirates24|7.
- A key to turn ideas into reality, Gulf News.
- Sheikh Mohammed launches ‘Dubai Walk’ project to transform city mobility, Gulf News.
- 60% of Dubai to be turned into nature reserves, Gulf News.