Dubai to be transformed into pedestrian-friendly city under new masterplan

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid says more than 3,000km of pedestrian paths to be created as part of major strategy

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has announced The Dubai Walk Master Plan. All photos: @HHShkMohd X

Sheikh Mohammed, other sheikhs and senior officials attend a ceremony to announce the plans

It will include an integrated walking network featuring 112km of waterfront paths, 124km of green walking paths, and 150km of rural and mountain paths for pedestrians

About 3,300km of pedestrian paths will be constructed

Creating greener communities, with amenities within walking distance, is central to Dubai's development strategy

The master plan calls for developing a '20-minute city'

Dubai on Saturday announced a major project to transform the emirate into a "year-round pedestrian-friendly city", with more than 3,000 kilometres of walkways and 110 new bridges and tunnels.

Dubai Walk Master Plan, announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, is to drive efforts to boost quality of life and encourage people to adopt healthier lifestyles.

It will include a walking network featuring 112km of waterfront paths, 124km of green walking paths and 150km of rural and mountain paths for pedestrians.

Sheikh Mohammed said 3,300km of pedestrian paths would be constructed as part of the vision for the future. A further 2,300km of existing walkways will be upgraded by 2040 under the plan, with another 900km of walkways to be constructed after 2040.

The Dubai Ruler said the initiative will help position the emirate as "one of the world’s healthiest and most sustainable cities".

The pilot phase of the scheme will run from 2025-27, with the entire project to be completed in three stages by 2040.

“We have approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan, a 6,500 km network of modern walkways covering 160 areas across the emirate," Sheikh Mohammed said, in comments shared by Dubai Media Office.

"The plan includes constructing 3,300 km of new walkways and rehabilitating 2,300 km of existing ones by 2040, in addition to more than 900 km of walkways planned beyond 2040. It also involves developing 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to enhance connectivity. This ambitious plan aims to increase pedestrian and soft mobility from 13 per cent to 25 per cent by 2040.

“Dubai is a city of the future, committed to creating a healthy and happy urban environment. The Dubai Walk Master Plan promotes active lifestyles and provides exercise opportunities for all, making walking a central part of our culture and daily lives. This vision will position Dubai as one of the world’s healthiest and most sustainable cities."

Three types of pedestrian paths will be developed, with scenic walkways focused on leisure, as well as areas promoting community and connectivity.

Dubai wants to increase pedestrian and soft mobility, which covers all forms of non-motorised transport, such as walking and cycling, from 13 per cent to 25 per cent.

Celebrating history and modernity

Two key routes will take shape as part of the Dubai government drive in Al Ras and the area surrounding the Museum of the Future.

The Al Ras Historical Route will serve to connect the area's treasured landmarks and will span 15km, including 5km along a revitalised waterfront. Rest areas, green spaces and art and cultural displays are also planned to line the route.

The Future Loop - which will have the Museum of the Future at its heart - will feature an elevated 2km walkway and a 30,000 square-metre, air-conditioned zone to encourage year-round walking.

Creating greener communities with amenities within walking distance is central to Dubai's development strategy as it seeks to meet the demands of a growing population.

In 2022, Sheikh Mohammed set out the next stage of the city's 2040 Urban Master Plan, with new housing and easier commuting among the top priorities.

The master plan calls for developing a '20-minute city' to give residents access to 80 per cent of their daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes by foot or bicycle.

Melbourne and Paris are considered two of the best examples, with public transport, shopping districts and schools clustered within a certain distance.

The plan includes efforts to enhance and use urban spaces, such as alleyways and spaces underneath bridges and squares, “by augmenting the elements of well-being to make them attractive for residents and visitors”.

Enhancing quality of life

In May, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, approved the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033.

To be carried out in three phases in the coming years, it will aim to increase the length of beach cycling tracks by 300 per cent, extend the length of night swimming beaches by 60 per cent, and designate new beaches for women.

More than 30 parks with new designs will be developed across the emirate within three years. Under this plan, more than 115km of pedestrian and cycling tracks will be constructed and more than 3,000 trees and plants will be planted.