Dubai 2040 Urban Plan: Ruler sets out ambitions to create '20-minute city'

Dubai's Ruler has set out the next stage of the city's 2040 Urban Master Plan, with new housing and easier commuting among the top priorities.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, detailed phase two of the long-term strategy.

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

There are further plans to grow food within the city limits. The government has already invested in companies using vertical farming to create produce.

“Today, we have a clear vision for the development of Dubai’s urban infrastructure and housing sector until 2040,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“Our goal is for Dubai to be an eco- and pedestrian-friendly city, and a city with a high yield from urban agriculture.”

Plan: Create zones, each with their own theme and that will include a range of lifestyle facilities to cater to its population
Plan: Dedicate 60 per cent of Dubai emirate to nature reserves and natural areas
Plan: Increase length of public beaches by as much as 400 per cent
Plan: Ensure 55 per cent of the population will live within 800 metres of a main public transport station
Plan: Boost tourism, protect environment and build a sustainable hydro-electric power plant
Plan: Build and renovate communities dedicated to Emiratis to include green spaces, commercial centres and recreational facilities

New housing

The plan would ensure that supply meets demand in the property sector, at a time of soaring rental prices and a sales boom.

A September report showed the average annual rent for a villa in Dubai reached Dh268,758 ($73,171) last month after prices jumped 26 per cent year-on-year, while average apartment rents soared 27 per cent to Dh89,986.

The plan “calls for proactive initiatives to manage opportunities and changes in the real estate market, achieve sustainable urban development, and boost investor confidence”, Dubai Media Office said.

The first phase of the plan, unveiled last year, includes major new housing developments in Dubai South, around the Expo City site and Dubai World Central airport, and in Silicon Oasis, a business park and residential area to the south of Dubai International Airport.

High yield urban farming

The plan calls for high-yield agriculture and farming by identifying suitable locations and developing the infrastructure and facilities required to ensure food security.

“Phase II also outlines plans for preserving urban heritage to enhance the emirate’s identity, promote historical areas, landmarks and buildings, and improve the tourism experience at archaeological sites,” the report said.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid visited Bustanica, a three-hectare farm operated by Emirates Flight Catering. All photos by Dubai Media Office
The vertical farm is capable of producing more than 1,000 tonnes of leafy greens each year.
Accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the advanced technologies used in the agricultural complex.
Four different kinds of lettuce, kale and spinach are produced over Bustanica's three floors.
The plants are grown in the facility using hydroponic methods, which grow plants without the use of soil and use 70 to 90 per cent less water than conventional farming.
Emirates Flight Catering is already using the products on board Emirates flights.
The Dh150 million three-hectare farm near Al Maktoum International Airport is a joint venture between EKFC and Crop One.

Building a 20-minute city

The master plan also calls for developing a 20-minute city, where residents can reach their destinations on foot or by bicycle within 20 minutes.

“The project involves developing integrated service centres with all the necessary facilities and increasing the population density around mass transit stations, allowing residents access to 80 per cent of their daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes,” the report added.

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

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

It further details efforts to provide for pedestrians and people using bikes and scooters.

Hatta and Dubai beach plan

Work is already under way to develop the town of Hatta into an adventure attraction in the coming years around the existing lake and dam.