This just started in Al Ras, and people are already noticing it.
Dubai Walk has officially begun its first phase, opening new pedestrian routes through one of the city's oldest districts. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for Phase I of the Dubai Walk Master Plan in Al Ras — and what takes shape here sets the direction for a much larger rollout across the emirate in the years ahead.
The idea is straightforward: make walking a real part of everyday life in a city that has long leaned on cars.
Dubai Walk Al Ras: What Phase I Includes
Al Ras is where this begins, and the choice feels intentional. The area carries genuine history, and the streets are now getting a fresh upgrade that still respects that identity.
Phase I includes 12 kilometres of walkways and 5 kilometres of cycling tracks. Paths come with shaded sections, seating areas, and lighting that keeps everything usable after sunset. Misting systems, digital wayfinding tools, and recreational fitness equipment are also part of the design.
Public spaces feature artwork by Emirati creatives — produced in coordination with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority — adding personality to the routes. Landmarks including Al Fahidi Fort, Al Ahmadiya School, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Al Ras Public Library, and the Al Shindagha Historic District sit along the way, giving people more reason to spend time in the area.
Walking Now Fits Into Daily Plans
The Dubai Walk project sits under the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, which targets a "20-minute city" where residents can reach more than 80% of essential services without a car. The broader plan covers 160 areas, creating routes that link neighbourhoods, public spaces, and key destinations.
The wider vision is significant: 6,000 kilometres of walkways across the emirate by 2040, plus 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to strengthen district connectivity. The target is to increase the share of walking and soft mobility trips from 16% in 2025 to 25% by 2040.
Walking starts to make practical sense for short trips, quick errands, and casual time outdoors — especially in older districts where everything already sits close together.
Getting Around Feels More Connected
The Al Ras phase links directly to public transport through 11 access points connecting metro, bus, and marine stations. This makes it easier to switch between walking and transit without any friction.
Digital wayfinding tools guide routes, while shaded walkways and cooling features — including misting systems — support comfortable daytime use even in warmer months.
The setup makes it genuinely easier to leave the car behind for regular trips in the area.
The Details People Will Notice
The experience comes down to the smaller touches that make a space worth returning to.
Shaded paths provide relief during warmer hours. Seating areas give people space to pause. Lighting keeps the streets active and safe after dark. Cycling tracks run alongside key sections, adding another option for short distances. Public art installations throughout the district give each route its own look and feel.
These details make the space more inviting for everyday use — not just for visitors, but for people who live and work nearby.
Dubai Walk has started, and Al Ras gives a clear picture of what is coming next. With pedestrian routes, cycling tracks, transport integration, and revived public spaces all in place, walking is beginning to take on a bigger role in daily routines across the city. As more of the 160 planned areas follow through 2027 and beyond, this project will continue to shift how people move through and spend time in Dubai.
