Dubai's vision of becoming one of the world's most walkable cities moved firmly from ambition to blueprint on 7 December 2024. Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan — a comprehensive 6,500km pedestrian network that will cover 160 areas of the emirate and reshape how residents move through the city.
What the Dubai Walk Master Plan Covers
The plan calls for constructing 3,300km of new sidewalks and reconstructing 2,300km of existing paths between now and 2040, with a further 900km envisioned beyond that date. Together, those routes will connect Dubai's most significant landmarks — from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina to DIFC and Jumeirah Lake Towers — while actively promoting health, sustainability, and inclusivity for all residents.
The network includes 112km of waterfront paths, 124km of green walking corridors, 150km of rural and mountain trails, and 110 new pedestrian bridges and underpasses to keep walkers safely separated from traffic.
Phased Rollout and the First Key Routes
The project is divided into three phases. The pilot phase runs from 2025 to 2027 and will deliver the first 17km of pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, concentrated on two areas:
- Al Ras Historical Route — 25 public spaces will be revitalized, including parks, rest stops, and cultural art installations that celebrate Dubai's heritage and traditions. - Al Souk Al Kabeer — designed to foster an active pedestrian environment that integrates and preserves the area's historic commercial character.
The Future Loop: Dubai's Signature Elevated Walkway
The headline feature of the Dubai Walk Master Plan is the Future Loop — a 2km elevated pedestrian pathway with a 30,000-square-metre air-conditioned zone. The route connects three of Dubai's most recognisable landmarks: the Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, and the World Trade Centre. By improving connectivity to nearby transport hubs, the Future Loop is projected to cut daily travel time by approximately one-third for commuters in the area.
New Urban Spaces and Smart Technology
Beyond the paths themselves, the initiative introduces a series of new community-focused urban spaces:
- New squares at the Etihad Museum, Al Mamzar, and Mushrif - Three superblocks in the historic and creative districts of Al Fahidi, Al Karama, and Al Quoz - Street-level pedestrian upgrades along Jumeirah, Baniyas, and Al Muraqqabat Streets
Residents will also benefit from a dedicated smart application for planning walking routes and tracking activity across the network.
The Bigger Picture: Dubai's 20-Minute City Goal
The Dubai Walk Master Plan directly supports Dubai's Urban Plan 2040 and Quality of Life Strategy 2033. The overarching goal is to raise pedestrian and soft-mobility travel from 13% to 25% of all trips by 2040, and to build a "20-minute city" in which 80% of daily needs are accessible on foot or by bicycle. By weaving walkability into the urban fabric, Dubai aims to position itself as one of the world's healthiest and most sustainable metropolises.
