The approach to when Dubai would be one of the most pedestrian-friendly cities globally is slowly becoming a reality. Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced the Dubai Walks project on Saturday, which will consist of a comprehensive 6,500km pedestrian system in 160 areas of Dubai.
The plan is to create additional 3,300 km of sidewalks and reconstruct 2,300 km of paths during 2015–2040, with the next 900 km of walks envisioned beyond 2040. It wants to join the most magnificent landmarks of Dubai while encouraging heath, sustainability, and work for everyone.
.@HHShkMohd approves Dubai Walk Master Plan to transform Dubai into a year-round pedestrian-friendly city. pic.twitter.com/q997Hcn4Sv
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 7, 2024
Phased Rollout and Key Routes
The project has been divided into three phases, with the pilot phase implemented from the year 2025 to 2027. The first 17km of pedestrian-friendly routes will focus on two areas:
- The first one is the Al Ras Historical Route – for this particular route, 25 public areas to be revitalized and incorporated into the project are parks and rest stops as well as art objects that will tell the stories of the city tradition and culture of Dubai.
- Al Souk Al Kabeer – With the intention of generating an active pedestrian environment that embraces cultural heritage structures.
There will also be beautiful landscaping connection to city hotspots like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, DIFC, and JLT to give a glimpse of the richer flavors of the city.
Future Loop and Infrastructure improvement
Highlight of the Dubai Walk is Future Loop, 2km elevated pedestrian path between Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, and the World Trade Centre. Increased accessibility to transportation networks in that region will cut down on daily travel time by a third; it means that half a million people every day will benefit.
Urban Places and Technology Applications
The initiative also introduces new community-focused urban spaces:
- Square at the Etihad Museum, Al Mamzar and Mushrif.
- Three superblocks in Al Fahidi, Al Karama and Al Quoz districts.
- STREET LEVEL Along Jumeirah, Baniyas and Al Muraqqabat Streets.
For the following users, a dedicated smart application in tracking walking routes as well as the duration of the walk.
