Dubai unveils master plan for pedestrian-friendly city

According to the Government of Dubai Media Office on December 7, 2024, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan (Dubai Walk), a visionary initiative aimed at transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said that enhancing the quality of life in Dubai remains a key focus of the emirate's strategic vision. He emphasised that innovative infrastructure projects and the development of a distinctive, modern destination reflect Dubai's global stature, further strengthening its position as the preferred city to live, work, and visit.

His Highness added: “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.

Dubai Walk Master Plan plans to build a 6,500 km network of modern walkways covering 160 areas across the emirate. 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. This ambitious plan aims to increase pedestrian and soft mobility from 13% to 25% by 2040. The pilot phase runs from 2025-2027, with full implementation in three stages from 2027-2040.

The plan includes the development of 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to enhance connectivity across urban areas. Key projects include a bridge on Al Ittihad Road connecting Al Nahda and Al Mamzar, a bridge on Tripoli Street linking Al Warqa and Mirdif, a bridge on Al Khawaneej Street joining Mushrif and Al Khawaneej, and a bridge on Dubai-Al Ain Road connecting Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubailand.

The project will seamlessly link major landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Each route will feature distinctive designs, colours, lighting, and landscaping, reflecting the unique identity of its surrounding area.

The walkways will incorporate greenery, shaded areas, misting systems, interactive digital screens, art displays, sports and entertainment equipment, rest areas, and commercial spaces. Accessibility and safety are prioritised through the use of signage, ground markings, lighting, integrated pavements, art displays, and integration with navigation systems and smart applications.

In addition, a smart application will be launched which will promote walking by enabling users to track and share their walking data (routes, steps, duration, distance). It will provide information on walkway features, facilities, user reviews, and allow users to save favourite routes. The app will also include a database of Dubai's pedestrian network, highlighting points of interest, art displays, rest areas, and nearby events. A reward system will award points for distances walked, redeemable for discounts or digital wallet credits.

Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed reviews the Dubai Walk masterplan [https://www.agbi.com/construction/2024/12/dubai-unveils-master-plan-for-pedestrian-friendly-city/]

Source: https://mediaoffice.ae/en/news/2024/december/07-12/dubai-walk

Editor：pen Siwei