Dubai is taking a big step toward a greener and more pedestrian-friendly future with its new Dubai Walk master plan, spanning an impressive 6,500km.
Covering 160 areas, this network of walkways aims to improve pedestrian access, promote soft mobility like cycling and scooters, and help reduce carbon emissions, all while offering scenic routes for residents and visitors.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that the plan includes building 3,300km of new walkways and upgrading 2,300km of existing ones by 2040. Beyond that, an additional 900km of pathways are planned for after 2040. To improve connectivity, 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses will also be built, aiming to increase the share of pedestrian and soft mobility users from 13% to 25% by 2040.
Different Walkway Types
The master plan will feature three kinds of walkways:
- Scenic-leisure walkways: Designed to highlight Dubai’s diverse natural beauty, including:
- 112km waterfront walkways
- 124km green pathways
- 150km rural trails
- 64km urban walkways
- City connectivity pathways: These will link key areas like Al Rigga, Business Bay, and Dubai World Trade Center, providing easy first- and last-mile connections.
- Community walkways: Focused on residential areas, the first phase will cover Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, and Al Mizhar 1, with plans to expand to 50 neighborhoods by 2040.
Key Features of Dubai Walkways
The walkways will include:
- Greenery and shaded areas
- Misting systems for cooling
- Interactive digital screens
- Public art displays
- Rest spots and commercial spaces
These features aim to improve pedestrian safety, provide enjoyable spaces, and integrate cultural and creative elements that reflect the unique identity of each area.
Promoting Soft Mobility
The walkways will encourage the use of low-carbon transport such as bicycles, scooters, and walking. This aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a 20-minute city, where 80% of residents will have access to essential services—like schools and supermarkets—within a 20-minute commute.
According to Dr. Monica Menendez from NYU Abu Dhabi, achieving this goal will also require expanded public transportation and infrastructure for walking and biking, alongside modern concepts like shared vehicles and on-demand transport services.
Connecting Communities
Community walkways will connect residents to nearby facilities while promoting interaction. The plan also includes creating plazas and hubs at key locations like Etihad Museum and Al Mamzar, as well as green boulevards on streets such as Jumeirah, Baniyas, and Al Muraqqabat.
Additionally, the design guidelines for these walkways emphasize sustainability with continuous shaded paths, sustainable lighting, public art spaces, and more rest areas.
Transforming Dubai’s Landscape
The Dubai Walk master plan is set to redefine the city, making it more walkable, eco-friendly, and connected. From scenic trails to bustling boulevards, this project will enhance the city’s charm while supporting a sustainable future.
