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Dubai unveils master plan for pedestrian-friendly city

By Pramod Kumar
People, Person, Adult WAM
Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed reviews the Dubai Walk masterplan, which includes constructing 3,300 km of new walkways and rehabilitating 2,300 km of existing ones by 2040

Dubai has ambitions to transform into a pedestrian-friendly city, including a 6,500 km network of walkways across 160 areas of the emirate.

The Dubai Walk master plan, unveiled by Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will feature uninterrupted pathways and expanded green spaces.

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. It further involves developing 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to enhance connectivity.

The Dubai Walk plan aligns with the emirate’s 2040 urban master plan’s “20-minute city” goal, which aims to increase pedestrian and soft mobility from 13 percent to 25 percent by 2040, the UAE state-run Wam news agency reported, quoting Sheikh Mohammed.

The pilot phase will run from 2025 to 2027, with full implementation in three stages from 2027 to 2040. The project will link major landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

The walkways will incorporate greenery, shaded areas, misting systems, interactive digital screens, art displays, sports and entertainment equipment, rest areas, and commercial spaces, Wam said.

In addition, the “Future Loop” project will include a 2-km elevated bridge that will connect Dubai World Trade Centre, Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre and nearby metro stations.

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