To elevate Dubai’s position as a pedestrian-friendly city, the Dubai Walk Master Plan (Dubai Walk) has been approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Designed to provide accessibility, safety and a comfortable walking experience to everyone, this integrated network of walkways is a testament to Dubai’s vision to engage in a healthy lifestyle and indulge in calming green spaces.
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. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized 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.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Ruler of Dubai, Vice President & Prime Minister – UAE
“We have approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan, 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. It also involves developing 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to enhance connectivity. This ambitious plan aims to increase pedestrian and soft mobility from 13 percent to 25 percent by 2040.”
His Highness added that, “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.”
Sheikh Mohammed reviewed the development of walkways through 2040 and set design standards to ensure seamless integration with the distinctive character of each area.
The Dubai Walk Master Plan is in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s ‘20-Minute City’ goal, which enables 80 percent of residents to access essential services within a 20-minute commute, and the Quality of Life Strategy 2033.
.@HHShkMohd approves the Dubai Walk Master Plan (Dubai Walk), a visionary initiative aimed at transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city. The Dubai Walk Master Plan will establish an integrated network of walkways with a unique identity, focusing on accessibility, safety,… pic.twitter.com/FdXN3zTWIs
Integrating creative and innovative ideas into this soft mobility infrastructure, Dubai Walk is also expected to bring out the skillful side of Emirati talents.
Key projects in the pedestrian bridge 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 connect major landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Each route will feature distinctive designs, colors, lighting, and landscaping, reflecting the unique identity of its surrounding area.
Full-fledged Amenities
To serve as a whole package of health, entertainment and development, Dubai Walk will be filled with greenery and shaded areas, misting systems, interactive digital screens, art displays, sports and entertainment equipment, rest areas, and commercial spaces.
Accessibility and safety are prioritized through the use of signage, ground markings, lighting, integrated pavements, art displays, and integration with navigation systems and smart applications.
Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed key pathway projects;
The 17 km first phase of pedestrian walkways, features two key routes. The 15 km Al Ras Historical Route in Al Ras and Al Souk Al Kabeer highlights the emirate’s heritage, including 5 km along the revitalized waterfront with 25 rehabilitated public squares featuring shaded rest areas, green spaces, and art displays.
‘The Future Loop’ project which will be implemented at the Museum of the Future area. This iconic elevated walkway, spanning 2 km with a width ranging from 6 to 15 meters, seamlessly connects key landmarks, including the Dubai World Trade Centre, Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and nearby metro stations.
The Future Loop project – Dubai Walk.
– Spanning 2 km with a width ranging from 6 to 15 meters
– Connecting 10 key locations
– Featuring a 30,000-square-meter air-conditioned level for year-round walking
– Offering 30,000 square meters of shaded, green open spaces
– Including… pic.twitter.com/emWPXH1XzL
It will connect to 10 key locations, a 30,000-square-metre air-conditioned level for year-round walking, and an additional 30,000 square meters of shaded, green open spaces. The project, which will include commercial spaces, is set to be developed through a public-private partnership.
The Scenic-Leisure Walkways include 112 km of waterfront paths, 64 km in urban areas, 124 km of green paths, and 150 km of rural and mountain trails.
The City Connectivity Walkways focus on first- and last-mile connections to public transport in 30 areas, including Al Rigga, Business Bay, Al Bada’a, and the Trade Centre.
The Community Walkways are designed to link residential areas to nearby attractions in 50 areas, beginning with Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, and Al Mizhar 1.
His Highness further reviewed three models for urban spaces;
The first model, Plazas, will be implemented in four locations: Etihad Museum, 2nd of December Street, Al Mamzar, and Mushrif.
The second model, Superblocks, will cover four areas in its initial phase: Al Fahidi, Al Quoz, Al Karama, and Abu Hail.
The third model, Boulevards, will be executed on four streets: Jumeirah, Baniyas, Al Khaleej, and Al Muraqqabat, transforming them into pedestrian-friendly spaces.
The master plan also includes the integration of a smart application 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 their favorite 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.
