Dubai Walk Master Plan will transform Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city

Dubai is gearing up to make walking easier and more enjoyable for everyone with its ambitious Dubai Walk Master Plan. Approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the plan focuses on creating a safer, more accessible, and greener city for pedestrians, WAM reported.

What the plan entails

The Dubai Walk Master Plan aims to build a massive network of 6,500 km of walkways across the Emirates by 2040, connecting 160 areas. This includes:

• 3,300 km of new walkways
• 2,300 km of upgraded pathways
• 110 new pedestrian bridges and underpasses

The walkways will be designed with comfort and safety in mind, featuring shaded paths, green spaces, and advanced lighting. There will also be creative additions like misting systems, interactive screens, and rest areas.

Sheikh Mohammed said the plan is part of a bigger vision to enhance the quality of life in Dubai, making it one of the world’s healthiest and most sustainable cities. The project hopes to:

• Double the percentage of walking and other eco-friendly travel from 13% to 25% by 2040.
• Support Dubai’s “20-Minute City” goal, ensuring 80% of residents can access services within a 20-minute walk or commute.

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, said Sheikh Mohammed.

Key projects include:

Sheikh Mohammed explored three innovative urban space designs aimed at strengthening communities and fostering social interaction:

• The Plaza model will introduce vibrant communal areas to locations such as the Etihad Museum, 2nd of December Street, Al Mamzar, and Mushrif.
• The Superblock model will transform neighborhoods in Al Fahidi, Al Quoz, Al Karama, and Abu Hail during its first phase.
• The Boulevard model will revamp major streets, including Jumeirah, Baniyas, Al Khaleej, and Al Muraqqabat, into pedestrian-friendly zones.

The network will cover 160 areas across the emirate, and 3,300 km of new walkways will be added to the city.

The network will cover 160 areas across the emirate, and see 3,300km of new walkways added to the cityWAM

Other upcoming key projects include:

• The Future Loop, a 2 km elevated walkway connecting landmarks like the Museum of the Future and Dubai World Trade Centre, with air-conditioned and shaded areas.
• Al Ras Historical Route, a 15 km path showcasing Dubai’s heritage, with revitalized public squares and waterfront areas.

Other walkways will link iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina, catering to different needs with scenic paths, community trails, and routes designed to improve connections to public transport.

A new era of smart walking

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.

The project will roll out in phases, starting with a pilot phase from 2025-2027, followed by full implementation through 2040. Dubai’s leaders envision this initiative transforming the city into a global model for pedestrian-friendly living.

Stay tuned as Dubai takes strides—literally and figuratively—toward a greener, healthier future.