Dubai Walk Master Plan: Transforming Dubai into a Year-round Pedestrian-Friendly City

December 12, 2024

/

Luxury Insights

A city known for its architectural marvels and futuristic vision, Dubai continues to push the boundaries of innovation. The emirate's latest initiative, the Dubai Walk Master Plan, paves the way for a transformative journey towards sustainable urban living. Approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the plan aspires to make Dubai a more pedestrian-friendly city. Let us walk you through the details of this groundbreaking initiative, showcasing how it aims to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.

An Overview of the Dubai Walk Master Plan

The Dubai Walk Master Plan aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s ‘20-Minute City’ objective, which ensures 80% of residents can access essential services within a 20-minute commute.

“We have approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan, a 6,500 km network of modern walkways covering 160 areas across the emirate. This ambitious plan aims to promote active lifestyles and make walking a central part of our culture and daily lives.” – His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The project will effortlessly connect iconic landmarks, including Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Each route will be characterized by unique designs, vibrant colors, tailored lighting, and thoughtful landscaping, capturing the distinctive essence of its surrounding area. The master plan is structured to unfold in a series of phases, each contributing to the emirate's transformation into a pedestrian-friendly city.

Pilot Phase (2025–2027): This initial phase focuses on developing key routes, such as the Al Ras Historical Route, to showcase Dubai's heritage. It includes the construction of new walkways and the rehabilitation of existing ones, setting the foundation for the comprehensive network.

Full Implementation (2027–2040): Following the pilot phase, the plan will be executed in three stages over 13 years. This period aims to complete the 6,500 km network by constructing 3,300 km of new walkways and upgrading 2,300 km of existing paths. Additionally, 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses will be developed to enhance connectivity across urban areas.

In support of the Quality of Life Strategy 2033, the plan prioritizes pedestrian safety, enhances connectivity between existing walkways, and incorporates creative and cultural elements into the soft mobility infrastructure. Central to this plan are two significant routes—the 15 km Al Ras Historical Route and the 2 km Future Loop near the Museum of the Future. 

An Overview of the Dubai Walk Master Plan

Al Ras Historical Route: A Journey Through Time

The Al Ras Historical Route traverses the historic districts of Al Ras and Al Souk Al Kabeer, areas that have long been the heart of Dubai's cultural and commercial activities. This 15 km pathway is meticulously designed to immerse pedestrians in the city's storied past while providing modern amenities for comfort and engagement.

Al Ras Historical Route: A Journey Through Time

Key Features:

  • Revitalized Waterfront: Spanning 5 km along the waterfront, this section has been rejuvenated to include shaded rest areas, lush green spaces, and art installations that narrate Dubai's maritime heritage.
  • Public Squares: The route features 25 rehabilitated public squares, each thoughtfully designed with seating, greenery, and cultural displays, fostering community interaction and reflection.
  • Cultural Preservation: Architectural elements along the route adhere to minimalist designs using natural materials, ensuring harmony with the historical character of the surroundings.
  • Microclimate Control: Innovative design strategies leverage the area's natural layout to enhance ventilation and provide strategic shading, ensuring pedestrian comfort even during warmer months.
  • Guided Pathways: Diverse flooring materials and subtle cues guide visitors to key attractions, creating an intuitive and engaging walking experience.

The Future Loop: A Nexus of Innovation

Adjacent to the iconic Museum of the Future, the 2 km Future Loop represents Dubai's dedication to innovation and sustainability. This elevated, climate-controlled walkway connects key landmarks, offering a futuristic urban mobility solution.

Key Features:

  • Seamless Connectivity: The Future Loop links 10 major attractions, facilitating effortless movement across the area.
  • Sustainable Design: It will include 30,000 sq. m. of air-conditioned space for a comfortable year-round walking experience, complemented by an additional 30,000 sq. m. of shaded and green open areas.
  • Interactive Spaces: The design includes commercial areas, recreational zones, and cultural exhibits, transforming the walkway into a dynamic public space that encourages social interaction and engagement.
  • Infrastructure Enhancements: Surrounding the Future Loop, road infrastructure improvements encompass 6,200 meters of vehicle bridges and tunnels, optimizing traffic flow and accessibility for approximately 500,000 residents and visitors.

Smart Integration

Complementing the physical infrastructure, a dedicated smart application will be launched to promote walking by enabling users to track and share their walking data, including routes, steps, duration, and distance. The app will offer detailed information about walkway features, facilities, user reviews, and the ability to save favorite routes.

It will also include a comprehensive database of Dubai's pedestrian network, showcasing points of interest, rest areas, art installations, and nearby events. To further motivate users, a reward system will award points for distances walked, which can be redeemed for discounts or digital wallet credits.

A Step Towards Global Leadership

With the approval of the Dubai Walk Master Plan, the city strengthens its position as a global leader in sustainable urban development. It reflects Dubai’s commitment to innovation and inclusivity, offering an enhanced lifestyle for its diverse population.

Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, the Dubai Walk Master Plan invites you to experience the city like never before—on foot, through a journey that seamlessly blends history, culture, and modernity.

Dubai’s vision to be a pedestrian-friendly city is not just about walkways; it’s about creating a future where every step enhances community, connectivity, and sustainability.

A Step Towards Global Leadership

FAQs About Investing in Orise by Beyond

The Dubai Transport Master Plan is a strategic initiative designed to create an integrated, sustainable, and efficient transportation system. Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, it focuses on enhancing public transport, optimizing land use, promoting green spaces, improving accessibility, and supporting sustainable urban growth to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors.
 

The Dubai Walk Master Plan integrates pockets of nature into its design by incorporating shaded green spaces, vertical gardens, and landscaped areas along walkways. These features provide pedestrians with cooler, more comfortable environments while enhancing the aesthetic appeal and promoting a connection to nature within urban settings.
 

The plan promotes walking as a central part of daily life by constructing shaded and green walkways, integrating art and cultural elements, and ensuring seamless connectivity to key landmarks and public transport. It also includes pedestrian-friendly infrastructure such as 110 bridges and underpasses.
 

The project will be carried out in multiple phases. The pilot phase, focusing on iconic routes like the Al Ras Historical Route, will run from 2025 to 2027. Full implementation, including 3,300 km of new walkways and the rehabilitation of 2,300 km of existing ones, is expected to be completed by 2040.

For more information, get in touch with us at Provident