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Dubai launches an ambitious plan to make the city a more pedestrian-friendly destination. It aims to promote mobility and active lifestyles for its residents.
By investing in extensive infrastructure and prioritizing sustainable transportation, the emirate aims to create a more livable and vibrant urban environment.
A Walkable Revolution
The plan is nothing short of extensive. On Saturday, December 7, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, announced the Dubai Walk Master Plan, a strategy to make the emirate a place where walking is enjoyable year-round. It involves building a massive network of new walkways stretching 3,300km and 110 new bridges and tunnels.
The Dubai Walk scheme is expected to be completed by 2040, with a pilot phase running from 2025 to 2027. Dubai Media Office stated that the initiative seeks to boost pedestrian and eco-friendly transportation usage from 13% to 25%. Further details will be announced at a later date.
“City authorities are trying to change tactics,” said Apostolos Kyriazis, associate professor of urbanism at Abu Dhabi University, in an article by The National. “More and more are trying to turn the priority to ones that need it – such as walking and cycling. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of these cities.”
A City Designed for People
By promoting pedestrian mobility, Dubai Walk aligns with the city’s larger 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan called for developing a “20-minute city”, giving residents access to 80 per cent of their daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes by foot or bicycle.1
The Dubai plan could enhance safety and bridge the divide often created by car-centric urban design. Though the street network provides physical connections, it can also create social divisions. They create barriers and foster social isolation.
It is also anticipated that the plan will benefit the elderly and individuals with mobility impairments. Enhancing walking conditions can improve the mobility of these groups, especially when they are sensitive to aspects such as steps and short crossing times at signalised crossings.
The Role of Public Transport
Dubai is also attempting to reduce car dependency by expanding its public transportation system, particularly the Dubai Metro and bus network. Authorities have upgraded bus stations, including the addition of shaded waiting areas to enhance passenger convenience.2
Professor Kyriazis acknowledged the challenge of increasing walkability in Dubai, but suggested that combining this with expanded public transport could alleviate traffic congestion.
“More roads, more traffic – this is a universal law,” he said. Instead, authorities need to offer public transport options and encourage cycling, which could “liberate cities further”, he said. “Dubai has the critical numbers to support such schemes.” 3
A Challenge Under the Sun
One of the biggest problems the government will face in the development period is making walkers feel more comfortable all year-round, particularly during the intense summer heat.
Shading with greenery could serve as a solution to combat this situation. Planting more trees offers numerous advantages, including mitigating heat, pollution, and flood hazards.
Professor Kyriazis noted that authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi should prioritize native tree species like sidr and ghaf, which are well-adapted to arid conditions and require minimal water.
He also warned against the use of outdoor air-conditioning, deeming it not “sustainable or logical”. He said: “The hot weather should be converted from an excuse to air-condition public spaces to an opportunity to revisit passive cooling strategies.
A Real Estate Perspective
Dubai’s focus on walkability will likely boost demand for properties in prime, well-connected locations.
As the city prioritizes public transportation and reduces car dependency, demand for residential units in well-connected, walkable neighborhoods is expected to rise. Additionally, commercial properties in these areas may benefit from increased foot traffic and a more vibrant urban environment.
Overall, Dubai’s pedestrian future presents a positive outlook for the real estate market.
Sources:
Dennehy, John. “Dubai set to follow in footsteps of Paris and New York to create pedestrian city.” TheNational. December 10, 2024. https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/uae/2024/12/10/dubai-set-to-follow-in-footsteps-of-paris-and-new-york-to-create-pedestrian-city/
