Dubai Walk Master Plan Approved: Mohammed bin Rashid Envisions Year-Round Pedestrian City

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a new big project called the Dubai Walk Master Plan. This project will make Dubai a better place for people to walk. It will make walking safer, easier, and more fun. Sheikh Mohammed made this decision in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of the UAE.

This new plan is very ambitious. It will build 6,500 kilometers of walkways all over Dubai. Out of this, 3,300 kilometers will be new walkways, and 2,300 kilometers of old walkways will be improved by the year 2040. Later, another 900 kilometers will also be added. The goal of this project is to make walking easy and comfortable. It will also make Dubai greener with more trees and plants.

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Sheikh Mohammed said that Dubai always tries to improve life for its people. He explained that this project is part of the bigger plan to make Dubai one of the best cities in the world to live in, work in, and visit. He also said that the project will encourage people to walk more, stay healthy, and enjoy cleaner surroundings.

The plan also includes 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses. These will connect important places like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Marina, and Dubai International Financial Centre. Each walkway will have a unique look, different colors, and lots of greenery. This will make the walkways special for every area they pass through.

Sheikh Mohammed also looked at the first part of the project, which will build 17 kilometers of walkways. This includes two special routes. One is the Al Ras Historical Route, which will be 15 kilometers long and will focus on Dubai’s culture and history. Five kilometers of this route will be along the waterfront and will have resting places, art installations, and shaded areas for walkers.

The second special route is called The Future Loop. This will be a 2-kilometer-long walkway near the Museum of the Future. It will connect places like the Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, and metro stations nearby. This walkway will have air-conditioned sections for comfortable walking during hot weather. It will also have shaded areas with lots of greenery and places to relax. Shops and other facilities will also be added along this route. This part of the project will be done with help from private companies.

The walkways will have many features to make walking enjoyable. There will be shaded areas, resting spots, misting systems to cool down walkers, art displays, and even fun activities. There will also be clear signs and smart technology to help people find their way and stay safe.

The Dubai Walk Master Plan will be built in three phases. The first part will begin between 2025 and 2027. The entire project will be completed by 2040. This plan is part of the bigger Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The goal of this bigger plan is to create a "20-Minute City" where people can reach 80% of their daily needs within a 20-minute walk or short drive.

Sheikh Mohammed also looked at three different walkway designs. The first design is for walkways near water areas, like beaches or canals. The second design is for walkways that connect to public transport stations. The third design is for walkways that connect houses to nearby places like parks, schools, or markets. There will also be special paths, such as 112 kilometers of waterfront paths, 124 kilometers of green trails, and 150 kilometers of paths in rural or mountain areas.

During the event, Sheikh Mohammed was also informed about road upgrades near The Future Loop. New tunnels and bridges will be built to make traffic smoother. These changes will help people travel faster and save time. Thousands of people will benefit from these improvements every day.

Dubai is also planning to launch a smart app to encourage people to walk more. The app will allow users to track how much they walk and explore new walking routes. The app will also show nearby facilities like rest areas or art displays. Users will get rewards for walking, which they can use to get discounts or other benefits.

This project shows Dubai’s commitment to making the city a better place for everyone. It will encourage people to walk more, live healthier lives, and enjoy the beauty of Dubai. The project will make Dubai cleaner, greener, and more connected for all its residents and visitors.