Dubai Walk: Sheikh Mohammed unveils 3,300km pedestrian network for a healthier city (VIDEOS)
Waterfront trails, green paths, and cooling solutions to enhance mobility
Dubai has unveiled its most ambitious urban initiative yet – the ‘Dubai Walk’ project – aiming to make the emirate one of the most walkable cities in the world.
Announced by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the project is part of a larger strategy to improve quality of life, mobility, and urban connectivity.
Spanning an impressive 3,300 kilometres, the project will include 112km of scenic waterfront promenades, 124km of green walking trails, and 150km of pedestrian paths in rural and mountainous areas. The development also features 110 pedestrian bridges and tunnels, providing safe and accessible routes for residents and visitors alike.
.@HHShkMohd approves Dubai Walk Master Plan to transform Dubai into a year-round pedestrian-friendly city. pic.twitter.com/q997Hcn4Sv
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 7, 2024
Cooling solutions
Dubai Walk will implement innovative cooling solutions in corridors and spaces between buildings, ensuring a comfortable walking experience year-round. Initial work will commence in key locations such as the Museum of the Future and Al Ras before expanding across 160 neighbourhoods.
In a tweet, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that this project redefines mobility in Dubai. Residents will soon have seamless options for walking, cycling on designated tracks, using the metro’s expanded lines, and even flying taxis operating on specific aerial routes. This integrated system aims to ensure a healthier, happier, and more balanced lifestyle for Dubai’s population.
ضمن خططنا لتطوير جودة الحياة في دبي، اعتمدنا اليوم مشروعا جديداً لتحويل دبي لمدينة صديقة للمشاة .. سيتم تطوير 3300 كم من المسارات الجديدة للمشاة .. وبناء 110 جسور وأنفاق خاصة بالمشاة …
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) December 7, 2024
ويتضمن المشروع الضخم - الذي يهدف أن يكون المشي جزءا من نمط الحياة في دبي وأسميناه "دبي ووك"… pic.twitter.com/XjPI2ZuFHy
Dubai Walk: Phased rollout
The initiative will be carried out in three phases. The first phase prioritises neighbourhoods such as Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, and Al Mizhar 1. The final stages will connect urban and tourist hubs, aligning with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan that envisions a ‘20-minute city’ where 80% of daily needs are within a short walk or cycle ride.
.@HHShkMohd approves Dubai Walk Master Plan to transform Dubai into a year-round pedestrian-friendly city. pic.twitter.com/HqCeNCDrrS
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) December 7, 2024
Dubai Walk reflects global urban mobility trends seen in cities like Paris and Melbourne, which are celebrated for pedestrian-friendly designs. By enhancing public spaces and creating greener communities, Dubai is not just adapting to the future – it is shaping it.