Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan (Dubai Walk), a far-sighted initiative aimed at transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city. The plan was authorized under the presence of H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, as well as the First Deputy Ruler of Dubai.
The Dubai Walk Master Plan is aimed at emphasizing accessibility, safety, and a pleasant walking experience. As per His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum enhancing the quality of life in Dubai remains a crucial focus of the emirate’s strategic vision. Dubai’s unique, contemporary destination and creative infrastructure projects demonstrate its international prominence and solidify its standing as the top city to visit, live, and work in.
His Highness said: “We have approved the Dubai Walk Master Plan, a 6,500 km network of modern walkways covering 160 areas across the emirate. The plan includes constructing 3,300 km of new walkways and rehabilitating 2,300 km of existing ones by 2040, in addition to more than 900 km of walkways planned beyond 2040. It also involves developing 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to enhance connectivity. This ambitious plan aims to increase pedestrian and soft mobility from 13% to 25% by 2040.”
His Highness added: “Dubai is a city of the future, committed to creating a healthy and happy urban environment. 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.“
The master plan intends to make Dubai a pedestrian-friendly city in line with the Quality-of-Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan’s “20-Minute City” target, which calls for 80% of inhabitants to be able to access critical services within a 20-minute trip. Along with encouraging students to provide unique ideas for pathway design and amenities, it also fosters collaboration with strategic partners to create cutting-edge infrastructure solutions
The proposal aims to build 3,300 km of new walkways and renovating 2,300 km of existing ones to create a network of 6,500 km connected pathways. The entire implementation will take place in three stages between 2027 and 2040, with the pilot phase lasting from 2025 to 2027.
A smart application that allows users to track and share their walking statistics (distance, duration, steps, and routes) will also be released to encourage walking practice. Users will be able to save their favorite routes and get information on walkway features, amenities, and user ratings. A database of Dubai’s pedestrian network will also be included in the app, with information on nearby events, art exhibits, rest places, and sites of interest highlighted. Walking distances will earn points under a reward system, which can then be redeemed for savings or credits in a digital wallet.
The project and its development were reviewed by His Highness, including the “The Future Loop,” model.
Source: Propertynews
