walkable city dubai
Lifestyle
Jan 21, 2025

Dubai Walk: A City Built for Walking 

6 min read

Dubai’s leveling up fast like no other city in the world. Talking about architectural masterpieces, or flying air taxis? Whatever the hot discussion is, Dubai is already there. Now, there’s something even more amazing coming to the megalopolis. The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has unveiled a plan that’d allow residents to explore all of Dubai in just 20 minutes.

Yes, you heard that right – you’ll soon be able to go all around Dubai, on foot, in just 20 minutes! 

Just think about that; it’s nothing short of fantastic. This revolutionary plan to make the city accessible from anywhere for locals and tourists alike, especially those who would love taking walks, is called the “Dubai Walk Project.” It’s a master plan to redefine urban mobility and encourage the residents of Dubai to lead healthier lives, as well as make things easier for the entire populace. Let’s explore some of the revolutionary changes that the “Walkable City Dubai” project will bring to the megalopolis. 

Walkable City Dubai: About The Masterplan

The 20-minute city plan is set to add 6,500 kilometers of pedestrian-friendly walkways to the megalopolis, which will comprise an interconnected network of continuous paths, making the city more accessible, comfortable, and safe for residents. Set to be completed in 2040, this masterplan will include: 

  • 3,300 kilometers of new routes.

  • 2,300 kilometers of renovated walkways.

  • The Future Loop Project will feature an elevated walk path spanning 2 kilometers involving 10 key locations that will connect The Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, Dubai World Trade Center, Dubai International Financial Centre, and the metro stations nearby.

  • As a part of the Future Loop Project, walkways designed for year-round outdoor walking will encompass 30,000 square meters of air-conditioned areas, along with an additional 30,000 square meters of shaded green spaces.

  

dubai walkable city

  • 110 bridges and underpasses.

  • Public transport and cycling routes link the cultural spaces in the city. 

  • Scenic walkways, waterfront paths, mountain and rural trails spanning over 100 kilometers each.

  • They are meant to encourage leisure strolling and provide an opportunity to enjoy nature. 

  • An additional 900 kilometers of walkway beyond 2040.

Phases of the Dubai Walkable City Project

The initial phase of the project will run between 2025 and 2027 and will include 17 kilometers of walkways. A 15-kilometer route dedicated to highlighting Dubai’s rich heritage, the Al Ras Historical Route, and The Future Loop project, an elevated route spanning 2 kilometers connecting key locations in the city. 

After the pilot phase, an expansion that cuts across 160 neighborhoods, including urban, residential, and tourist areas, will take place. 

The final phase is the completion of the 6,500 kilometers of walkways within the city that will incorporate smart apps for navigation, misting systems, greenery, and shaded areas. It will also include mountain trails, scenic waterfronts, and many other amenities, to foster healthy and happy lifestyles among the residents of Dubai by the year 2040. 

Dubai: A City of the Future

The Ruler and Prime Minister of Dubai, his Highness Sheikh Mohammed, has described Dubai as the city of the future. On his X account, he mentioned, “Our goal is to redefine mobility and quality of life.” While also announcing the project, he said, “We are building a city where residents can enjoy the best, happiest, and healthiest lifestyle.”

walkable city project dubai

His vision for Dubai is as lucid as it can get: to build a city where everyone would wish they lived. The “Walkable City Dubai Project” reflects his commitment and vision to pioneering great innovations, economic growth and sustainable development, urban revitalization, and improving the quality of life for the people of Dubai.    

The “Dubai Walk” initiative is part of the city’s grand plan to make daily essentials available to residents with minimal commute. Covering public transport, cycling tracks, bridges, and tunnels, the master plan seeks to encourage healthier and happier lifestyles among commuters. The goal is to make places in Dubai within a 20-minute reach for everyone by 2040.

Until then, you can use rent a car Dubai to reach your destination within 20 minutes, book your dream car from Beno.