A major plan to transform Dubai into a “pedestrian-friendly” city could connect inaccessible neighbourhoods, as well as encouraging mobility and healthier lifestyles, experts say.
The Dubai Walk project could also boost public transport by linking pedestrian routes to existing infrastructure – although questions about sustainability, coping with summer heat and connectivity in a car-centric city remain.
However, the move is being hailed as a step forward in encouraging mobility and championing active lifestyles among the emirate's surging population. And seen as echoing other successful schemes across the world from New York to Seoul that reclaim derelict spaces for pedestrian use.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Saturday announced the plan to transform the emirate into a “year-round pedestrian-friendly city”, with more than 3,000km of new walkways and 110 new bridges and tunnels.
A pilot phase will run from 2025 to 2027, with the plan due to finish in 2040. More details will be announced, but Dubai Media Office said the scheme aims to increase pedestrian and environmentally friendly transportation use “from 13 per cent to 25 per cent”.
Two key routes were highlighted. One runs along the Dubai Creek area, which is already accessible for walkers, while the second is called the “future loop” around the Museum of the Future, featuring new elevated paths and an “air-conditioned zone”, also connecting Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre and nearby metro stations.
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