Roads and Transport Authority has awarded the contract for Phase I of the Dubai Walk Master Plan in Al Ras, marking a key step in expanding pedestrian infrastructure. Moreover, the project aligns with broader urban mobility and quality-of-life objectives.
Phase I focuses on walkability and urban renewal
The first phase includes the development of the Historic Al Ras Walkway, featuring 12 km of pedestrian paths and 5 km of cycling tracks. Additionally, it involves the rehabilitation of 10 artistic spaces in coordination with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, with participation from Emirati and local artists.
Furthermore, the initiative integrates cultural and aesthetic elements into mobility infrastructure. As a result, it aims to enhance the visual identity of urban areas while promoting pedestrian-friendly environments.
Plan supports long-term urban strategy
Mattar Al Tayer said, “The Pedestrian Master Plan plays a key role in strengthening Dubai’s global competitiveness in walkway infrastructure and soft mobility. It also advances a key objective of the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 — the 20-minute city — by providing the infrastructure required to enable residents to access more than 80 percent of essential services within a 20-minute journey.”
He added, “The plan supports Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and contributes to enhancing community wellbeing by transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city, elevating pedestrian safety standards, and strengthening connectivity between various districts and the existing walkway network. It also integrates creative, aesthetic and cultural dimensions into soft mobility components, reinforces the distinctive identity of urban areas to enhance the emirate’s visual landscape, and contributes to the beautification of public spaces across Dubai.”
“It further strengthens collaboration with strategic partners in advancing creative elements within mobility infrastructure and facilities, while empowering youth and reflecting future mobility trends through their engagement in proposing innovative concepts for the design of walkways and associated amenities,” Al Tayer noted.
Expansion targets connectivity and mobility shift
The Dubai Walk Master Plan outlines a comprehensive framework for an integrated and accessible walkway network. Additionally, it prioritises safety standards and pedestrian comfort across the emirate.
The plan covers 160 areas and includes the development and enhancement of 6,000 km of walkways by 2040. Furthermore, it provides for the construction of 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to improve connectivity.
As a result, the initiative aims to increase the share of walking and soft mobility trips from 16% in 2025 to 25% by 2040. Therefore, it supports a broader shift toward sustainable urban mobility and improved quality of life.
