Dubai Green Spine to Transform E311 with Solar-Powered Trams, Urban Farms, and Green Spaces
Dubai: A Dubai-based urban planning and development firm, URB, has unveiled ambitious plans for a tram project along Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road (E311). The “Dubai Green Spine” will line the 64-kilometer corridor with one million trees and feature urban farms and gardens.
A Vision for the Future
Currently in the concept stage, the Dubai Green Spine project has an estimated cost of $10 billion. Baharash Bagherian, CEO of URB, said, “We have not yet made a formal presentation to authorities.” If approved, we could complete the project in four phases over ten years, covering a stretch from Dubai Industrial City to Muhaisnah.
Sustainable and Solar-Powered
The trams will be 100 percent solar-powered, supported by a 300-megawatt solar energy system. The tramway will incorporate solar panels directly into the tracks, providing a constant power source and eliminating the need for extensive overhead power lines. This sustainable design is projected to generate enough electricity to power approximately 130,000 homes in Dubai.
Green Walking and Cycling Tracks
The Dubai Green Spine will feature pedestrian paths and cycling tracks lined with native flora, offering natural cooling and cleaner air. The project will also include mixed-use assets blending residential community amenities with commercial and leisure spaces.
Human-Centric Urban Design
URB’s vision prioritizes people and green spaces over cars. “This initiative promotes sustainable modes of transport and community zones over traditional car-dominated roads, thus enhancing the quality of urban life,” said Bagherian. The project will introduce urban agriculture initiatives such as vertical farms and community allotments, allowing residents to grow their own food.
Flood-Resilient Infrastructure
Taking lessons from the April 16 rains and subsequent flooding, the project will incorporate sustainable urban drainage systems. These systems, including porous surfaces, will absorb rainwater, reducing the risk of flooding even during heavy rainfall.
Elevated Parks and Recreational Spaces
Elevated parks will feature playgrounds, outdoor fitness areas, sports facilities, and community gardens. This human-centric approach aims to create vibrant community spaces that enhance the quality of life for residents.
URB’s Track Record of Ambitious Projects
URB has a history of unveiling ambitious projects like Dubai Mangroves, which aims to plant over 100 million mangrove trees; Dubai Reefs, a sustainable floating community for marine research and ecotourism; and The Loop, a 93-kilometer climate-controlled cycle highway around Dubai. Most of these projects are still in the research and development phase.
The Dubai Green Spine project, with its focus on sustainability and innovative urban design, promises to be a transformative addition to Dubai’s infrastructure, setting a new benchmark for green urban development worldwide.
