Dubai Walk Master Plan to link major landmarks

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 visionary initiative aimed at transforming Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city.

A smart application will be launched which will promote walking by enabling users to track and share their walking data (routes, steps, duration, distance).

It will provide information on walkway features, facilities, user reviews, and allow users to save favourite routes. The app will also include a database of Dubai’s pedestrian network, highlighting points of interest, art displays, rest areas, and nearby events. A reward system will award points for distances walked, redeemable for discounts or digital wallet credits.

The plan envisions a 6,500 km interconnected walkway network, constructing 3,300 km of new walkways and upgrading 2,300 km of existing ones.

The pilot phase runs from 2025-2027, with full implementation in three stages from 2027-2040.

The plan includes the development of 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to enhance connectivity across urban areas.

Key projects include a bridge on Al Ittihad Road connecting Al Nahda and Al Mamzar, a bridge on Tripoli Street linking Al Warqa and Mirdif, a bridge on Al Khawaneej Street joining Mushrif and Al Khawaneej, and a bridge on Dubai-Al Ain Road connecting Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubailand.

The project will seamlessly link major landmarks such as Burj Khalifa, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai Marina, and Jumeirah Lakes Towers. Each route will feature distinctive designs, colours, lighting, and landscaping, reflecting the unique identity of its surrounding area.

The walkways will incorporate greenery, shaded areas, misting systems, interactive digital screens, art displays, sports and entertainment equipment, rest areas, and commercial spaces.

Accessibility and safety are prioritised through the use of signage, ground markings, lighting, integrated pavements, art displays, and integration with navigation systems and smart applications.

Sheikh Mohammed reviewed plans for the 17 km first phase of pedestrian walkways, featuring two key routes. The 15 km Al Ras Historical Route in Al Ras and Al Souk Al Kabeer highlights the emirate’s heritage, including 5 km along the revitalised waterfront with 25 rehabilitated public squares featuring shaded rest areas, green spaces, and art displays.

He also reviewed “The Future Loop” project which will be implemented at the Museum of the Future area. This iconic elevated walkway, spanning 2 km with a width ranging from 6 to 15 metres, seamlessly connects key landmarks, including the Dubai World Trade Centre, Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and nearby metro stations.

The Vice President also reviewed models for three types of pedestrian walkways.

The Scenic-Leisure Walkways include 112 km of waterfront paths, 64 km in urban areas, 124 km of green paths, and 150 km of rural and mountain trails.

The City Connectivity Walkways focus on first- and last-mile connections to public transport in 30 areas, including Al Rigga, Business Bay, Al Bada’a, and the Trade Centre. The Community Walkways are designed to link residential areas to nearby attractions in 50 areas, beginning with Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, and Al Mizhar 1.

Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed reviewed three models for urban spaces. The first model, Plazas, will be implemented in four locations: Etihad Museum, 2nd of December Street, Al Mamzar, and Mushrif.

The second model, Superblocks, will cover four areas in its initial phase: Al Fahidi, Al Quoz, Al Karama, and Abu Hail. The third model, Boulevards, will be executed on four streets: Jumeirah, Baniyas, Al Khaleej, and Al Muraqqabat, transforming them into pedestrian-friendly spaces.

ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE: Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on road infrastructure developments in “The Future Loop” area, including enhancements to the Trade Centre Roundabout and Al Mustaqbal Street.

A global competition, attracting six renowned international consultancy firms, sought innovative walkway designs for Al Ras and the Museum of the Future area. LXA’s first-place concept was selected for the Museum of the Future area, envisioning a 2 km iconic bridge reflecting the area’s elegance and premium infrastructure, complementing landmarks like the Museum of the Future. Supporting the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the “20-Minute City” concept, the bridge provides seamless pedestrian and soft mobility access.