Taking cues from New York, Dubai has a masterplan to add 6,500 kilometres of pedestrian walkways to the city, including an elevated air-conditioned looped path.
The Dubai Walk masterplan is closely aligned with Dubai’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and its ambitious 20-minute city vision for 2040, which aims to ensure that 80 percent of residents can access essential amenities within a 20-minute commute. Because, let’s face it, who wouldn’t prefer a stroll over the endless hours spent sitting on Sheikh Zayed Road in an Uber?
With the goal of making Dubai a pedestrian-friendly city by 2040, the masterplan was approved by Dubai ruler Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who envisions a network of interconnected pathways that prioritise accessibility, safety and an enhanced walking experience.
Concepts shared on X of the Dubai Walk masterplan showcase a circular route called The Future Loop, which integrates 30,000 square metres of air-conditioned interiors alongside 30,000 square meters of shaded outdoor spaces, ensuring a comfortable year-round walking environment. This design emphasises user-centric elements, creating an optimal balance between climate control and open-air comfort.
Stretching over two kilometres, the elevated walkway will link key landmarks such as the Museum of the Future, Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and nearby metro stations.
The masterplan envisions the creation of 3,300 kilometres of new pedestrian pathways and the renovation of 2,300 kilometres of existing ones by 2040, with an additional 900 kilometres to follow in the years after.
To enhance connectivity, cultural spaces will be seamlessly integrated through public transport and cycling routes, while 110 bridges and underpasses will be constructed to improve overall accessibility and elevate the quality of the built environment.
Main image credit: Unsplash
