If you were to compile a list of walkable cities, the scorching desert metropolis of Dubai would probably rank pretty low. But this will soon change with an extensive sidewalk network that includes elevated, air-conditioned sidewalks.
The project is called Dubai Walk, and although it is still in its early stages, it looks very ambitious. It consists of a total of 6,500 km (approximately 4,000 miles) of footpaths across Dubai. However, 2,300 km (1,430 miles) of this will consist of renovated existing corridors.
It also includes the development of 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to improve connectivity, all part of a larger effort to increase pedestrian mobility from 13% to 25% by 2040.
There are beautiful footpaths, waterside paths, country and mountain trails, and urban footpaths. These connect major landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future, with an eye-catching elevated walkway named the Future Loop near the latter, air-conditioned so people can keep walking all year round. The plan is to install a
dubai walk master plan
“His Highness also considered the Future Loop project, which will be implemented in the Museum of the Future area,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. Al Maktoum’s press release explains: “This iconic elevated walkway is 2 km (1.2 miles) long and 6 to 15 meters (20 to 50 feet) wide, seamlessly connecting major landmarks such as Dubai World Trade Center, Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, and Dubai. Connected to the International Financial Center and nearby subway stations.
“His Royal Highness then viewed a model of the Future Loop, which features links to 10 key sites, 30,000 square meters (322,000 square feet) of air-conditioned levels that are walkable all year round, and an additional 30,000 square meters. The project, which includes commercial space, will be a public-private partnership that will develop 322,000 square feet of shaded green open space.
This is a large-scale project and is expected to take more than 10 years to realize. The pilot phase will run from 2025 to 2027 and is expected to be fully completed by 2040.
Source: Emirates Airline News Agency, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum
