The future loop project is a part of a bigger plan which is the “Dubai Walk Master Plan”. This project aims to connect Dubai with important landmarks through a jogging and cycling track. It will make Dubai a more pedestrian-friendly city.
Dubai itself is a development of masterminds. The city is set to rise and shine on the horizon of futuristic spaces. This city doesn’t only pin on luxury and tourism but also health, fitness and environmental impact. This Dubai Walk master plan will reshape the city in new ways.
What is the Dubai Walk Master Plan project?
Recently, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum who is a Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a plan. This visionary plan is about making Dubai an easily accessible city in all ways. All the higher management has approved this plan including the ruler Sheikh Maktoum himself.
In this plan, they will build a network of walkways connecting throughout the city. These walkways will have a unique identity and each will focus on accessibility, safety and green spaces. This project is to upgrade Dubai’s life in even more futuristic ways. Furthermore, it will improve Dubai’s branding as the modern city of the future.
This master plan will cover 6500 km of walkways and 160 areas across the UAE. They will construct 3300 km new, and enhance and upgrade 2300 km old ones. This project will finish in 2040. Then new 900km walkways will be constructed after 2040. The project also involves developing pedestrian bridges and underpasses which will improve city traffic and mobility to 25% by 2040.
The Three Phases of the Project
The project will be completed and implemented in three stages.
- The first one is the vision to build 6500 km of walkways interconnected throughout the Emirates. This includes both developing new ones and upgrading existing routes. The new construction will be 3300 km of walkways and the upgraded ones span 2300 km. The pilot phase will run till 2027 and by 2040 the whole project will be completed. Initially, the plans for the 17 km first phase of pedestrian walkways, feature two key routes.
- The walkways will have green spaces all around, a misting system, interactive digital screens, art displays, sports and entertainment equipment, rest areas, and commercial spaces.
- The next part is developing 110 underpasses and bridges that will make moving across the UAE very accessible. Major routes include
- Developing a bridge on Al Ittihad Road connecting Al Nahda and Al Mamzar
- Connecting Tripoli Street to Al Warqa and Mirdif.
- Linking Al Khawaneej Street to Mushrif and Al Khawaneej
- Constructing a bridge on Dubai-Al Ain Road connecting Dubai Silicon Oasis and Dubailand.
The project will also include
- 112 km of waterfront paths
- 64 km in urban areas
- 124 km of green paths
- 150 km of rural and mountain trails.
Each route will have its futuristic unique design and its own special features. All of Dubai’s important landmarks will be connected through these routes. These will be completely safe, ensured by ground markings, lighting, and integrated pavements. Furthermore, this project will be connected to navigation systems and smart applications.
The Future Loop Project
This is a part of the Dubai Walk project and will be a 2km walkway, implemented at the Museum of the Future area. It will have a width of 6-15m and will connect important landmarks. With this project, Dubai World Trade Centre, Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and nearby metro stations will be interconnected.
The highlights of this project include
- 2km walkway with greenery and art displays.
- Connectivity to 10 key locations.
- Connections to public transport in 30 areas.
- Linking residential areas to nearby attractions in 50 areas, beginning with Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, and Al Mizhar 1.
- Temperature-controlled environment through air conditioning, green open spaces and shaded spaces.
- The inclusion of commercial spaces through a public-private partnership.
The project will also include three infrastructural models.
- The first model will be constructing plazas in four locations. These will be at Etihad Museum, 2nd of December Street, Al Mamzar, and Mushrif.
- The second model will be developing Superblocks. They will cover four areas in its initial phase. Al Fahidi, Al Quoz, Al Karama, and Abu Hail.
- The third model will be constructing Boulevards. They will be executed on four streets, Jumeirah, Baniyas, Al Khaleej, and Al Muraqqabat. This will transform these areas into pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Road Infrastructure
The future loop project will have enhanced road infrastructure.
- Initially, the routes to Trade Centre Roundabout and Al Mustaqbal Street will be upgraded.
- Then 6,200 metres of vehicle bridges and tunnels will be constructed. This will transform the roundabout into a surface-level intersection.
- This project will improve traffic flow for seven surrounding areas.
- The road capacity will increase by 30% in these areas. The places that take 8 minutes via road, will take 3 minutes after installation of this project. This is a major benefit that will serve 500k residents and visitors.
Global Competition
Six international firms are dealing with this project. They all have unique infrastructure plans to implement this project. For the Museum of the Future and Al Ras area, LXA’s “20-minute city concept” design was selected. This design includes a 2 km iconic bridge with premium infrastructure and provides seamless mobility access.
Benefits of the Project
- This loop project will build futuristic walkways making it a tourist destination itself.
- It will ensure smooth mobility and promote walking and cycling. This will be one of its one-of-a-kind walking and cycling tracks.
- The air conditioning and shaded areas will provide a controlled environment in Dubai’s hot climate.
- Developing interactive spaces for recreation and events will attract visitors.
- This bridge will connect major attractions, making it easy for tourists to mobilize within the city.
- The seamless connectivity to the Red Line metro station will promote the use of the metro.
- It will reduce transportation costs and time.
- This is a part of Dubai’s green city plan too. As more people will be encouraged to use Public transport, there will be a reduction in private or solo vehicles. In the long run, it will save fuel and reduce pollution.
How will this Project Boost the Quality of Life in the UAE?
This road will not only connect UAE via walkways but will surely make Dubai stand out in the global competition. It will improve the quality of life too.
- This walk project will connect 80% of Dubai to nearby amenities within a 20-minute commute, making life easier.
- It will turn Dubai into a healthier city by encouraging walking.
- This plan will make Dubai more safe for people.
- Integrating creative and cultural elements into soft mobility infrastructure will bring a unique identity to areas as well as Dubai itself.
- The collaborative partnership will allow youth to contribute creative ideas.
- It will create jobs in different sectors.
The Smart Application Launch
Management will launch an application regarding this project.
- This application will enable users to track their walking data in detail. They will be able to access their travelled routes, steps, duration, and distance. Travellers will also be able to save their favourite routes.
- Like any map application, this app will also include a database of Dubai’s pedestrian network, highlighting points of interest, art displays, rest areas, and nearby events.
- For covering the distance, this app will award points to the users. These points will be redeemable for discounts or digital wallet credits.
Conclusion
Dubai’s future loop project is part of a bigger plan, the Dubai Walk Master Plan. This project will connect Dubai’s important landmarks and bus routes making access easy. With this project, citizens will be encouraged to walk along and enjoy Dubai life on foot. Overall, this project will contribute to a healthier lifestyle, taking Dubai one step forward into being a green city.
