The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has awarded the contract for the 1st phase of the Dubai Walk Master Plan in Al Ras. The 12km pedestrian walkway will connect historic sites to public transport networks in the neighbourhood. The project includes 5km of cycling tracks. It is set to connect major heritage landmarks including Al Fahidi Fort, Al Shindagha Historic District and Al Ahmadiya School. 11 metro, bus and marine transport stations will also be a part of the walkway’s network to improve first and last mile connectivity. Moreover, 10 artistic spaces will be rehabilitated in coordination with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority with participation from local and Emirati artists. These spaces will feature murals, sculptures and advanced lighting to enhance the area’s heritage and cultural identity. The project will also feature widening pedestrian pathways, shaded areas, seating zones and green spaces along with wayfinding systems to complement the history of the district.Situated in Deira and bordering the Dubai Creek, Al Ras still holds alive the life and charm of old Dubai. It is a key tourist area providing a mix of traditional lifestyles along with buildings being converted to boutique hotels, galleries and cafes.
The Dubai Walk Master Plan
The initiative is part of a broader plan to make Dubai a pedestrian-friendly city and support the emirate’s long-term urban mobility goals, as per RTA. It also aligns with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, which aims to enable residents to access more than 80% of essential services within a 20-minute journey.The pedestrian master plan will strengthen Dubai’s global competitiveness in walkway infrastructure and support the emirate’s Quality of Life Strategy 2033, said Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA. “The plan enhances pedestrian safety, strengthens connectivity between districts, and integrates creative and cultural elements into mobility infrastructure,” he added.The broader Dubai Walk Master Plan will see the development of more than 6,000km of walkways across 160 areas by 2040, along with the construction of 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to improve connectivity across the emirate. RTA aims to increase the share of walking and soft mobility trips from 16 per cent in 2025 to 25 per cent by 2040 through the rollout of integrated, accessible and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
