Dubai has always been a tough city to walk in, mainly due to its extreme heat during the day. But that’s about to change with the new initiative called Dubai Walk, which aims to create a vast network of walkways, including raised and air-conditioned paths. Although still in the infancy of planning, this exciting endeavor will include around 4,000 miles of pathways across the city. Of this, roughly 1,430 miles will involve enhancing current pathways.
“His Highness also reviewed ‘The Future Loop’ project which will be implemented at the Museum of the Future area,” said the press release from Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “This iconic elevated walkway, stretching 2 km [1.2 miles] and varying in width from 6 to 15 meters [20 to 50 ft], will connect major landmarks like the Dubai World Trade Centre, Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and nearby metro stations.
“His Highness then took a look at the model of ‘The Future Loop,’ showcasing its ties to 10 key locations, featuring a 30,000-square-meter [322,000-sq-ft] air-conditioned area for walking throughout the year, plus another 30,000 square meters [322,000 sq ft] of shaded, green open spaces. The project, which comes with commercial spaces, is expected to be developed via a public-private partnership.”
This project will incorporate 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to improve connectivity. Targeting to boost pedestrian mobility from 13% to 25% by 2040, it will offer scenic walkways, waterfront paths, city paths, as well as rural and mountain trails. Additionally, it will connect major landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and the Museum of the Future with an elevated walkway dubbed the Future Loop. This walkway is going to come equipped with air-conditioning to allow for year-round use. It’s a large-scale initiative, and thus it’ll take time to finish. The pilot phase is scheduled from 2025 to 2027, aiming for full completion by 2040.
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