The initiative aims to connect 25 residential communities and upgrade the areas around 63 public transport stations by 2030
Dubai residents could soon find it easier to walk, cycle or use e-scooters, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) approving a five-year plan to expand its soft mobility network across the emirate.
The initiative will develop soft mobility infrastructure across 25 residential areas and upgrade the surroundings of 63 public transport stations by 2030, making first- and last-mile journeys safer and more convenient.
The plan builds on works already underway in Dubai Marina, Naif, Al Rigga, Al Murar and Al Muraqqabat, where RTA is introducing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.
It will also see improvements around Metro and bus stations through wide footpaths, cycling tracks, shaded walkways, safer crossings, bicycle parking and pick-up and drop-off facilities.
According to the RTA, the project is aimed at encouraging more residents to use public transport by making it easier to complete the first and last part of their journeys without relying on private cars.
The authority said Dubai recorded 342 million pedestrian journeys, 57.3 million cycling trips and 39.6 million e-scooter trips in 2025, which shows demand for alternative modes of transport.
Key pillar of Dubai’s ecosystem
Mattar Al Tayer, director-general, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the initiative forms part of the authority’s efforts to strengthen Dubai’s position as one of the world’s best cities to live in by developing an integrated and sustainable transport network that keeps pace with the emirate’s rapid urban growth.
He described soft mobility as a key pillar of Dubai’s future transport ecosystem and said it would further encourage residents to choose public transport over private vehicles.
“The philosophy behind transport planning has evolved globally, with the focus shifting from simply building infrastructure to creating seamless journeys between different modes of transport,” said Al Tayer.
“Dubai has already developed one of the world’s most advanced public transport systems by integrating roads, Metro, buses, marine transport, taxis and individual mobility options such as walking and cycling,” he added.
Connecting communities
Under the new plan, RTA will extend soft mobility infrastructure to 25 residential communities, bringing the total number of targeted areas to 34 by 2030. The authority will also upgrade the surroundings of 63 Metro and bus stations, making it easier and safer for residents to reach public transport on foot, by bicycle or e-scooter.
The improvements will include dedicated cycling tracks, pedestrian crossings, shaded walkways, rest areas, landscaping, bicycle parking, vehicle parking, passenger pick-up and drop-off points, as well as stations and parking bays for shared mobility services such as Careem Bike and e-scooter operators. Facilities for People of Determination will also be incorporated into the designs.
RTA said the project supports the goals of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan by improving connectivity between residential neighbourhoods, business districts, public transport stations and key destinations while promoting more sustainable modes of travel. Areas have been selected based on factors including population density, public transport usage, land-use patterns, the quality of existing walking and cycling infrastructure, and future development plans.
The authority has already completed similar upgrades in Al Mankhool, Al Qusais, Al Karama, Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, Hor Al Anz, Abu Hail and Al Souk Al Kabeer.
It has also improved the surroundings of 37 Metro stations, including Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, Onpassive, Gold Souq, BurJuman, Baniyas Square, Sharaf DG and Abu Hail, by adding pedestrian and cycling routes, mobility hubs and shared mobility facilities.
Source: Khaleejtimes
