Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai
Dubai, Mar 22: The Roads and Transport Authority has awarded the contract for the first phase of the Dubai Walk Master Plan in Al Ras, aimed at transforming the historic district into a pedestrian-friendly hub.
The 12-km walkway will link key heritage sites with public transport networks, enhancing connectivity and accessibility in the area. The project also includes 5 km of dedicated cycling tracks, promoting sustainable mobility options.
The planned network will connect major landmarks such as Al Fahidi Fort, Al Shindagha Historic District and Al Ahmadiya School. It will also integrate 11 metro, bus and marine transport stations, improving first- and last-mile connectivity for commuters and visitors.
As part of the initiative, 10 artistic spaces will be rehabilitated in collaboration with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, featuring murals, sculptures and advanced lighting installations created by local and Emirati artists to highlight the area’s cultural identity.
The project will include widened pedestrian pathways, shaded walkways, seating zones, green spaces and modern wayfinding systems, blending infrastructure with the district’s historic character.
Located in Deira along the Dubai Creek, Al Ras is known for preserving the charm of old Dubai while evolving into a vibrant tourist destination with boutique hotels, galleries and cafes.
The initiative forms part of the broader Dubai Walk Master Plan aligned with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, which aims to ensure that over 80 per cent of essential services are accessible within a 20-minute journey.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, the plan is designed to enhance pedestrian safety, improve connectivity between districts and integrate cultural elements into urban mobility.
The larger master plan envisions the development of over 6,000 km of walkways across 160 areas by 2040, along with 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses. Authorities aim 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 and accessible infrastructure.