Climate-controlled 93-km cycle track announced for Dubai

Dubai: Dubai will soon be home to a 93-kilometre, climate-controlled highway, titled ‘THE LOOP’. The new highway is aimed at connecting over 3 million residents using a “healthy mode of transport, access to key services and locations by walking and cycling within minutes,” as per a statement by the sustainable architecture firm URB.

“It will provide an enjoyable climate-controlled all-year environment, to make walking & cycling the primary mode of transport for Dubai’s residents, in line with its new 20-minute city initiative. The aim is to make cycling and walking the primary mode of transport for daily commutes for more than 80 per cent of Dubai’s residents by 2040,” the statement added.

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THE LOOP project in the emirate is in place to develop smart cycling and walking infrastructure, however, it is still in its research and development phase, URB said. Key facts of THE LOOP include:

“Dubai is the best place for entrepreneurship in urban mobility. THE LOOP project is an embodiment of that entrepreneurial spirit, which aims to make Dubai the most connected city on earth by foot or bike,” URB chief executive officer Baharash Bagherian explained.

Bagherian added, “The LOOP is the future of urban mobility infrastructures, which are more than sustainable transport systems. These types of infrastructures are spaces and utilities for people, where various leisure and community services can also be provided. These types of infrastructures are an enjoyable mode of sustainable transport, no matter the weather conditions.”

THE LOOP is in line with the emirate’s ambition of becoming a 20-minute city, which allows residents to access destinations and essentials within 20 minutes by foot or bicycle.

Under the directives and vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai 20-minute city falls in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

“A plan will be developed to enhance and utilise urban spaces, such as alleyways, spaces underneath bridges, and squares, by augmenting the elements of well-being to make them attractive and relaxing for residents and visitors,” a statement by the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said.

In December 2022, Sheikh Mohammed approved the ‘second phase’ of the plan. Phase II of the plan will include several projects under ten key initiatives.

This includes enhancing urban centres, the emirate’s real estate strategy, the Urban Farming plan, the Preserving Urban Heritage plan, developing the 20-minute city policy and the Pedestrian Network Master plan.

Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed the progress of 17 projects and initiatives that were part of the initial phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

“Today, we have a clear vision for the development of Dubai’s urban infrastructure and housing sector until 2040. Our goal is for Dubai to be an eco- and pedestrian-friendly city, and a city with a high yield from urban agriculture,” the Dubai leader said.

Under the plan, five main urban centres – three existing and two new centres – will be developed in the emirate.

The plan will also include a “comprehensive strategy for Dubai’s real estate sector up to 2040 to align it with the requirements of the Master Plan and strike a balance between supply and demand,” a statement by the media office said.

The master plan will also include initiatives for the real estate market, and also outline ways to achieve sustainable urban development, and boost investor confidence.

The second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan will also include a framework for high-yield agriculture and farming by identifying suitable locations and developing the infrastructure and facilities required to ensure food security, the statement said.

“Phase II also outlines plans for preserving urban heritage to enhance the emirate’s identity, promote historical areas, landmarks and buildings, and improve the tourism experience at archaeological sites.”
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Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, approved by the emirate’s ruler in 2021, aims to make the emirate the best city for living.

The new plan also identifies six urbanisation levels that follow a graded structure of urban centres of mixed uses and densities that perform specific residential and functional roles for the community within the scope of their services.

“It would be possible to determine infrastructure requirements—roads and transportation systems, energy and government services such as hospitals, schools, service centres, and service and recreational facilities—in a way that provides integrated services across all emirate districts while enhancing the use of flexible and sustainable means of mobility,” under these six levels.

Source: Agencies

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