Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority unveiled a new soft‑mobility plan.
Neighbourhoods under construction
The programme, announced on July 19, targets five neighbourhoods where work is already under way: Dubai Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga and Al Muraqqabat. Residents in these districts will see new pedestrian crossings, shaded pathways and dedicated lanes that make walking, cycling or using e‑scooters easier.
Beyond the five active sites, the RTA aims to reach a total of 34 residential areas by 2030. While the authority confirmed that 25 areas are slated for soft‑mobility upgrades, the full list has not been released. The plan also mentions improvements around 63 public‑transport stations, though specific stations and completion dates remain undisclosed.
Completed upgrades and station enhancements
RTA reports that soft‑mobility elements have already been installed in nine areas: 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. These completed zones give a clear picture of the street‑level changes the wider programme may bring.
The authority also says it has upgraded the environment around 37 Metro stations. Examples include Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, ONPASSIVE, Gold Souq, BurJuman, Baniyas Square, Sharaf DG and Abu Hail, where new crossings, landscaping and bicycle parking have been added.
What the upgrades will look like
Improvements are not limited to cycle lanes. RTA lists a range of possible additions such as pedestrian crossings, rest areas, shaded paths, landscaping, bicycle parking and vehicle parking. The plan also covers passenger pick‑up and drop‑off points and bays for shared services like Careem Bike and e‑scooter operators.
Accessibility and street safety are built into the designs. Features may include facilities for People of Determination, raised pedestrian crossings, traffic‑calming measures, directional and warning signs, pavement changes and lanes shared by vehicles and non‑motorised transport. The exact mix will vary by neighbourhood, reflecting local density, land‑use mix and existing infrastructure.
RTA selects sites based on public‑transport usage, population density, the blend of residential and commercial land and the condition of current walking and cycling routes. Future development plans under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan also inform the assessment. By focusing on connections rather than isolated paths, the programme aims to link homes, business districts and key destinations with Metro, bus and other transport services.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dubai RTA's soft-mobility plan?
Dubai RTA's soft‑mobility plan aims to link homes and workplaces with Metro and bus stations, covering 25 residential areas and 63 stations by 2030, adding pedestrian crossings, shaded pathways and dedicated lanes for walking, cycling or e‑scooters.
Where will Dubai RTA's soft-mobility plan be implemented?
The plan will be rolled out across 25 residential areas and 63 public‑transport stations throughout Dubai, though the exact list of locations has not yet been disclosed.
What kind of upgrades can I expect in areas with soft-mobility plans?
Residents can expect new pedestrian crossings, shaded pathways, dedicated lanes, rest areas, landscaping, bicycle parking, vehicle parking, and facilities such as raised crossings and traffic‑calming measures.
How many areas have already been upgraded with soft-mobility elements?
Nine areas have already received soft‑mobility upgrades: 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.
How will the soft-mobility plan improve accessibility?
The plan improves accessibility by incorporating facilities for People of Determination, raised pedestrian crossings, clear signage, and other safety features that make streets easier to navigate for all users.
