Gaby
Dubai, UAE, has long earned an unofficial reputation as one of the planet’s most innovative cities, excelling in high-rise construction and cutting-edge technology while also transforming into one of the world’s most environmentally friendly megacities.
This transformation is continually supported by projects from URB, a developer known for building sustainable, zero-emission cities. The company has taken the lead on ambitious plans for Dubai’s cycling future.
According to URB’s outlined vision, the next 15 years will focus on ‘changing the paradigm of urban mobility in Dubai.’ The master plan for developing cycling infrastructure aims to allow residents to reach key locations in the megacity by bike or on foot in just minutes.
A Major Infrastructure Overhaul
Such a transformation may seem radical, especially in a city with a population of more than 3.3 million people that predominantly favors cars. With Dubai’s sprawling infrastructure, cars are currently the most convenient option, Designboom reports. By 2040, the number of vehicles in Dubai is projected to more than double, reaching eight million.
Despite this, the city is determined not to fall behind environmental trends and remains committed to its goal of becoming a zero-carbon city.
The recent shift toward new transportation standards is reflected in the Dubai Cycle City 2040 study. Experts and urban planners examined various types of cycling infrastructure, with the centerpiece being The Loop — a 93-kilometer cycling highway. This URB project aims to connect large parts of the city via a healthy mode of transportation.
According to URB CEO Baharash Bagherian, the initiative to transform Dubai into the best cycling city will set a new benchmark for urban entrepreneurship. ‘Our role as urban planners has shifted to that of transformers. It’s no longer just about targeted planning for new types of assets in cities, but about making them more sustainable,’ Bagherian said.
His team’s plans include creating some of the most innovative and advanced cycling infrastructure in the world. The revolutionary master plan also aims to provide additional community services and amenities across neighborhoods throughout the megacity. The changes will affect Dubai’s agricultural sector, social spaces, sports facilities, and many other parts of urban life.
