Dubai’s historic Al Ras district is set for a pedestrian-focused transformation under a new infrastructure initiative designed to improve walkability, heritage connectivity, and public transport integration.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for Phase I of the Dubai Walk Master Plan in Al Ras, marking the start of a comprehensive effort to reshape urban mobility in one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods.
Key Features of Phase I
The first phase will deliver 12km of dedicated walkways and 5km of cycling tracks, alongside the rehabilitation of 10 artistic spaces created in partnership with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, featuring work by Emirati and local artists.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the project supports Dubai’s wider goal of creating a “20-minute city” under the Dubai Urban Plan 2040, where more than 80 per cent of essential services are accessible within a 20-minute journey.
“The plan enhances pedestrian safety, strengthens connections between districts, and integrates cultural and creative elements into walkways. It also gives young people a chance to contribute ideas to the design of these public spaces.”
Connecting Heritage and Transport
The walkway will link key landmarks including Al Ahmadiya School, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Al Fahidi Fort, and the Al Shindagha Historic District, while connecting to 11 metro, bus, and marine stations to facilitate seamless public transport access.
The design preserves the area’s historic character while upgrading the pedestrian experience through widened pavements, additional shading and seating, expanded green spaces, and improved wayfinding systems.
Advanced lighting will highlight the district’s heritage, while interactive installations and artwork will enhance engagement along the route.
Part of a Wider Vision
Phase I forms part of the broader Dubai Walk Pedestrian Master Plan, which aims to create more than 6,000km of walkways across 160 areas by 2040, supported by 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses.
The initiative targets an increase in walking and soft mobility trips from 16 per cent in 2025 to 25 per cent by 2040, with planned infrastructure projects improving connections across key districts.
The walkways will feature landscaping, misting systems, digital wayfinding, recreational and fitness equipment, rest areas, and commercial spaces, while maintaining barrier-free access throughout.
The Al Ras Walkway represents a strategic step in Dubai’s urban evolution, integrating mobility, heritage preservation, and public art into a cohesive pedestrian network designed to serve residents and visitors across the city’s historic core.