Abu Dhabi’s Dh42-billion 'liveability' push: 120km of footpaths to boost walkable city vision

Abu Dhabi has earmarked Dh42 billion to give the city the ultimate liveable vibe.

This is going into the next phase of the emirate's “Liveability Strategy”.

The aim: further spruce up neighbourhoods with tip-top upgrades.

Think better connections, awesome parks, and a whole mood shift from 67% neighbourhood integration in 2023 to a straight 81% in 2025. 

The drive, led by the Department of Municipalities & Transport, Abu Dhabi, seeks to ramp it up even more. Talk about a quality-of-life upgrade.

What’s the tea on this 'Liveability Strategy'?

You could opt to ditch the car keys for this one. 

Abu Dhabi is rolling out 120 km of walkable paths and 283 cycling tracks to keep you strolling or biking like a pro. 

Public transport’s getting a glow-up too. Whether you’re heading to school, the park, or just flexing with the squad, you’re covered — zero gas, all vibes. 

What’s behind this city makeover? 

In September, Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, approved the Dh42 billion expansion of the "Liveability Strategy".

It marks the leadership’s steadfast commitment to improving the quality of life for Emirati families, focusing on developing comprehensive community services and upgrading infrastructure and facilities across residential neighbourhoods throughout the emirate.

We’re talking new parks to chill in, cycling lanes to cruise, and those 120 km of paths for your daily walks.

Plus, they’re throwing in AI tech to make government moves smoother — think smart apps and community perks. It’s all about that sustainable drip, and then some.

How’s this hitting the residents?

Residents are living their best life. Safe walks to the store? It’s all about comfort, convenience  and good community vibes.

Families can now slide between neighbourhoods, hit up schools, or park-hop without a car in sight. It’s a whole mood shift.

Is this eco-friendly or just hype?

It's 100% eco-rea. 

This ties into sustainability upgrades on Yas Island, a community already serving net-zero energy and recycled water goals.

How’s this linking to traffic goals?

It’s all connected.

This vibes with a Dh13.1 billion traffic plan started in October 2024, adding median islands and lanes along a 25-km stretch from Al Raha to Saadiyat — handling 10,000 cars per hour. More paths, less traffic jams.

What’s the endgame for this upgrade?

Big dreams. Abu Dhabi is building a healthier, connected city with AI vibes, green spaces, and no-car energy.

Guided by "Net Zero", this is Abu Dhabi’s drive to boost family cohesion, a healthier lifestyle, and a clapback to climate change — setting trends for the world to see (& feel, & behold).

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This Dh42 billion move is straight-up urban regeneration, turning Abu Dhabi into a walkable, eco-dream city. It’s all about slaying climate goals and giving UAE nationals, residents and visitors the ultimate hangout spot.

Who’s ready to vibe?