Watch: Dubai’s plan for 20-minute city, urban initiatives approved

Dubai: Dubai’s transit-oriented development (TOD) plan — a strategic urban development initiative, which aims to optimise land use around Dubai Metro stations, has been approved by the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, which met on Tuesday.

The TOD plan supports the 20-Minute City concept by increasing the use of metro and sustainable transport. It strives to allow residents to meet their daily needs within 20 minutes using different modes of transport, thereby reducing reliance on private vehicles.

Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, noted that the key strategies and projects aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan were reviewed during the meeting. Additionally, the progress in achieving the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as the world’s best city to live in, was reviewed.

“Efforts will drive development and investment in five urban centres, supporting economic diversification, business growth, and job creation. These initiatives will also address housing and essential services, advancing the objectives of the ‘20-Minute City’ concept while reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in urban planning through the adoption of innovative planning systems,” Al Tayer said.

Al Tayer highlighted the launch of the master plan for the Saih Al-Salam corridor, which includes the development of five service and recreational stations across Dubai’s rural areas. These projects will be implemented in partnership with the private sector.

Dh55 billion real estate projects

Al Tayer highlighted that the committee’s 33rd meeting has enhanced the workflow system, streamlining procedures for the approval of new real estate projects across the emirate.

“The total value of projects benefiting from the facilitated approval process exceeds Dh55 billion, with a 60 per cent reduction in approval time for transactions involving development project lands. 450 million square feet of land had also been allocated for citizen housing, while more than 50 master plans and projects had been reviewed and approved,” Al Tayer said, noting the initiatives are in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy and position it among the world’s top three urban economies by 2033.

Pedestrian-friendly city

Among the landmark projects approved last year is the comprehensive master plan for pedestrian pathways, ‘Dubai Walk’, which envisions the development of more than 6,500km of pedestrian paths across 160 areas, transforming Dubai into a year-round pedestrian-friendly city.

The first phase includes two key pedestrian routes

The Al Ras Loop is a 15km pathway linking major historical landmarks in Al Ras, including five kilometres along the waterfront. The Future Loop, situated near the Museum of the Future, features an iconic architectural bridge spanning 2km, with a width ranging between six to 15 metres. The bridge will connect 10 key locations and will include an air-conditioned level covering 30,000 sqm, providing a comfortable walking experience throughout the year, in addition to 30,000 sqm of open spaces incorporating shaded areas and green spaces.

The Super Block

The ‘Super Block’ initiative to create car-free pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods will be introduced as an urban space design concept within the Dubai Walk master plan. This concept will be piloted in several areas, including Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama, and Al Quoz Creative Zone.

“Efforts will focus on a city beautification strategy and the development of projects and initiatives in Dubai’s countryside and rural areas, enhancing the experience for both residents and visitors. Dubai remains committed to advancing development plans and projects that further enhance its global leadership in quality of life.”