By Staff Reporter
People can walk in air-conditioned decks of ‘Future Loop’ linking 10 major landmarks
Aimed at promoting a culture of walking, Dubai Walk’s 6,500km interconnected network will involve the construction of 3,300km of new walkways
Aimed at promoting a culture of walking, Dubai Walk’s 6,500km interconnected network will involve the construction of 3,300km of new walkways
Dubai: Here’s a sneak peek into the ‘Future Loop’, an ambitious project featuring elevated air-conditioned walkways with trees, lush greenery, and shops on top, linking major landmarks in Dubai’s Central Business District.
The 2-km-long elevated loop is part of Dubai Walk — an initiative approved in December 2024 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Aimed at promoting a culture of walking, Dubai Walk’s 6,500km interconnected network will involve the construction of 3,300km of new walkways, the upgrading of 2,300km of existing ones by 2040, and an additional 900km afterward. The pilot phase will begin this year and run until 2027, with the full project to be completed in three stages by 2040.
“It’s a new and unique project for Dubai. We haven’t spoken a lot about it yet. We aim to make people walk more by increasing the connectivity among the pathways in Dubai,” Moaza Al Marri, CEO of Executive Affairs Sector — Roads and Transport Authority, told Gulf News on the sidelines of Dubai International Project Management Forum (DIPMF).
Among the highlights of the Dubai Walk initiative, Moaza said, will be the elevated ‘Future Loop’ connecting 10 key locations, such as the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, and nearby metro stations. A prototype of the ‘Future Loop’ was on display at the DIPMF event last week, offering visitors a glimpse of what was to come.
“It’s 2km long with two decks. One deck is open-air, with trees, parks and shops where people can come, sit and enjoy. Then in the lower deck will be a pathway where people can walk, run and cycle in air-conditioned comfort.”
Promoting sustainable transportation, there will be dedicated cycle tracks, seating and shaded areas, as well as commercial spaces for businesses.
Moaza said that the loop will allow people to walk from one landmark to another through a shaded and air-conditioned walkway, helping reduce traffic on the streets.
Among the highlights of the Dubai Walk initiative will be the elevated ‘Future Loop’ connecting 10 key locations
Among the highlights of the Dubai Walk initiative will be the elevated ‘Future Loop’ connecting 10 key locations
“Let’s say you are in DWTC and you have a meeting in Emirates Towers. You can just walk. It elevates the traffic off the road and onto the elevated loop. It will help improve the traffic in that area. People who normally use cars to move between these buildings can now walk,” Moaza said, noting that the ‘Future Loop’ area will also see upgrades to the DWTC roundabout and Al Mustaqbal Street.
The ‘Future Loop’ links 10 major landmarks in Dubai’s Central Business District. photo Ashwani Kumar (Photo: null)
Asked if people will ditch their cars, Moaza pointed to added benefits like reward points redeemable for discounts. “Apart from health benefits, we’re going to have an app that tracks your walkability. You will get reward points for walking,” Moaza underlined.
