Dubai's initiative to create car-free, pedestrian-friendly residential areas
Dubai just launched a new initiative to turn several residential areas into car-free, pedestrian-friendly zones.
Recently, Dubai's Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, approved a series of initiatives that improve the quality of life across the emirate.
Get the latest news instantly on your phone—join the Filipino Times WhatsApp channel now!
The 'Super Block' initiative solidifies Dubai's position as a global leader in pedestrian-friendly urban living. Through this project, the emirate is dedicated to transforming selected urban areas into pro-pedestrian zones, fostering sustainable mobility, enhancing social interaction, and improving overall quality of life.
Under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the initiative also aims to reduce carbon emissions by designating car-free residential areas in Al Fahidi, Al Karama, Abu Hail, and Al Quoz Creative Zone.
A car-free residential area not only encourages residents and citizens to walk and cycle more often to promote a healthier lifestyle but also reduces carbon footprint across the emirate.
It can also improve air quality, create safer streets, enhance community interaction, reduce traffic congestion, and provide more green spaces.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
3 days ago
- Arabian Post
Dubai Unveils Iconic Blue Line Metro Expansion with Record‑Breaking Station
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai Dubai's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has marked the commencement of work on the long-planned Dubai Metro Blue Line, laying the foundation stone for its first station—an architectural masterpiece poised to become the world's highest metro stop at 74 metres. The AED 56 billion project will see construction of a 30 km rail corridor featuring 14 stations and 15.5 km of tunnels. When completed in 2029, it will extend Dubai's transit network to 131 km with 78 stations, serviced by 168 trains. Laying out the design, Sheikh Mohammed described the station—named 'Emaar Properties'—as an 'architectural icon' that aligns with Dubai's cultural landmarks. Designed by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, the station spans approximately 11,000 m² and is expected to handle 160,000 passengers daily, rising to 70,000 by 2040. Built to bridge Dubai Creek via a 1.3 km viaduct, the alignment also encompasses advanced sustainable features and full Platinum-level green building certification. ADVERTISEMENT The Blue Line will connect nine key districts, from Bur Dubai/Deira through Dubai Silicon Oasis to Academic City, also establishing interchanges with the existing Red and Green lines at Al Rashidiya and Al Jaddaf respectively. Travel time is expected to be between 10 and 25 minutes, with a projected ridership of 200,000 by 2030 and up to 320,000 by 2040. Oversight for the project was awarded five months ago to a consortium led by Turkey's MAPA and Limak, with China's CRRC delivering rail systems. The contract, valued at AED 20.5 billion, follows an international tender detailed by the Roads and Transport Authority. Construction began in April under RTA supervision and is slated to complete by September 2029, coinciding with the Metro's 20th anniversary. The Blue Line is not only a transport project but also a key driver of Dubai's broader economic and urban strategy, under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Analysts predict it could deliver AED 2.60 in economic, social, and environmental benefits for every dirham invested by 2040, with potential reduction of road congestion by 20% and a 25% uplift in land values near stations. At a ceremony held on June 9 2025, Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director‑General, and representatives from the MAPA-Limak-CRRC group, as he laid the foundation stone for the Emaar Properties Station in Dubai Creek Harbour. The station's design reflects a fusion of traditional stone, bronze, and glass to evoke a modern heritage, with natural lighting enhancing passenger experience. Beyond the landmark station, the Blue Line includes Dubai's largest underground interchange station at International City 1, covering 44,000 m² and capable of processing 350,000 passengers per day. The elevated–subterranean route is engineered for flexibility: a Y‑junction system allows trains to run directly from Academic City to either Creek or Centrepoint without passenger transfers. ADVERTISEMENT An important feature of the new line is the metro's first-ever bridge spanning Dubai Creek—a 1.3 km link set to provide scenic and efficient connectivity between the city's burgeoning north‑east and the urban core. Emaar Properties has secured naming rights for the iconic station under a ten-year agreement beginning at its 2029 inauguration. Similar agreements for other stations are expected to follow. Since opening in 2009, the Dubai Metro has carried over 2.5 billion passengers, averaging 900,000 day-to-day users. With the Blue Line operational, that figure is projected to only grow—annual ridership is expected to surpass 300 million by 2026. SOM's involvement as design lead brings a legacy of landmark architecture—its portfolio includes global icons such as the Burj Khalifa, New York's Olympic Tower, and Chicago's Willis Tower. The firm's concept of a 'crossing gateway' symbolises Dubai's ambition to blend aesthetics and connectivity in its infrastructural projects. As Dubai develops rapidly under its 2040 plan, transport-oriented infrastructure such as the Blue Line serves multiple objectives: reducing road travel times, supporting high-density developments like Dubai Creek Harbour and Academic City, and promoting sustainable urban growth. Amenities across Blue Line stations will include bus bays, taxi ranks, bike and e-scooter zones, and full accessibility provisions tailored to 'people of determination'. The $5.6 billion deal for the Blue Line contract, confirmed by Reuters in December 2024, sets high expectations for the consortium's delivery through to 2029. Monthly monitoring by the RTA forecasts a phased construction schedule that aligns with urban expansion milestones tied to Expo City Dubai and continuing population growth. By 2040, the RTA projects that the Metro network will serve 320,000 riders per day on the Blue Line alone, integrated with over 80% of city services reachable within a 20-minute public transit ride—supporting the '20‑Minute City' goal. The Blue Line is expected to be a catalyst for new patterns of mobility, shaping development in under-served districts like Mirdif, Al Warqa, and Ras Al Khor, while reinforcing Dubai's status as a testbed for smart and sustainable infrastructure. The combination of landmark design, intermodal connectivity, and environmental ambition positions the line as a model for future metro expansions globally.
Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Sharjah 24
Mohammed bin Rashid lays foundation stone for Metro Blue Line
Spanning 30 km and comprising 14 stations, the new line is set to transform mobility across nine key districts, projected to be home to over one million residents, as outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Architectural highlights His Highness also approved the distinctive architectural design of the iconic Emaar Properties Station, the highest metro station in the world, standing at 74 metres. Inspired by the concept of a crossing gateway, the station was designed by the renowned American architectural firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), known for landmarks like the Burj Khalifa. Integration into urban environment The station is designed to integrate harmoniously into the existing urban environment and embodies the vision of 'Dubai: A Gateway to the Future'. Covering an area of approximately 11,000 square metres, it can accommodate up to 160,000 passengers per day, with daily users expected to exceed 70,000 by 2040. Expansion of the rail network With the completion of the Blue Line project, Dubai's rail network will expand to a total of 131 km, comprising 78 stations and 168 trains. Ceremony highlights Upon arriving at the ceremony, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid was welcomed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of the Roads and Transport Authority. He viewed a historical gallery showcasing the vision of the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum for a metro line connecting Dubai districts. Growth in ridership The Dubai Metro has transported over 2.527 billion passengers since its launch on 9/9/2009. In 2024, the Metro recorded a daily average of 900,000 passengers, with ridership growing steadily over the years. Future projections According to studies, the number of Dubai Metro passengers is expected to exceed 300 million in 2026 and reach 320 million by 2031. Station developments The service began in 2009 with 10 stations, expanding to 64 by 2021. The upcoming Blue Line will add 14 new stations, bringing the total to 78. Train fleet expansion The number of trains has increased from 16 at launch in 2009 to a projected 168 with the Blue Line completion, enhancing capacity and efficiency. Design evolution The exterior design of the elevated stations is inspired by seashells, while the interior reflects seven thematic models: Heritage, Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Blue line connectivity The Blue Line links the Green Line at Creek Station and the Red Line at Centrepoint Station, serving residential and academic zones, with an estimated population of one million by 2040. Key routes of the Blue Line Al Tayer detailed the two main routes of the Blue Line, covering significant areas and enhancing connectivity. Economic impact The Blue Line project aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, projected to yield substantial economic benefits by 2040. Sustainability considerations The project incorporates sustainable design principles, including green building standards, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance property values. Conclusion The Dubai Metro Blue Line marks a significant milestone in the city's transportation network, enhancing mobility and supporting the goal of making Dubai the world's best city to live in.
Gulf Today
5 days ago
- Gulf Today
VIDEO: Sheikh Hamdan takes abra ride, explores Old Dubai market during Eid
In a rare appearance on public transport, Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense, chose to mark Eid Al Adha by taking a traditional abra across Dubai Creek. The unannounced journey, shared on his Instagram account offered a glimpse of the emirate's living heritage during the long weekend. Filmed from the wooden boat's deck, the video captures Sheikh Hamdan navigating the creek toward Al Seef Market. There, he paused at spice merchants and local food stalls, sampling regional delicacies and engaging with vendors. The market's blend of restored wind-tower architecture and contemporary boutiques provided the backdrop for the Crown Prince's firsthand exploration of Old Dubai's charisma. Sheikh Hamdan's abra excursion reflects his long-standing commitment to advancing Dubai's transport network, from tram extensions to pioneering 'flying taxi' trials. By choosing a centuries-old water taxi—one of the city's original transit modes—he reinforced the importance of preserving local traditions even as Dubai accelerates toward future-forward mobility solutions. This Eid Al Adha gesture resonated widely. 'It's inspiring to see our Crown Prince travel like any other resident, honoring our roots,' one Instagram user commented. As Dubai continues its rapid development, Sheikh Hamdan's creekside journey served as a reminder that the city's identity still flows from its historic waterways. The Crown Prince of Dubai has a wide range of interests in cycling, running, hunting, skydiving and flying helicopters to diving and hiking, and summiting peaks. The sport-enthusiast royal is an avid lover of nature and animals. He shares breathtaking photographs and videos of his whereabouts on Instagram. He has over 17 million followers on his Instagram account. Hamdan's Instagram bio reads, 'Every picture has a story and every story has a moment that I'd love to share with you. Thanks and enjoy.'
