Super Block: 4 Dubai neighbourhoods will become car-free zones
Al Karama, one of the oldest and most densely populated areas of the city, will say goodbye to cars as part of the Super Block initiative.
Home to thousands of people, plus heaps of restaurants and shops, Al Karama is often also chock-a-block with traffic, and plans announced earlier this year aim to put an end to that.
In February, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that Dubai will take a big step towards sustainability with its new Super Block initiative, designed to transform residential neighbourhoods into car-free zones.
The initiative aims to create pedestrian-friendly areas, enhancing the city's livability and prioritising green spaces for its residents.
In addition to Al Karama, the other car-free zones include neighbourhoods like Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, and Al Quoz Creative Zone. These areas will shift focus from cars to pedestrians and cyclists, boosting green spaces and putting the focus on communal recreational spaces.
Al Karama will soon become a car-free zone.
So, when can we expect cars to get off the roads in Al Karama? Plans such as these take a long time to put together but, with the initiative being a key part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, we should expect the pedestrian-friendly zones to be in place in the coming years.
By encouraging walking and cycling, Dubai is not just promoting a healthier lifestyle, but also reducing its carbon footprint as part of its commitment to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
In addition to the car-free zones in these four neighbourhoods, we can also expect more green spaces to be introduced across the city.
The Super Block initiative is one piece of Dubai's larger vision for a greener future. In line with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, the city has already set plans for Therme Dubai, a well-being resort that will feature the world's largest indoor botanical garden.
Plus, Dubai is working on a 6,500km network of modern walkways, ensuring enhanced pedestrian access throughout the city.
But the green revolution doesn't stop there.
In 2025, the city confirmed that a whopping 300,000 trees had been planted as part of landscaping works worth Dhs190m.
These projects are just the beginning of Dubai's efforts to make the city more sustainable, walkable and enjoyable for all.
Yet another reason to love living here.
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Time Out Dubai
21-07-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Super Block: 4 Dubai neighbourhoods will become car-free zones
Several of Dubai's most bustling neighbourhoods are set to become car-free zones in the near future. Al Karama, one of the oldest and most densely populated areas of the city, will say goodbye to cars as part of the Super Block initiative. Home to thousands of people, plus heaps of restaurants and shops, Al Karama is often also chock-a-block with traffic, and plans announced earlier this year aim to put an end to that. In February, Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that Dubai will take a big step towards sustainability with its new Super Block initiative, designed to transform residential neighbourhoods into car-free zones. The initiative aims to create pedestrian-friendly areas, enhancing the city's livability and prioritising green spaces for its residents. In addition to Al Karama, the other car-free zones include neighbourhoods like Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, and Al Quoz Creative Zone. These areas will shift focus from cars to pedestrians and cyclists, boosting green spaces and putting the focus on communal recreational spaces. Al Karama will soon become a car-free zone. So, when can we expect cars to get off the roads in Al Karama? Plans such as these take a long time to put together but, with the initiative being a key part of the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033 and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, we should expect the pedestrian-friendly zones to be in place in the coming years. By encouraging walking and cycling, Dubai is not just promoting a healthier lifestyle, but also reducing its carbon footprint as part of its commitment to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. In addition to the car-free zones in these four neighbourhoods, we can also expect more green spaces to be introduced across the city. The Super Block initiative is one piece of Dubai's larger vision for a greener future. In line with the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, the city has already set plans for Therme Dubai, a well-being resort that will feature the world's largest indoor botanical garden. Plus, Dubai is working on a 6,500km network of modern walkways, ensuring enhanced pedestrian access throughout the city. But the green revolution doesn't stop there. In 2025, the city confirmed that a whopping 300,000 trees had been planted as part of landscaping works worth Dhs190m. These projects are just the beginning of Dubai's efforts to make the city more sustainable, walkable and enjoyable for all. Yet another reason to love living here. In other Dubai news 7 major Dubai visa changes you need to know about in 2025 New ways of getting a long-term stay 36 major traffic improvement projects coming soon to Dubai And some sooner than you think Dubai is going cashless: This is what it means for you Say goodbye to coins and notes
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Dubai plants 300,000 trees in new landscaping works
If you've been out on the roads this week, you might have noticed that Dubai's highways are looking a whole lot greener. And you'd be correct – the city has just finished planting over 300,000 trees as part of landscaping works worth Dhs190m. Part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, 222,500 square metres of ground covers and flowers have been added across major intersections and roadways in the first half of 2025. If you like this: Dhs750 million road project announced to ease traffic between Dubai, Sharjah, and Ras Al Khaimah Brightening up the roads with greenery and colour, you can spot the new landscapes at the intersection the intersection of Al Khail Road with Latifa bint Hamdan Street and the intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street with Tripoli Street. There are also new works on Sheikh Rashid Street from the junction with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street to Al Mina Road, Sheikh Zayed Road from the 7th Interchange (entry point to Dubai from Abu Dhabi) and Al Khawaneej Street at the intersection with Al Amardi Street. Dubai Municipality completes a series of landscaping and afforestation projects across major intersections and roadways in the emirate during the first half of 2025. Valued at AED190 million and covering more than three million square metres, the projects form part of the… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 14, 2025 The projects also used native trees including sidr, ghaf and neem, while other landscaping designs were inspired by traditional architecture. Speaking about the designs, Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said: 'The landscaping projects were developed in accordance with specific urban and environmental criteria, with a focus on selecting diverse plant species adapted to the local climate. 'This enhances the beauty and unique character of public spaces. We also increased the planting of native and ornamental species cultivated in Dubai Municipality's nurseries. 'In addition, we unified the aesthetic of Dubai's main entry points by installing similar decorative fencing, using carefully selected colour schemes that reflect the emirate's identity and provide visitors with a welcoming sense of arrival.' In other Dubai news 7 major Dubai visa changes you need to know about in 2025 New ways of getting a long-term stay 36 major traffic improvement projects coming soon to Dubai And some sooner than you think Dubai is going cashless: This is what it means for you Say goodbye to coins and notes
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Dubai announces Dhs650m Ras Al Khor project
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