Latest news with #SuperBlock
The National
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- The National
Will Elon Musk's Loop drive down Dubai traffic?
There is no denying that Elon Musk – the billionaire tech mogul, space flight pioneer and confidante to US President Donald Trump – has a special way of presenting new projects. Speaking via video call to an audience attending the last day of the World Governments Summit in Dubai yesterday, Mr Musk said a proposed underground road network for the city is 'going to be like a wormhole. You just wormhole from one part of the city to another'. Tesla is set to work with the emirate's authorities to build the Dubai Loop – an ambitious urban transport project that will resemble the Las Vegas Loop, a $47-million system built by Mr Musk's Boring Company. That project opened in 2021 and carries convention centre visitors in high-speed tunnels to avoid surface traffic. The American project took two years to build the tunnels and five stations for 70 driverless vehicles to travel through, and there are plans to further develop it into a sprawling system of 100 stations that will connect the Nevada city's airport to hotels and casinos. As enterprising as this sounds, Mr Musk's joint project with Dubai is in keeping with the emirate's future-focused ideas about making the city greener, more liveable and easier to get around. Like Dubai, Las Vegas is one of the world's hottest urban areas and below-ground transport is regarded as ideal for reducing emissions and ensuring smoother journeys. The Dubai Loop is just one of several current projects that aim to cut congestion and better connect one of the world's fastest growing cities. Technical studies of Dubai's solar-powered Railbus network are ongoing and the city has plans to more the double its number of Metro stations by 2040. In addition, Dubai is planning other ways to reduce the number of vehicles on its roads, such as the Super Block project – unveiled earlier this month, this aims to transform key areas into pedestrian zones with more greenery, shared public spaces and greater opportunities for social interaction. The drive to create new and innovative modes of transport – thereby improving the quality of life in urban areas – is something that the UAE as a whole is embracing. The Etihad Rail project, which has been advancing since work began on it in 2009, took a significant step forward in January when plans for a 30-minute high-speed train service connecting Abu Dhabi to Dubai were unveiled. The UAE capital also looks set to embrace flying taxis, with one company, Archer Aviation, saying earlier this month that it hopes to get Abu Dhabi's first flying taxis in the air this year, adding that its long-term goal is to replace 60 to 90-minute trips by car with 10 to 20-minute electric air journeys. For now, the focus is on this high-profile plan to dig underground roads in the desert. It is certainly a bold move, and Dubai will be watching the progress and expansion of Mr Musk's Las Vegas Loop closely. It may be the case that, in a few short years, Dubai travellers will indeed be 'wormholing' their way from one part of the city to another.
What's On
10-02-2025
- Business
- What's On
RTA's Rail Bus: A new transport system is coming to Dubai
A brand new mode of transport is coming to Dubai, announced by RTA… Big news for Dubai commuters – a brand new mode of transport is coming to Dubai and the Roads and Transport Authority has just revealed the project at the World Government Summit. Plans for a Rail Bus have been announced by the RTA, an initiative aimed at the grand goal of the near future: easing traffic congestion on the roads. A different version of the Metro network, essentially, the Rail Bus will be a bus instead of a train on tracks and move on a network of bridges across the city. Specifications of the vehicle have been released as well – 11.5 metres in length, 2.65 metres in width, sailing at speeds of 100 km/h. The bus will carry a capacity of 40 passengers and will be a sustainable, environment-friendly and cost-effective way of moving around the city, adding to the umbrella of public transport services in Dubai, along with the Metro, the Tram, buses and taxis. Dubai's road infrastructure is transforming Urgent initiatives are being taken to achieve multiple goals in Dubai, including making it a cleaner, greener, more carbon-footprint friendly city. In order to reduce traffic, ease congestion and soothe the woes of thousands of daily commuters, new initiatives like Salik's dynamic pricing, hikes in parking fees and congestion fees are being put into place. The Super Block initiative will see four Dubai neighbourhoods – Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama and Al Quoz Creative Zone – set to become car-free pedestrian zones. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister offered the update as part of the Super Block initiative. This is part of a push to enhance residents' quality of life by making areas greener, with pedestrians and cyclists prioritised. It also falls in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to enhance infrastructure. The RTA has also announced that it has slashed traffic by 60 per cent in some areas after a series of traffic upgrades to 50 locations. Areas improved include Beirut Street, improvements to the intersection of Al Khawaneej Street with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street and expansion of traffic movement from Al Rabat Street to Business Bay Crossing. Stay tuned for further details to be revealed on the Rail Bus project… @rta_dubai Images: Socials > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Filipino Times
10-02-2025
- Filipino Times
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.
Hi Dubai
10-02-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai to Transform Four Areas into Car-Free Zones Under New Super Block Initiative
Dubai has announced the Super Block initiative, a groundbreaking plan to establish car-free zones in key residential neighborhoods, further cementing its commitment to sustainability and urban livability. The initiative was unveiled by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE. The program prioritizes pedestrians and cyclists, creating vibrant, walkable communities in alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Four Areas to Be Transformed The first phase of the initiative will focus on the following areas: Al Fahidi Abu Hail Al Karama Al Quoz Creative Zone These areas will undergo significant redesigns to enhance green spaces, foster social interactions through shared public areas, and improve overall quality of life. Sheikh Hamdan emphasized Dubai's commitment to becoming a global leader in pedestrian-friendly urban environments, describing the Super Block initiative as a step towards reducing carbon emissions and creating sustainable residential zones. Unified Digital Platform Initiative Alongside the Super Block initiative, Sheikh Hamdan also announced the Unified Digital Platform, designed to streamline government services through platforms like Dubai Now and Invest in Dubai, making services more accessible and efficient for residents. Therme Dubai: A New Wellness Destination In addition to urban sustainability projects, Dubai continues to expand its wellness offerings with the development of Therme Dubai, an innovative wellness destination combining thermal bathing and advanced health technologies. Once completed, it is set to become the tallest wellness resort in the world. Dubai Walk Master Plan Complementing the Super Block initiative, Dubai's Walk Master Plan, approved in December 2024, aims to establish a 6,500-kilometer network of walkways by 2040. Key features include: Connecting 160 areas with 3,300 kilometers of new walkways and rehabilitating 2,300 kilometers of existing paths. with 3,300 kilometers of new walkways and rehabilitating 2,300 kilometers of existing paths. Building 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses . . Increasing pedestrian mobility from 13% to 25% . . Integrating green spaces, art displays, rest areas, and commercial zones. The plan supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Quality of Life Strategy 2033, reinforcing Dubai's position as a leader in sustainable urban design and soft mobility solutions. Implementation is set to begin in 2025, transforming the emirate into one of the world's most pedestrian-friendly cities. Dubai's multi-faceted approach to urban development reflects its vision for a greener, healthier, and more sustainable future, with initiatives designed to enhance both the city's livability and global appeal. News Source: Gulf Business
The National
09-02-2025
- General
- The National
‘I feel recharged': Dubai's old town residents thrilled by car ban plan
An ambitious plan to turn several historic Dubai neighbourhoods into car-free zones could significantly improve quality of life, residents and experts have told The National. The Super Block project, unveiled on Thursday, aims to transform key areas into pro-pedestrian areas with more greenery, shared public spaces and greater opportunities for social interactions. While more details on when the plan will be implemented are yet to be revealed, historic and residential areas such as Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama and Al Quoz Creative Zone will be the first to benefit from the initiative. Gulshan Kavarana, an art teacher who works with Emirati artists in a studio in Tashkeel, Al Fahidi, welcomed the move. She said it would draw more people to the heritage district on Dubai Creek which is home to historic houses, art galleries and museums. 'Tourists are here from 7am and after that it's non-stop with tourists coming in throughout the day,' she told The National. 'I hope the new plan makes the walking areas really cool so we get visitors all through the summer. Then we could get tourists the whole year round in to this space and our studio.' Ms Kavarana, a special needs advocate, also called for ramps to be built in the planned pedestrian zones to enable easy access for people with disabilities, the elderly and families with young children in strollers. 'They are making an effort to renovate Al Fahidi, and when they add ramps it will be amazing to access the villas that are old,' she said. 'We have ramps built in our studio so it's easy for people to move around. It should be the same not just in this area but all across Dubai.' Al Karama is already known as a lively shopping district. Huge murals adorn the walls, people sit at cafes sipping karak chai, while some residents play cricket and badminton. It is hoped the plan could encourage this and increase the number of green areas. 'I have always felt Karama has fewer parks,' said Dr Madhu Mathews, who owns a dental clinic in the neighbourhood. 'We don't have a walking or running track nearby that is continuous. It's very important to have pedestrian zones and also green areas. When I go to the park, I feel recharged – the greenery makes a big difference.' Dr Mathews' clinic is a seven-minute walk from his home, but he usually runs in a park near the Clock Tower that is about 15 minutes away by car. Parking is an issue in the Karama district. Spaces fill up quickly in the mixed-use area of office and residential buildings. 'If there is multistorey parking then people can access many areas that are a 10 to 15-minute walk away,' Dr Mathews said. 'Patients don't mind walking if [there are] clean pedestrian paths. People actually appreciate it now if you ask them to walk. They like walking if the area is well maintained.' Road safety and public transport experts also welcomed the plan. Thomas Edelmann, founder and managing director of RoadSafetyUAE, said it was 'fantastic'. 'Traffic is building up and people feel concerned,' he said. 'The initiative ticks a lot of boxes such as quality of life, sustainability, reducing emissions, taking vehicles off the road and increasing road safety.' He said the last report from his group showed that UAE motorists appreciate road infrastructure improvements in Dubai, but overall concern over dangerous driving and commute times has increased. Business still needs to be supplied with goods and cities may never be totally car-free, Mr Edelmann noted, but the plan is more about creating a different vision. 'It is about a high-level vision that cascades down to further projects,' he said. 'There is nothing wrong with aspiration.' Paulo Anciaes, a senior researcher in transport at University College London, said in most cities where this type of policy was implemented, there was a 'dramatic increase in pedestrian flows and in the use of streets as social spaces'. 'Pedestrian-friendly areas are also good for business, because the higher influx of people leads to an increase in revenue for local shops, restaurants and cafes,' Mr Anciaes said. He said these policies did not imply banning all cars and he pointed to a similar initiative in Barcelona, which studies have shown could prevent 700 premature deaths each year by reducing air pollution, noise, heat and by increasing physical activity. He cautioned that good public transport links were often required in residential neighbourhoods to encourage people away from car use. It is also important not to divert traffic into other areas as drivers use alternative routes, or cruise to find a parking space. 'This has been the case of some (but not all) traffic restriction policies in some residential areas in the UK,' said. 'Pedestrian-friendly shopping streets also need to provide something attractive in order to be competitive,' he said. 'For example, some pedestrian shopping streets in US cities declined because they could not compete with large shopping malls, which provided better parking space and more attractive spaces to walk.' The car-free move comes just weeks after Dubai unveiled major plans to become a 'pedestrian-friendly' city. The Dubai Walk project includes more than 3,000km of new walkways and 110 new bridges and tunnels. 'There is no going back in terms of a car-centric city, but we can reduce the footprint and impact of cars … by connecting neighbourhoods and getting people to walk,' Apostolos Kyriazis, associate professor of architecture and urbanism at Abu Dhabi University, told The National at the time. 'City authorities are trying to change tactics,' said Prof Kyriazis. 'More and more are trying to turn the priority to ones that need it – such as walking and cycling. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are two of these cities.'
