Dubai to Add 31 New Pedestrian Bridges by 2030 as Walking and Cycling Activity Continues to Rise

Government

Dubai to Add 31 New Pedestrian Bridges by 2030 as Walking and Cycling Activity Continues to Rise

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled plans to construct 31 new pedestrian bridges and tunnels across major roads in the emirate by 2030, reinforcing its commitment to road safety, sustainable mobility, and enhanced connectivity between residential communities and public transport networks.

The announcement comes as Dubai records significant improvements in pedestrian safety and active mobility. According to the RTA, pedestrian fatalities have fallen by 98 percent over the past 18 years, while annual walking trips have surpassed 326 million.

The new infrastructure projects, scheduled for implementation between 2026 and 2030, will be strategically located along key corridors including Sheikh Zayed Road, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Ittihad Road, and Omar bin Al Khattab Street. The selected locations are based on comprehensive studies examining population density, land use patterns, proximity to major attractions, and public transport accessibility.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the expansion will further strengthen Dubai’s integrated mobility network.

“Existing and planned pedestrian bridges form an integrated pathway network linking residential communities across Dubai with key destinations and encouraging residents to use sustainable soft mobility modes for first and last-mile journeys,” Al Tayer said.

The initiative reflects the remarkable growth of Dubai’s pedestrian infrastructure over the years. The number of pedestrian bridges and tunnels increased from just 26 in 2006 to 178 by the end of 2025, representing a 585 percent rise. With the addition of the planned crossings, the network will continue to expand significantly over the coming years.

The RTA highlighted the positive impact of these investments on public safety. Pedestrian fatality rates declined from 9.5 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2007 to only 0.22 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2025, underscoring Dubai’s progress toward becoming one of the world’s safest cities for road users.

Active mobility trends have also shown strong growth. Pedestrian trips rose from 307 million in 2023 to 326 million in 2025, while cycling trips increased by 23 percent, climbing from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025. Resident satisfaction with pedestrian infrastructure currently stands at 88 percent.

The RTA recently completed three major pedestrian and cycling bridges, including landmark structures on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. Designed to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users, these crossings enhance connectivity between communities such as Al Sufouh, Dubai Internet City, Barsha Heights, Al Barsha, and Dubai Hills.

The Sheikh Zayed Road bridge spans 528 metres and features an architectural design inspired by connectivity and continuity. Meanwhile, the Al Khail Road bridge extends 501 metres and incorporates design elements reflecting movement and sunlight.

A third bridge within the Al Quoz Creative Zone on Al Manara Street was developed to improve accessibility within the district and strengthen links to nearby attractions.

In addition, three major pedestrian bridges are currently under construction. Among them is a bridge at the Tunis Street–Al Nahda intersection on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, which will connect Muhaisnah 1 and Al Twar while improving access to Al Mamzar Beach. Another 730-metre bridge across Dubai-Al Ain Road will link Liwan in Wadi Al Safa 4 with Nad Hessa in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

A third bridge on Al Sukook Street is being developed as part of the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project and is expected to be completed during the first quarter of 2027.

The RTA stated that the new projects form part of Dubai’s broader Traffic Safety Strategy, which aims to achieve zero fatalities on the road network while further enhancing the emirate’s reputation as a global leader in urban mobility, road safety, and sustainable transportation.