From DIFC to the beach: Where 13 new cycling tracks have opened in Dubai
The project is designed to seamlessly connect residential communities with major destinations and public transport hubs
30 March, 2026
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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 13 cycling tracks as part of a sweeping master plan aimed at transforming mobility across the emirate, marking a major step toward a more sustainable and connected urban landscape.
The newly delivered tracks form part of a broader blueprint that includes 15 routes spanning a total of 162 kilometres.
The initiative establishes an integrated cycling network linking key areas across Dubai, from Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and from Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah, according to a WAM report.
Integrated network connecting key destinations
The project is designed to seamlessly connect residential communities with major destinations and public transport hubs, encouraging residents and visitors to adopt cycling as a practical mode of transport.
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Work is also underway on a number of pedestrian and cycling bridges, set to rank among the largest in the emirate. These include a bridge over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road connecting Al Khawaneej track to Al Mamzar Beach, as well as another spanning Dubai–Al Ain Road to link Saih Al Salam with Al Warqa’a and Al Khawaneej.
Additional bridges are being constructed over Sheikh Zayed Road to connect Al Sufouh and Jumeirah with the Hessa Street track, and over Al Khail Road to link Dubai Hills with the cycling track along Hessa Street and Mall of the Emirates. All tracks are scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2026.
Ambitious vision for sustainable mobility
The expansion is part of a long-term strategy to grow Dubai’s cycling network to 1,000 kilometres by 2030, reinforcing the emirate’s commitment to sustainable urban mobility.
RTA’s efforts have already elevated Dubai’s global profile. The city secured a place among the world’s top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index, becoming the first city in the Middle East to achieve this milestone. The index evaluates cities based on infrastructure quality, usage rates, corporate support, and mobility policies.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, underscored the significance of the initiative.
“The expansion of pedestrian and cycling tracks and bridges reflects the directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to enhance road safety and provide a safe and sustainable mobility environment for all road users,” Al Tayer said.
“The initiative also supports Dubai’s vision to become a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city, while enhancing quality of life and promoting the well-being of residents and visitors.”
Encouraging first-and last-mile connectivity
Al Tayer highlighted that both existing and planned cycling tracks form a unified network linking residential areas with key destinations and transit stations.
“These tracks encourage the use of bicycles and other sustainable individual mobility modes for first- and last-mile journeys,” he said.
He added that the selection of track locations was based on extensive field studies, factoring in population density, land use integration, proximity to tourism and economic hubs, and connectivity with public transport.
“These elements contribute to improving traffic flow and enabling safe, smooth mobility for pedestrians and cyclists across Dubai’s road network,” Al Tayer noted.
Rising usage and public satisfaction
Dubai’s investment in cycling infrastructure is already yielding measurable results. The total length of cycling tracks increased from 560 kilometres at the end of 2024 to 636 kilometres by the end of 2025, while cyclist satisfaction reached 85 per cent.
The number of cycling trips rose sharply from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, representing a 23.5 percent increase. Additionally, 22.3 per cent of Dubai’s population now has access to dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Al Tayer described the emirate’s inclusion in the Copenhagenize Index as a culmination of sustained efforts aligned with the Dubai Bicycle-Friendly Strategy.
“This marks a step change in the concept of sustainable urban mobility,” he said.
Key projects across the emirate
The completed works span multiple districts, including Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2, where 18.5 kilometres of cycling tracks were delivered under the Model Residential Neighbourhoods Project—8 kilometres in Al Khawaneej 2 and 10.5 kilometres in Al Barsha 2.
A 700-metre cycling track was also developed in Tolerance District, alongside enhancements introduced through the Soft Mobility Project. This initiative focused on improving access around public transport hubs, covering areas such as Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, and Abu Hail, as well as major stations including BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
The scope of work further included 25 kilometres of dedicated tracks for bicycles and e-scooters, upgrades to pedestrian walkways, and the rollout of the Safe Streets concept across internal roads.
Bridging communities and enhancing accessibility
Among the standout developments is a 7-kilometre network of pedestrian, cycling, and micromobility tracks connecting key areas to ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station. A new pedestrian and cycling bridge over Al Manara Street has also been completed to improve connectivity.
The bridge features an aesthetically designed structure that reflects the character of the surrounding area. Measuring 45 metres in length, 5.5 metres in width, and 6 metres in height, it includes access ramps extending 210 metres on both sides.
Additional projects include 11 kilometres of pedestrian and cycling tracks at the entrances of Al Warqa’a, linking to existing routes, as well as approximately 10 kilometres of cycling tracks delivered under the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project.
