Walking, cycling, metro: Inside Dubai’s new plan to change daily commute by 2030
The initiative is designed to strengthen links between residential neighbourhoods and public transport stations while improving first- and last-mile connectivity for residents and visitors
20 July, 2026
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Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a five-year plan to significantly expand the emirate’s soft mobility network by 2030, marking another step in the city’s broader strategy to create a more connected, sustainable and commuter-friendly transport ecosystem.
The initiative is designed to strengthen links between residential neighbourhoods and public transport stations while improving first- and last-mile connectivity for residents and visitors. By integrating walking, cycling and other individual mobility options with Dubai’s wider public transport network, the authority aims to make journeys safer, more convenient and increasingly seamless.
Under the plan, RTA will develop soft mobility infrastructure across 25 residential areas and upgrade the urban environment surrounding 63 public transport stations by 2030. The project aligns with Dubai’s wider vision of developing an integrated mobility network that supports sustainable urban growth and enhances quality of life.
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Areas selected for the programme have been prioritised based on several factors, including the availability and usage of public transport services, population density, land-use patterns, whether residential, commercial or mixed-use, and the current condition of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. Future development plans under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan also formed part of the selection criteria.
Soft mobility positioned as a key pillar of future transport
Mattar Al Tayer, director general, chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said the initiative reflects Dubai’s long-term ambition to remain one of the world’s leading cities for liveability while supporting sustainable economic and urban development.
“The plan forms part of RTA’s efforts to reinforce Dubai’s position as the best city in the world to live in, and to develop an integrated and sustainable transport system that keeps pace with urban and population growth while enhancing quality of life.
“Soft mobility has become one of the strategic enablers of the future mobility ecosystem and a key pillar in strengthening integration across transport modes. It reinforces public transport’s position as the preferred mobility choice and supports Dubai’s sustainability and quality-of-life objectives, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.”
Al Tayer said transport infrastructure worldwide is increasingly being measured by how effectively it delivers connected and seamless journeys rather than simply expanding road capacity.
“The global mobility sector is undergoing a fundamental shift in the philosophy of infrastructure development. Success is now measured by a mobility system’s ability to deliver an integrated, safe and seamless journey that allows residents and visitors to move between different transport modes with ease, efficiency and safety.
“Dubai has succeeded in building one of the world’s most advanced public transport systems by strengthening integration between the road network, public transport modes and individual mobility modes. Pedestrian journeys rose from 326 million in 2024 to 342 million in 2025, a growth of 5 per cent, while the maturity of infrastructure surrounding public transport stations reached 87 per cent and pedestrian satisfaction across Dubai rose to 89 per cent. Cycling trips increased from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, a growth of 23%, and e-scooter trips rose from 32.3 million in 2024 to 39.6 million in 2025, a growth of nearly 23 per cent.”
Focus on making public transport more attractive
RTA believes improving the areas surrounding metro and bus stations will play a critical role in encouraging more residents to shift towards public and shared transport.
According to Al Tayer, investing in the urban environment around transport hubs helps maximise the value of existing transport infrastructure while making public transport a more attractive option for everyday travel.
He said facilities such as pedestrian and cycling tracks, safer pedestrian crossings, infrastructure for People of Determination, shaded walkways and urban beautification features will make journeys more comfortable and accessible. The plan also includes expanding stations and parking facilities for shared mobility services, including Careem Bike and e-scooter rental operators, further improving connectivity between neighbourhoods and transport hubs.
Al Tayer added that the next phase of the programme will focus on completing the final stage of customers’ journeys by strengthening first- and last-mile connectivity between residential communities, business districts, major destinations and metro and bus stations.
He said the objective is to transform every public transport station into an integrated mobility hub that delivers greater flexibility, efficiency and sustainability for commuters.
Infrastructure rollout to continue through 2030
The latest programme will expand soft mobility infrastructure into 25 additional residential areas, bringing the total number of targeted communities to 34 by the end of the decade.
Construction is already underway in five locations, Dubai Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga and Al Muraqqabat, where soft mobility elements are currently being implemented.
Alongside neighbourhood improvements, RTA plans to upgrade the infrastructure surrounding 63 public transport stations by 2030, making metro and bus stations easier to access while further strengthening Dubai’s integrated transport network.
The authority said the programme supports Dubai’s wider efforts to increase reliance on public transport and sustainable mobility by creating an accessible infrastructure network that better connects residential developments, commercial districts, major destinations and transport stations.
Key elements of the project include cycling tracks, pedestrian crossings, shaded pathways, landscaped rest areas, bicycle parking, vehicle parking facilities, passenger pick-up and drop-off zones and dedicated infrastructure for shared mobility services.
Together, these improvements are intended to make active travel more practical while supporting safer and more efficient journeys across the city.
Building on earlier phases
The new expansion builds on previous soft mobility projects already completed across nine residential areas: Al Mankhool, Al Qusais, Al Karama, Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, Hor Al Anz, Abu Hail and Al Souk Al Kabeer.
RTA has also completed upgrades around 37 metro stations, including Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, ONPASSIVE, Gold Souq, BurJuman, Baniyas Square, Sharaf DG and Abu Hail.
Those projects introduced integrated pedestrian and cycling networks, upgraded pavements, safer pedestrian crossings, facilities for People of Determination, mobility hubs, shared mobility stations and urban beautification initiatives.
According to RTA, these improvements have strengthened first- and last-mile connectivity while delivering greater integration between different transport modes across Dubai’s wider mobility network.
Master plan supports long-term mobility strategy
The soft mobility programme forms part of a broader strategy to create an interconnected transport ecosystem that integrates roads with the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, public buses, marine transport, taxis and individual mobility options such as walking, cycling and e-scooters.
RTA said the approach is designed to deliver safer, more efficient and sustainable journeys while supporting Dubai’s economic growth, urban expansion and international competitiveness in smart mobility.
To support the initiative, the authority previously conducted a comprehensive study to develop a master plan for non-motorised transport across the emirate.
The study examined infrastructure requirements for medium- and long-distance journeys, with a focus on improving safety, accessibility and convenience while encouraging greater use of walking and cycling.
It also established a long-term strategy for expanding non-motorised transport by creating infrastructure that is accessible to all residents, including People of Determination, while improving connectivity between residential communities, development projects and major destinations.
In addition, the strategy outlines standards for first- and last-mile infrastructure and transport integration, providing a framework that will be incorporated into future RTA projects across Dubai.
Enhancing transport integration
The soft mobility initiative includes a broad range of infrastructure improvements designed to support safer and more accessible travel throughout the city.
Among the planned upgrades are facilities for People of Determination, raised pedestrian crossings, traffic-calming measures, dedicated cycling tracks, bicycle parking bays, improved directional and warning signage, pavement enhancements and shared-use lanes for vehicles and non-traditional transport modes.
The programme will also introduce additional shaded pathways, landscaped rest areas, green spaces and seating to encourage walking and cycling, alongside vehicle parking, passenger pick-up and drop-off points and stations for shared mobility services.
Collectively, these measures are expected to improve everyday mobility, encourage greater use of sustainable transport options and further enhance the quality of life for residents as Dubai continues to invest in building an integrated, future-ready transport network.
