Dubai to build 23 bridges for pedestrians and cyclists by end of 2030

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the completion of two new pedestrian bridges as part of Al Shindagha Corridor Project, and plans to build 23 more across key parts of the city by the end of 2030.

The pedestrian bridges are on Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Mina Street.

Another five bridges for pedestrians and cyclists - on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Al Manara Street in Al Quoz Creative Zone, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Dubai–Al Ain Road - are scheduled to open before the end of this year, with one more on Al Sukook Street set for completion in the first quarter of 2027.

RTA also underlined plans to start constructing nine pedestrian bridges by the end of 2028. It will include a bridge near Coca-Cola Arena, another in Business Bay, and a third on Sheikh Zayed Road close to Burj Khalifa area, along with six bridges on Al Asayel Street.

Each bridge features firefighting systems, remote monitoring, and other safety elements, with some fitted with dedicated paths and bike racks.

“The pedestrian bridges already in place, together with those planned, form a network linking residential areas across Dubai with key attractions, thereby encouraging residents to adopt sustainable individual mobility means for the first and last-mile journeys," highlighted Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s RTA.

"The number of pedestrian bridges and underpasses grew from 26 in 2006 to 177 by the end of 2024, marking an increase of 581 per cent."

It's part of efforts by RTA "to enhance road safety, provide a safe and sustainable mobility environment for all road users, and transform Dubai into a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city".

Al Tayer added that Dubai has recorded a "decline in pedestrian fatalities and accidents, from 9.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2007 to 0.3 deaths in 2024, (marking) a reduction of 97 per cent".

According to the stats, pedestrian trips have increased from 307 million in 2023 to 326 million in 2024, marking a growth of 6 per cent. While, cycling trips have risen from 44 million in 2023 to 46.6 million in 2024, reflecting a 5 per cent increase.