Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan: Everywhere accessible on foot within 20 minutes
The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan focuses on walkability around the city; and key developments
The ruler of Dubai has announced a new policy for the city, aiming to have all major parts of the emirate accessible within 20 minutes on foot or by bike. The aptly named 20-Minute City Policy would see the development of massive new integrated service centres linking up the city. It is part of the wider Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved and announced the plan today; with it being under phase two of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “Today, we have a clear vision for the development of Dubai’s urban infrastructure and housing sector until 2040. Our goal is for Dubai to be an eco- and pedestrian-friendly city, and a city with a high yield from urban agriculture.”
Also in this second phase is the Pedestrian Network Master Plan.
Read on for everything you need to know about the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan phase two.
The 20-Minute City Policy
The master plan now calls for developing a 20-minute city where residents can reach their destinations within a 20-minute timeframe on foot or by bicycle. The project involves developing integrated service centres with all the necessary facilities and increasing the population density around mass transit stations, allowing residents access to 80 percent of their daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes.
The Pedestrian Network Master Plan
Additionally, a plan will be developed to enhance and utilise urban spaces, such as alleyways, spaces underneath bridges, and squares, by augmenting the elements of well-being to make them attractive and relaxing for residents and visitors. The initiative contributes to enriching the beauty of urban areas, developing green corridors, reducing the carbon footprint, and enhancing the landscaping strategy. A comprehensive plan for pedestrians and soft mobility across Dubai will focus on connected pathways in high-density areas.
Phase II of the master plan involves developing an avenue for all residential neighbourhoods. It entails defining an area within the residential neighbourhoods and developing it under the principle of integrated street network where facilities and services are focused on catering to the residents’ needs. This initiative enhances well-being, supports soft mobility and reduces travel time within Dubai.
Hatta Development Master Plan
Among the completed projects was the launch of the Hatta Development Master Plan to enhance well-being. The plan aims to offer investment opportunities to local residents, support local tourism, attract investments, strengthen partnerships with the private sector, preserve heritage and nature, and promote tourism in Hatta.
Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan explained
Dubai is set to completely transform within the next 20 years, following the unveiling of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan in March of last year.
Underpinned by a strengthened focus on sustainability, it is the seventh such plan developed for Dubai since the ’60s. It seeks to improve urban areas by developing vibrant, healthy, and inclusive communities and by doubling green and leisure areas.
Five urban centres
It focuses on five key districts of Dubai: Deira and Bur Dubai, Downtown and Business Bay, Expo 2020 Centre, Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre and Dubai Marina and JBR, the latter being described as the city’s tourism centres.
Growth rooted in sustainability
On the topic of hospitality, the plan will increase the land area used for hotels and tourist activities by 134 percent.
The statement revealed: “Under the plan, green and recreational spaces and areas dedicated to public parks will double in size to serve the growing number of number of residents and visitors. Nature reserves and rural natural areas will constitute 60 percent of the emirate’s total area. Several green corridors will be established to link the service areas, residential areas and workplaces, facilitate the movement of pedestrians, bicycles, and sustainable mobility means across the city, in coordination with developers and government departments.”
Meanwhile land for health facilities will increase by 25 percent while space for beaches will jump an impressive 400 percent by 2040.
The expansion of the usable land in Dubai is prompted by a projected population increase in the city. The population has increased from 40,000 in the ’60s to 3.3 million by the end of 2020 and increased in cultural diversity to include people from 200 nationalities. The urban and built area of the emirate increased 170-fold from 3.2 square km in the same period. The population is still expected to hit 5.8 million by 2040 in Dubai.
You can see the plan in full here.
Source: Hotlier Middle East by Josh Corder