Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has completed most of its planned cycling tracks as part of a wider push to expand sustainable transport options across the emirate.
The authority confirmed that 13 out of 15 cycling tracks have been delivered, covering a total of 162 km and connecting several residential and key destination areas.
Network expansion
The new tracks form part of an integrated cycling network linking areas such as Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and DIFC to Jumeirah.
Work is ongoing on major pedestrian and cycling bridges across key roads, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and Dubai–Al Ain Road. These links aim to improve connectivity between cycling routes and urban areas. All remaining projects are expected to open in the second quarter of 2026.
The initiative supports a long-term plan to expand Dubai’s cycling network to 1,000 km by 2030.
Global ranking
Dubai’s cycling infrastructure has also gained international recognition. The city was ranked among the top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index, becoming the first city in the Middle East to achieve this.
The index evaluates cities based on infrastructure, usage, policies, and support for cycling.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said: “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. 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.”
“Both existing and planned cycling tracks form an integrated network linking residential areas across the emirate with key destinations and public transport stations, encouraging the use of bicycles and other sustainable individual mobility modes for first- and last-mile journeys.”
“The selection of track locations was based on comprehensive field studies, taking into account population density, land use integration, proximity to major tourism and economic destinations, and connectivity with public transport hubs. These factors contribute to improving traffic flow and enabling safe, smooth mobility for pedestrians and cyclists across Dubai’s road network.”
Al Tayer added: “Dubai’s inclusion in the global Copenhagen Index marks a culmination of sustained efforts led by RTA to develop an integrated cycling network, in line with the Dubai Bicycle-Friendly Strategy, which has marked a step change in the concept of sustainable urban mobility. RTA’s initiatives have increased the total length of cycling tracks from 560 km at the end of 2024 to 636 km by the end of 2025, while cyclist satisfaction with cycling infrastructure in Dubai reached 85%.”
“The number of cycling trips rose from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, representing a 23.5% increase. In addition, 22.3% of Dubai’s population now has access to cycling infrastructure.”
Key locations
Recent projects include cycling tracks in Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2, with a combined length of 18.5 km, as part of the Model Residential Neighbourhoods Project.
A 700-metre track was also completed in Tolerance District, alongside upgrades under the Soft Mobility Project in areas such as Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, and Abu Hail. Improvements were also made near metro stations including BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
The works included 25 km of dedicated cycling and e-scooter tracks, upgrades to pedestrian walkways, and safer internal roads.
New connections
Additional projects include 7 km of cycling and pedestrian tracks linking to ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station, as well as a new bridge over Al Manara Street.
The bridge is 45 metres long and 5.5 metres wide, with ramps on both sides to improve access and movement in the area.
Cycling tracks have also been added at the entrances of Al Warqa’a, covering 11 km, along with around 10 km of tracks developed as part of the Al Shindagha Corridor project.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
