Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for the first phase of the Dubai Walk master plan, aiming to boost walkability in Dubai and make the area safer and more comfortable for people on foot and on bikes.
Key Takeaways: RTA Dubai Walk Al Ras
- 12km Al Ras Historical Route planned as a pedestrian route through the heritage area.
- 5km of new Dubai cycling tracks added to support active mobility infrastructure.
- 10 Dubai Culture art spaces rehabilitated with Emirati and local artists involved.
| What is being built or upgraded | What it includes | Scale | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai pedestrian route | Pedestrian historical route | 12 kilometres | Al Ras, Old Dubai (Deira) |
| Cycling | New cycling tracks | 5 kilometres | Al Ras, Old Dubai (Deira) |
| Arts and culture in public spaces | Rehabilitation of art spaces with Dubai Culture | 10 art spaces | Al Ras, Old Dubai (Deira) |
This sits inside a wider push as Dubai’s RTA has been rolling out multiple mobility and public-realm initiatives aimed at improving walkability, last-mile connectivity, and the visitor experience across key districts. The Dubai Walk master plan is framed as a network of pedestrian-friendly routes and upgraded streetscapes that support tourism, retail footfall, and safer active mobility (walking and cycling), particularly in heritage areas such as Deira and Old Dubai.
At the same time, the city is also working on faster links in its busiest commercial zones. In parallel, recent reporting indicates RTA also awarded a separate, high-value contract, reported at about $545 million, for a first-phase project to improve connectivity between the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Mall via a fast underground link. Put together, it points to urban development across different modes, from street-level public realm upgrades to big transport connections.
For Al Ras, the focus is simple. Better walking. Better cycling. And more reasons to linger, with cultural stops built into the route.
What is included in the Al Ras phase of the Dubai Walk master plan?
The first phase in Al Ras combines pedestrian infrastructure, Cycling links, and cultural upgrades. It includes a 12-kilometre walking route designed as the Al Ras Historical Route, plus 5 kilometres of cycling tracks. It also includes rehabilitation of 10 art spaces in coordination with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, with Emirati artists and local artists taking part.
This is also about urban regeneration. Al Ras is one of the areas many residents and tourists pass through for heritage routes, shopping streets, and the older parts of Deira. The idea is to make moving around on foot feel more natural, not like an afterthought. But a clearer, continuous Dubai pedestrian route easier to plan a walk, meet friends, or show visitors around Old Dubai without constantly stepping into traffic or doubling back.
The project includes rehabilitating 10 art spaces in coordination with Dubai Culture. Emirati and local artists will be involved in the cultural elements.
