The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded the contract for Phase I of the Dubai Walk master plan, an upgrade of the historic Al Ras district in Old Dubai (Deira). It adds a 12 km walkway, 5 km of cycling tracks and rehabilitated art spaces, and it links the area to public transport. The wider plan is covered in our guide to the 6,000 km Dubai Walk plan.
- 12 km of pedestrian walkway, the Al Ras Historical Route.
- 5 km of new cycling tracks.
- 11 metro, bus and marine stations linked for first and last mile trips.
- 10 art spaces rehabilitated with the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
What is included in Phase I
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Walkway | 12 km, with wider pavements, shaded paths, seating, landscaped areas and wayfinding |
| Cycling | 5 km of tracks |
| Transport links | 11 metro, bus and marine stations |
| Heritage landmarks on the route | Al Ahmadiya School, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House, Al Ras Public Library, Al Fahidi Fort and the Al Shindagha Historic District |
| Art spaces | 10 to be rehabilitated, with murals, sculptures and improved lighting, and Emirati and local artists taking part |
| Timeline | Phase I is scheduled for 2025 to 2027 |
Why Al Ras
Al Ras is one of the oldest parts of Dubai, close to the creek, the gold and spice souks and several heritage sites. Its streets are busy and many are narrow, so walking can mean sharing space with traffic. The aim is a continuous, shaded route that lets residents and visitors move between landmarks and stations on foot or by bike.
What has not been published
The announcement did not name the contractor or give the contract value. Phase I runs to 2027, so expect works around Al Ras while it is built. Opening of individual sections has not been announced, and some heritage buildings on the route have their own opening status. Check each site before you plan a visit.
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