Dubai is accelerating its transformation into the world’s best city to live in, as envisioned in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. At the 33rd meeting of the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, chaired by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, key strategies and projects were reviewed to align with the emirate’s ambitious urban development goals.
Visionary Urban Development
Guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Committee is spearheading transformational projects aimed at enhancing quality of life, fostering economic growth, and promoting sustainability. These efforts also support the ‘Year of Community’ initiative, reinforcing social cohesion and prosperity.
Key urban development priorities include:
- Establishing five key urban centres to drive economic diversification and job creation.
- Implementing the ‘20-Minute City’ concept, ensuring that essential services and lifestyle amenities are within a short commute.
Streamlining Procedures and Economic Growth
Al Tayer highlighted the Committee’s success in expediting development approvals, achieving a 60% reduction in processing time for new real estate projects. These improvements have facilitated projects valued at over AED 55 billion, while allocating 450 million square feet of land for citizen housing.
Additionally, the Committee has approved over 50 master plans aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double Dubai’s economy and rank it among the world’s top three urban economies by 2033.
Enhancing Mobility and Pedestrian Infrastructure
A landmark initiative in 2024 is the approval of the ‘Dubai Walk’ master plan, which will introduce 6,500 km of pedestrian pathways across 160 areas, including two signature routes:
- Al Ras Loop – a heritage-inspired urban walking path.
- Future Loop – a modern pedestrian-friendly corridor.
Complementing this is the ‘Super Block’ initiative, which will reimagine urban spaces to enhance walkability and social interaction.
In public transport, Dubai has awarded the contract for the Metro Blue Line, a 30 km expansion featuring 14 stations that will serve nine residential and development areas, benefiting one million residents by 2040.
Green and Innovative Projects
Dubai’s commitment to sustainable urban development is further reflected in the ‘Therme Dubai’ project, set to become the world’s longest interactive resort and park. Developed in partnership with the private sector, the project is expected to attract 1.7 million visitors annually.
Additionally, the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) plan will optimize land use around metro stations, promoting sustainable transport and urban accessibility.
Progress on Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan
Since its launch in March 2021, Dubai has achieved significant milestones:
- Planning over 17,400 residential plots for citizens.
- Enacting the Urban Planning Law to streamline development policies.
- Developing master plans for rural areas and public beaches.
- Targeting a 105% increase in green spaces, a 134% boost in tourism activities, and a 400% expansion of public beach areas.
Shaping Dubai’s Future
With these groundbreaking projects, Dubai is reinforcing its status as a global leader in urban planning and quality of life. The emirate continues to set new benchmarks in sustainability, innovation, and livability, ensuring that it remains one of the world’s most attractive destinations for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
