Dubai to build a 93-kilometer pedestrian corridor

THE LOOP aims to connect more than three million residents to essential services, workplaces, and daily destinations within minutes, promoting a healthier and more sustainable mode of mobility. At the same time, it aligns with the “20-minute city” strategy, which envisions meeting citizens’ basic needs within a short distance from their homes.

THE LOOP will operate in a climate-controlled environment year-round, addressing the region’s high temperatures and making walking and cycling feasible in all seasons. The design also incorporates green spaces, recreational facilities, and shared services, transforming the mobility infrastructure into a vibrant public space.

The ambitious project is being implemented by URB, a company specializing in sustainable city design. According to Baharash Bagherian, the company’s CEO, the initiative seeks to foster a new culture of urban mobility, positioning Dubai as one of the most pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly cities in the world.

Currently, the city has largely developed around automobile transport, with extensive road networks that often hinder pedestrian and cyclist movement. THE LOOP seeks to reverse this model, reconnecting neighborhoods and promoting more human-centered, sustainable modes of transportation.

The long-term goal is that by 2040, over 80% of Dubai’s residents will rely on cycling or walking for daily commutes. The project also aims to bridge the gap between cycling and public transport, enabling residents to seamlessly combine different modes of transportation.