One of three recently completed pedestrian and cycling bridges in Dubai. RTA

Dubai is set to build one of its largest-ever pedestrian and cycling bridges as part of an ambitious plan to add 31 new pedestrian bridges and tunnels across the emirate by 2030. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved its five-year pedestrian infrastructure plan for 2026 to 2030, targeting key locations across Dubai to improve road safety, encourage walking and cycling, and strengthen links between residential communities, transport hubs and major destinations. Among the flagship projects is a 730-metre-long pedestrian and cycling bridge spanning Dubai-Al Ain Road. Once completed, it will connect Liwan in Wadi Al Safa 4 with Dubai Silicon Oasis, creating a direct route between two rapidly expanding residential communities. At 730 metres long and 5.6 metres wide, the structure will rank among the largest pedestrian and cycling bridges in Dubai. It is designed to accommodate pedestrians, cyclists and e-scooter users, providing a safe alternative to car travel for short-distance journeys. Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said the continued expansion of pedestrian infrastructure reflects the UAE leadership’s vision for safer and more sustainable mobility. “The continued expansion of pedestrian bridge infrastructure reflects the directives of the wise leadership to enhance traffic safety, provide a safe and sustainable mobility environment for all road users, and make Dubai a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city,” Al Tayer said. He added that the projects also support Dubai’s quality-of-life goals and contribute to the happiness of residents and visitors.

Major network expansion

The 31 planned pedestrian crossings will be constructed at strategic locations including Sheikh Zayed Road, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Ittihad Road and Omar bin Al Khattab Street. According to the RTA, locations were selected following extensive technical and field studies that considered population density, nearby residential communities, tourism and commercial destinations, and access to public transport services. Al Tayer said the bridges are designed to create an integrated network linking neighbourhoods with major destinations while supporting first- and last-mile sustainable mobility. “Existing and planned pedestrian bridges form an integrated pathway network linking residential communities across Dubai with key destinations and encouraging residents to use sustainable soft mobility modes for first and last-mile journeys,” he said. The RTA said the number of pedestrian bridges and tunnels in Dubai has increased from just 26 in 2006 to 178 by the end of 2025, representing a 585 percent increase. Another 31 crossings will be added over the next five years. The authority credited the expansion programme for helping significantly improve road safety across the emirate. Al Tayer said pedestrian fatality rates have fallen from 9.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2007 to just 0.22 deaths in 2025, a decline of 98 percent. “They have also contributed to measurable gains across key indicators, with residents’ satisfaction with Dubai’s pedestrian infrastructure reaching 88 percent, pedestrian trips increasing from 307 million in 2023 to 326 million in 2025, a rise of 6 percent, and cycling trips increasing from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, a rise of 23 percent,” he said.

Bridges already completed and under construction

The RTA recently completed three pedestrian and cycling bridges. Two of them were built on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, linking cycling and pedestrian routes across Al Sufouh, Dubai Internet City, Barsha Heights, Dubai Hills and Al Barsha 3. The bridges measure 528 metres and 501 metres respectively and feature dedicated lanes for bicycles and e-scooters. A third bridge was completed in Al Quoz Creative Zone on Al Manara Street. Meanwhile, three more bridges are under construction. One of the largest is a 554-metre bridge at the Tunis Street-Al Nahda intersection on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. The structure will connect Muhaisnah 1 with Al Twar and provide easier access to Al Mamzar Beach. Another bridge is being developed as part of the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project on Al Sukook Street and is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2027. The new bridges will incorporate advanced safety and monitoring systems, including fire-fighting equipment, alarms, remote monitoring technology and electromechanical systems. Selected crossings will also include bicycle parking facilities and dedicated cycling tracks. CAM/ICA/Expat Media
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