RTA Strengthens Dubai’s Cycling Network with Completion of 13 Tracks, Totaling 162 km
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed 13 cycling tracks, forming part of an extensive master plan that aims to establish a total of 15 tracks across the emirate, with an overall length of 162 kilometers. This initiative is designed to create an integrated cycling network that connects existing routes from Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah.
Major Infrastructure Developments
In addition to the cycling tracks, RTA is in the process of constructing several pedestrian and cycling bridges, which are set to be among the largest in the emirate. Notable projects include a bridge over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, linking the Al Khawaneej track to Al Mamzar Beach. Another bridge will span Dubai–Al Ain Road, connecting the Saih Al Salam track with those in Al Warqa’a and Al Khawaneej. Additional bridges will cross Sheikh Zayed Road, linking tracks in Al Sufouh and Jumeirah with the Hessa Street track, and Al Khail Road, which will connect Dubai Hills with the cycling track along Hessa Street and Mall of the Emirates. All tracks are expected to open in the second quarter of this year.
The expansion of cycling tracks is part of a broader strategy to increase Dubai’s cycling network to 1,000 kilometers by the year 2030.
Global Recognition and Local Impact
RTA’s commitment to developing an integrated cycling network has bolstered Dubai’s international reputation, securing its position among the world’s top 100 cycling-friendly cities, as noted in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index. This achievement marks Dubai as the first city in the Middle East to earn such recognition. The Copenhagenize Index assesses cycling friendliness based on various criteria, including infrastructure quality, cycling usage rates, corporate support, and policies promoting flexible mobility.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, emphasized that the expansion of pedestrian and cycling tracks aligns with the UAE leadership’s directives to enhance road safety and foster a sustainable mobility environment. He stated that the initiative supports Dubai’s vision of becoming a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city, ultimately improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.
Enhancing Connectivity and Accessibility
Al Tayer further noted that both existing and planned cycling tracks create an integrated network that connects residential areas with key destinations and public transport stations. This network encourages the use of bicycles and other sustainable mobility modes for first- and last-mile journeys. The selection of track locations was informed by comprehensive field studies that considered population density, land use, proximity to major tourism and economic destinations, and connectivity to public transport hubs. These factors are crucial for improving traffic flow and ensuring safe mobility for pedestrians and cyclists throughout Dubai.
Cycling Usage Statistics
The RTA has reported significant increases in cycling activity, with the total length of cycling tracks expanding from 560 kilometers at the end of 2024 to 636 kilometers by the end of 2025. Cyclist satisfaction with the infrastructure reached 85%, and the number of cycling trips surged from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, reflecting a 23.5% increase. Currently, 22.3% of Dubai’s population has access to cycling infrastructure.
Completed Projects Overview
Recent projects include the completion of cycling tracks in various areas, such as Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2, totaling 18.5 kilometers—8 kilometers in Al Khawaneej 2 and 10.5 kilometers in Al Barsha 2. A 700-meter cycling track has also been established in the Tolerance District, as part of the Soft Mobility Project, which enhances mobility around public transport stations. This project encompasses areas like Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, and Abu Hail, along with five key public transport stations: BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
The scope of work has also included 25 kilometers of dedicated tracks for bicycles and e-scooters, upgrades to existing pedestrian walkways, and the implementation of the Safe Streets concept across internal roads. Additionally, 7 kilometers of pedestrian, cycling, and micromobility tracks have been completed to connect ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station. A pedestrian and cycling bridge over Al Manara Street has also been constructed, enhancing movement for pedestrians and cyclists in the area.
Ongoing Projects and Future Plans
Currently, RTA is developing a dedicated cycling and e-scooter track as part of the Hessa Street Development Project, which will extend 13.5 kilometers and feature a width of 4.5 meters. This track will connect Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills via Hessa Street, serving 12 key destinations across residential, commercial, educational, and service areas, including Al Barsha and Barsha Heights. The project aims to improve first- and last-mile connectivity through integration with Dubai Internet City Metro Station and other major commercial destinations.
The new track will include two bridges: one spanning Sheikh Zayed Road at 528 meters and another crossing Al Khail Road at 501 meters. Each bridge will be 5 meters wide, with designated areas for cycling, e-scooters, and pedestrians.
RTA is also constructing two of the largest pedestrian and cycling bridges in the emirate. The first will span Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, connecting Al Twar and Al Muhaisnah over a length of 816 meters, while the second will cross Dubai–Al Ain Road, linking Dubai Silicon Oasis and Liwan with a total length of 719 meters.
Additional pedestrian and cycling tracks are being developed across various areas, including Al Warqa’a, Al Nahda Street in Al Qusais, Tunis Street, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Wadi Al Safa, Jumeirah, and Al Quoz, totaling 64 kilometers.
As part of the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project, RTA is implementing a 4-kilometer cycling track, along with an additional 7 kilometers across several development areas. This includes 2 kilometers of tracks under the Al Ruwayyah Street Development Project, linking Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, serving mixed-use areas like Warsan 4 and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
RTA is also delivering a 3.2-kilometer cycling track as part of a major road development project in Wadi Al Safa 5, connecting Emirates Road with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, serving established residential communities like Arabian Ranches 3 and Villanova. Furthermore, a 2-kilometer cycling track is being implemented in Al Safa 4, serving key development areas, including Falcon City and City of Arabia.
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Published on 2026-03-29 14:35:00 • By Editorial Desk
