Dubai , March 29 , 2026 : Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 13 cycling
tracks as part of a master plan encompassing 15 tracks across various
areas of the emirate, with a total length of 162 km. The project provides an
integrated cycling network linking existing tracks from Al Khawaneej to Al
Mamzar Beach, from Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and from Dubai
International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah.
Work is also underway to complete a series of pedestrian and cycling
bridges, set to be among the largest in the emirate. These include a bridge
over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, connecting Al Khawaneej track
to Al Mamzar Beach; another over Dubai–Al Ain Road, linking Saih Al
Salam track with tracks in Al Warqa’a and Al Khawaneej; a bridge over
Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting cycling tracks in Al Sufouh and Jumeirah
with the track along Hessa Street; and a bridge over Al Khail Road, linking
Dubai Hills with the cycling track along Hessa Street and Mall of the
Emirates. All tracks are scheduled to be opened during the second quarter
of this year.
The development of cycling tracks forms part of a comprehensive plan to
expand Dubai’s cycling network to 1,000 km by 2030.
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RTA’s efforts in building an integrated cycling network have strengthened
Dubai’s global standing, earning the emirate a place among the world’s top
100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index, making it the
first city in the Middle East to achieve this distinction. The Copenhagenize
Index is a leading global benchmark for assessing cycling friendliness,
based on key criteria including infrastructure quality, cycling usage rates,
corporate support, and policies related to flexible mobility.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of
Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said: “The
expansion of pedestrian and cycling tracks and bridges reflects the
directives of the UAE’s wise leadership to enhance road safety and provide
a safe and sustainable mobility environment for all road users. The initiative
also supports Dubai’s vision to become a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly
city, while enhancing quality of life and promoting the well-being of
residents and visitors.”
“Both existing and planned cycling tracks form an integrated network linking
residential areas across the emirate with key destinations and public
transport stations, encouraging the use of bicycles and other sustainable
individual mobility modes for first- and last-mile journeys.”
“The selection of track locations was based on comprehensive field studies,
taking into account population density, land use integration, proximity to
major tourism and economic destinations, and connectivity with public
transport hubs. These factors contribute to improving traffic flow and
enabling safe, smooth mobility for pedestrians and cyclists across Dubai’s
road network.”
Cycling Trips
Al Tayer added: “Dubai’s inclusion in the global Copenhagen Index marks a
culmination of sustained efforts led by RTA to develop an integrated cycling
network, in line with the Dubai Bicycle-Friendly Strategy, which has marked
a step change in the concept of sustainable urban mobility. RTA’s initiatives
have increased the total length of cycling tracks from 560 km at the end of
2024 to 636 km by the end of 2025, while cyclist satisfaction with cycling
infrastructure in Dubai reached 85%. The number of cycling trips rose from
46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, representing a 23.5% increase.
In addition, 22.3% of Dubai’s population now has access to cycling
infrastructure.”
Completed Tracks
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The completed projects include the delivery of cycling tracks across
multiple areas of Dubai, including Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2 as part
of the Model Residential Neighbourhoods Project, with a total length of 18.5
km — comprising 8 km in Al Khawaneej 2 and 10.5 km in Al Barsha 2.
The works also included a 700-metre cycling track in Tolerance District,
alongside the implementation of the Soft Mobility Project, which introduced
targeted mobility enhancements in and around public transport stations.
The project covered Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, and Abu Hail, in
addition to five key public transport stations: BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm
Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
In addition, the scope of work included the provision of 25 km of dedicated
tracks for bicycles and e-scooters, the upgrade of existing pedestrian
walkways, and the implementation of the Safe Streets concept across
internal roads.
The completed projects also include the delivery of 7 km of pedestrian,
cycling, and micromobility tracks, designed to connect the area with
ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station. The works further
included the construction of a pedestrian and cycling bridge over Al Manara
Street, enhancing the flow of movement for pedestrians and cyclists within
the area and its surroundings. The bridge incorporates aesthetic design
elements that reflect the character and identity of the area and its facilities.
It measures 45 metres in length, 5.5 metres in width, and 6 metres in
height, and features access ramps on both sides, each extending 210
metres.
The completed projects also include pedestrian and cycling tracks at the
entrances of Al Warqa’a, linking them to existing tracks in the area with a
total length of 11 km. In addition, cycling tracks have been implemented as
part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project, with a total length
of approximately 10 km