Dubai is set to transform its urban landscape through a comprehensive development plan, with the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning revealing significant progress in implementing the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Mattar Al Tayer, Chairman of the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning, chaired the 33rd meeting of the Committee, reviewing key strategies and projects aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The meeting also assessed progress in achieving the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to establish Dubai as a leading global city, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said in a statement.
“Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, as well as His Highness Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance of the UAE, Dubai is set to witness the launch of major transformational projects aimed at enhancing quality of life,” Al Tayer said.
He stated that the Committee would focus on implementing plans and projects that align with the ‘Year of Community’ initiative to strengthen social bonds. The initiatives will drive development in five urban centres, support economic diversification, and create jobs. He added that projects would address housing and essential services while advancing the ‘20-Minute City’ concept and incorporating innovative planning systems.
Al Tayer highlighted that the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning had improved the approval system for new real estate projects.
“The total value of projects benefiting from the facilitated approval process exceeds AED55 billion, with a 60 percent reduction in approval time for transactions involving development project lands. 450 million square feet of land had also been allocated for citizen housing, while more than 50 master plans and projects had been reviewed and approved in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy and position it among the world’s top three urban economies by 2033.”
He said, “Several strategic programmes aimed at driving Dubai’s development and strengthening its global competitiveness. At the forefront of these initiatives is the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2033, which features over 200 projects and initiatives across 10 key pillars focusing on individuals, society, and the city—placing people at the heart of development”
He added that the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) plan was also approved to optimise land use around Dubai Metro stations and support sustainable transport.
He also announced the launch of the master plan for the Saih Al-Salam corridor, which includes the development of five service and recreational stations in rural areas. These projects will be implemented in partnership with the private sector.
Dubai Walk master plan to introduce 6,500km pedestrian pathways, Dubai Metro Blue Line contract awarded for 30km expansion
Among the projects approved in 2024 is the ‘Dubai Walk’ master plan, which will introduce 6,500 kilometres of pedestrian pathways across 160 areas. The first phase includes two key pedestrian routes:
- The Al Ras Loop, a 15-kilometre pathway linking historical landmarks, with five kilometres along the waterfront.
- The Future Loop, a two-kilometre bridge near the Museum of the Future, connecting 10 locations with an air-conditioned level covering 30,000 square metres.
The ‘Super Block’ initiative will be piloted in areas including Al Fahidi, Abu Hail, Al Karama, and Al Quoz Creative Zone.
In December, the Dubai Metro Blue Line contract was awarded. The 30-kilometre project, with 14 stations and an underground section, will serve nine residential and development areas and accommodate a projected population of one million by 2040.
Al Tayer also highlighted the ‘Therme Dubai’ project, which will create the world’s longest interactive resort and park in partnership with the private sector. The project is expected to attract 1.7 million visitors annually.
Dubai 2040 Urban master plan progress
Since its establishment in March 2021, the Supreme Committee for Urban Planning has completed several initiatives under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, including:
- Planning of 17,400 residential plots for citizens.
- Development of the Urban Planning Law.
- Master Plan for Dubai’s Rural and Desert Areas.
- Master Plan for Public Beach Development.
The plan targets a 105 percent increase in green spaces, a 134 percent expansion in hospitality and tourism activities, and an increase in economic zones to 168 square kilometres. It also aims for a 25 percent increase in land allocated for education and healthcare and a 400 percent expansion of public beach areas.
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