Dubai has advanced its ambition to become a global cycling-friendly city, with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) completing 13 new cycling tracks and progressing projects toward a 1,000-kilometer integrated network by 2030.
The newly delivered tracks form part of a wider master plan encompassing 15 routes spanning 162 kilometers, designed to connect residential communities with key commercial centers, leisure destinations, and public transport hubs across the emirate.
The expanding cycling network links major corridors, including routes from Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah.
The initiative significantly strengthens first- and last-mile connectivity, encouraging the use of bicycles and micromobility solutions as viable transport alternatives.
Global recognition and rising usage
Dubai’s sustained investment in cycling infrastructure has translated into measurable growth and international recognition.
The total length of cycling tracks increased from 560 km in 2024 to 636 km in 2025, while the number of cycling trips surged from 46.6 million to 57.3 million, marking a 23.5% increase.
User satisfaction has reached 85 percent, and more than 22 percent of Dubai’s population now has access to dedicated cycling facilities.
This progress has earned Dubai a place among the world’s top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the Copenhagenize Index, making it the first city in the Middle East to achieve this distinction.
HE Mattar Al Tayer Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors RTA
“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.”
Soft mobility and completed projects
The completed projects span several key areas. These include 18.5 km of cycling tracks in Al Khawaneej 2 and Al Barsha 2 under the Model Residential Neighborhoods Project, alongside a 700-meter track in the Tolerance District.
RTA also implemented the Soft Mobility Project, enhancing connectivity in areas such as Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, and Abu Hail, while linking five major public transport stations: BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
Additional works included 25 km of dedicated cycling and e-scooter tracks, upgrades to pedestrian pathways, and the rollout of the Safe Streets concept across internal roads.
In Al Quoz, around 7 km of pedestrian, cycling, and micromobility tracks were developed to connect the area with ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station.
The project also features a 45-meter pedestrian and cycling bridge over Al Manara Street, designed with accessibility ramps and aesthetic elements reflecting the surrounding urban environment.
Further enhancements include 11 km of cycling tracks at the entrances of Al Warqa’a and approximately 10 km of routes delivered under the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project.
Image Courtesy: RTA | Cropped by GBN
Major projects under construction
RTA is currently advancing several large-scale developments to further expand the network. A key project is the 13.5 km cycling and e-scooter corridor along Hessa Street, linking Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills.
The 4.5-meter-wide track will serve 12 major destinations, including Al Barsha and Barsha Heights, while integrating with Dubai Internet City Metro Station to enhance multimodal connectivity.
The project includes two architecturally distinctive bridges, one spanning Sheikh Zayed Road (528 meters) and another crossing Al Khail Road (501 meters), designed to accommodate cyclists, e-scooter users, and pedestrians while incorporating innovative design elements inspired by connectivity and natural light.
Among the most significant developments are two of the largest pedestrian and cycling bridges in Dubai. One extends 816 meters over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, linking Al Twar and Al Muhaisnah, while the second spans 719 meters over Dubai–Al Ain Road, connecting Dubai Silicon Oasis with Liwan.
Work is also underway to deliver an additional 64 km of cycling tracks across key districts, including Al Warqa’a, Al Qusais, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Wadi Al Safa, Jumeirah, and Al Quoz.
Further projects include a 4 km track under Al Mustaqbal Street Development, a 2 km route under Al Ruwayyah Street Development, and a 3.2 km track in Wadi Al Safa 5, linking major arterial roads and serving growing residential and mixed-use communities.
In addition, a 2 km cycling track in Al Safa 4 is being developed to serve key destinations such as Falcon City and City of Arabia.
