Dubai Enhances Urban Mobility with 31 New Pedestrian Bridges by 2030
To bolster road safety and support the city's shift toward active transit, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a strategic plan to construct 31 new pedestrian bridges and tunnels by 2030. This initiative arrives as the emirate celebrates a remarkable 98 percent decline in pedestrian fatalities over the last 18 years, coupled with a significant surge in walking and cycling activity. By strategically placing these crossings along high-traffic routes such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Ittihad Road, the RTA aims to create a seamless network that connects residential areas with business districts and public transport hubs, ultimately encouraging residents to choose sustainable "first and last-mile" travel options.
This infrastructure growth marks a substantial evolution for Dubai, which has expanded its pedestrian network from a modest 26 crossings in 2006 to 178 by the end of 2025. With pedestrian trips rising to over 326 million annually and cycling numbers seeing a 23 percent jump in the last year alone, the city is prioritizing human-centric design to reach its goal of zero road fatalities. Beyond simple crossings, recent projects like the architectural bridges on Sheikh Zayed and Al Khail roads now feature dedicated lanes for cyclists and e-scooters, reflecting a broader commitment to making Dubai one of the safest and most pedestrian-friendly cities in the world.