Dubai to upgrade 63 transit stations under five-year soft mobility plan
LVIn short
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has approved a five-year soft mobility plan extending pedestrian and cycling networks to 25 residential areas, bringing the total to 34 by 2030, alongside infrastructure upgrades around 63 public transport stations to improve access to metro and bus stops.
A five-year plan for 25 new neighbourhoods
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has approved a five-year plan to extend its soft mobility network, walking and cycling infrastructure, to 25 new residential areas. With this expansion, the total number of covered zones rises to 34 by 2030. The plan sits within the broader Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to position the city as a benchmark for urban liveability and sustainability.
The project also upgrades infrastructure around 63 public transport stations, improving walking and cycling access to metro and bus stops. Mattar Al Tayer, RTA's Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors, said the goal is to reinforce Dubai's position as the best city in the world to live in, by developing an integrated and sustainable transport system that keeps pace with urban and population growth.
What changes on the ground
- New pedestrian and cycling tracks with safe crossings
- Accessible routes for People of Determination
- Shaded walkways and landscaping upgrades
- Bicycle parking and shared mobility stations (Careem Bike, e-scooters)
- Work already underway in Dubai Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga and Al Muraqqabat
Demand for this type of mobility is rising fast: according to RTA data, cycling trips grew from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, up 23 percent. E-scooter trips rose from 32.3 million to 39.6 million over the same period, a comparable increase. This is not a plan confined to paper, it responds to a behavioural shift already underway.
Why it matters for buyers
Walking and cycling connectivity is becoming as relevant to neighbourhood choice as metro proximity or local amenities. A district better linked to transport nodes tends to attract steadier rental demand and hold resale liquidity better, simply because it widens the pool of people who see it as liveable without a car.
Original source
Article based on Dubai to upgrade 63 public transport stations under major walking and cycling expansion plan — RTA / The National · 19 Jul 2026. Reading, analysis and commentary are original.
Frequently asked
What does Dubai's new RTA soft mobility plan cover?
RTA has approved a five-year plan extending walking and cycling networks to 25 new residential areas, bringing the total to 34 by 2030, with infrastructure upgrades around 63 public transport stations.
Which neighbourhoods are already affected by the works?
Work is already underway in Dubai Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga and Al Muraqqabat.
How fast is cycling and e-scooter use growing in Dubai?
According to RTA data, cycling trips grew from 46.6 to 57.3 million between 2024 and 2025 (+23%), and e-scooter trips grew from 32.3 to 39.6 million, a comparable increase.
Is the plan linked to the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan?
Yes, it is part of the long-term urban development strategy aimed at an integrated, safe and sustainable transport system to support the city's growth.
Want to know which neighbourhoods benefit first?
RTA's plan covers 34 areas by 2030, but works start earlier in some zones (Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga, Al Muraqqabat). Getting the timing right for your strategy is worth a direct conversation.