Dubai Announces 93km Climate-Controlled Highway Concept For Cycling And Walking

Dubai will soon be home to a 93-kilometre climate-controlled highway called ‘The Loop.’

The sustainable architecture firm URB stated, “the new highway will be connecting over 3 million residents using a “healthy mode of transport, access to key services and locations by walking and cycling within minutes.”

“It will provide an enjoyable climate controlled all-year environment, to make walking & cycling the primary mode of transport for Dubai’s residents, in line with its new 20-minute city initiative. The aim is to make cycling and walking the primary mode of transport for daily commutes for more than 80 percent of Dubai’s residents by 2040,” the statement added.

Dubai’s THE LOOP project

THE LOOP project in emirate is in place to develop a smart cycling and walking infrastructure, however it is still at its research and development phase, URB said. Key facts of THE LOOP include:

• 93 kilometres
• 100 percent renewable energy using kinetic power
• Zero emissions transport system
• 100 percent recycled water for irrigation
• Additional amenities for residents
• Promotes health and wellbeing
• Vertical farms for food security

“Dubai is the best place for entrepreneurship in urban mobility. THE LOOP project is an embodiment of that entrepreneurial spirit, which aims to make Dubai the most connected city on earth by foot or bike,” URB chief executive officer Baharash Bagherian explained.

Bagherian added: “The LOOP is the future of urban mobility infrastructures, which are more than sustainable transport systems. These types of infrastructures are spaces and utilities for people, where various leisure and community services can also be provided. These types of infrastructures are an enjoyable mode of sustainable transport, no matter the weather conditions.”

The concept is in line with Dubai’s aim to become a 20-minute city by 2040. The idea of the plan is for residents to able to access daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes by foot or bicycle.