A New Era of Mobility in Dubai
In a city long dominated by cars, the emergence of cycling as a core mobility mode marks a bold shift. Dubai’s ambition, to become “the world’s most bike-friendly city by 2040” is captured in the Dubai Cycle City 2040 blueprint, created by URB in alignment with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
At the heart of this transformation is the promise that 80% of residents will be able to walk or cycle to key destinations within minutes, shifting away from car dependency we see today.
Below, we break down the vision, the key infrastructure components, current progress and what it means for cyclists now and in the years ahead.
Why Dubai Needs a Cycling Vision
Dubai’s population is predicted to reach more than 8 million by 2040. With this growth comes increased demand for mobility, public space and sustainability. The existing urban layout has been largely car-centric, with major highways, high speeds and long travel distances.
The Dubai Cycle City 2040 plan responds directly to this challenge by:
- Re-imagining mobility through active travel (cycling + walking) as a primary mode
- Expanding and connecting neighbourhoods via dedicated infrastructure
- Embedding cycling into everyday life rather than treating it as occasional recreation
As URB notes: “It is no longer about just planning new sustainable cities. It is about planning new types of assets for existing cities with a sense of purpose.”
This shift is critical for enhancing liveability, reducing emissions, and giving residents a more accessible, healthier way to move around.
Key Components of the Plan
1. THE LOOP: Dubai’s 93-km Cycling Greenway
THE LOOP is the flagship element: a 93-kilometre sustainable cycling corridor that links major districts, integrating fitness, wellness, and urban agriculture alongside cycling infrastructure.
Highlights of THE LOOP include:
- A zero-emission, purpose-built active mobility highway
- Shared amenities and “pocket parks” along the corridor
- Connectivity through major hubs like Downtown, JLT, Expo, etc.
It aims to transform how people move, encouraging residents to cycle or walk as their default choice.
2. 1000 km+ Cycling Infrastructure Network
Beyond THE LOOP, the plan envisions a sprawling network of over 1,000 kilometres of dedicated cycling infrastructure.
Types of infrastructure include:
- Type 1: Integration with public transport and pedestrian networks, connected to public transport decarbonizing your last miles. This represents the majority of the cycling infrastructure.
- Type 2: Elevated tracks in areas with limited space.
- Type 3: Dedicated cycling bridges reconnecting fragmented neighbourhoods.
- Type 4: THE LOOP as the main spine. One of the most eco-friendly corridors worldwide to be planned.
3. Aligning with the 20-Minute City & Mobility Goals
The masterplan is tied to the fifteen-minute or twenty-minute city concept, meaning most key services will be accessible via walking or cycling.
It also directly supports Dubai’s larger master plan objectives to improve walkability, health and sustainable mobility.
What Is Already Happening?
- The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai opened new cycling tracks in Al Khawaneej and Mushrif, expanding part of the network toward the 1,000 km goal.
- A range of pilot and research-stage projects under the Dubai Cycle City 2040 umbrella validate that the city is moving from vision to implementation. While full deployment will take years, for cyclists and residents the message is clear: infrastructure is growing and change is underway.
What This Means for Cyclists Now
• More Connected Routes
As more tracks are rolled out and connected, cyclists will have greater access to safe, direct cycling routes linking homes, work, leisure and transit.
• Year-Round Usability
Design features like elevated/covered paths and climate-aware infrastructure aim to make cycling viable all year, a key advantage in Dubai’s climate.
• Accessibility for All
The 20-minute city ambition means cycling will not only be for enthusiasts but for daily errands, commuting and neighbourhood mobility across age groups.
• Opportunities for Communities & Clubs
With infrastructure growth comes improved opportunities for events, group rides and social cycling enabling local riders and clubs to engage more deeply.
Challenges & Considerations
The vision is ambitious and will require sustained coordination, massive funding and cultural change. Some of the key challenges include:
- Revisioning a car-oriented city with cycling infrastructure
- Ensuring safety, shade, and weather protection
- Interfacing with existing transport networks and land use
- Delivering timeline commitments
- Transforming car culture and transportation habits to more sustainable and active ones.
However, the available evidence shows that Dubai is making measurable steps toward the goal, and the momentum is building in the community.
What’s in It for You as a Rider?
If you cycle or plan to do so in Dubai, here’s how you benefit:
- Glide along emerging dedicated cycle highways rather than sharing congested roads
- Plan rides using connected corridors that link major districts and amenities
- Engage in a citywide cycling community that’s increasingly visible and supported
- Take advantage of rental, bike-share and club systems likely to expand alongside the infrastructure
Ride Into the Future with GOCYC
Dubai is building the world’s most advanced cycling infrastructure and GOCYC lets you experience it today.
- View cycling tracks across the UAE through our in-app map (updated every month)
- Book bikes and rentals
- Join events and connect with clubs
- Stay ahead of the infrastructure curve
Download GOCYC now:
FAQs About Dubai Cycle City 2040 and Cycling in Dubai
Q1: What is Dubai Cycle City 2040?
Dubai Cycle City 2040 is a comprehensive masterplan led by URB that aims to transform Dubai into the world’s most bicycle-friendly city by the year 2040. The plan includes over 1,000 km of cycling tracks, THE LOOP — a 93 km green, climate-controlled cycling highway — and multiple infrastructure types connecting all major districts.
Q2: What is THE LOOP project?
THE LOOP is the flagship feature of Dubai Cycle City 2040. It’s a 93-kilometre sustainable urban highway designed for cycling, running, and walking. The corridor integrates fitness, leisure, and wellness facilities and will connect key areas such as Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, JLT, Expo City, and Dubai Marina. It’s also designed with renewable energy and climate-control features to make cycling viable year-round.
Q3: How does the project align with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan?
The Dubai Cycle City 2040 plan directly supports the city’s goal of becoming a “20-minute city”, where residents can access 80 % of key services by walking or cycling. It also contributes to the wider 2040 Urban Master Plan by promoting sustainability, reducing emissions, and enhancing community wellbeing.
Q4: When will the Dubai Cycle City 2040 network be complete?
As of 2025, the project is still in the research and phased-implementation stage, with several sections of cycling infrastructure already developed by Dubai’s RTA in areas such as Al Khawaneej, Al Mushrif, and Jumeirah. The full network is expected to evolve gradually, reaching completion closer to 2040.
Q5: Who is behind the initiative?
The vision was conceptualised and developed by URB, an urban-planning firm based in Dubai known for sustainable mega-projects. The Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and other government stakeholders are expected to collaborate on its phased rollout.
Q6: What are the benefits of Dubai Cycle City 2040 for residents?
Residents will benefit from cleaner air, safer streets, and healthier lifestyles. The network will encourage daily commuting by bike, lower carbon emissions, and reduce traffic congestion. For families, it offers safer neighbourhood mobility and recreation spaces. For athletes, it provides world-class infrastructure for training and leisure.
Q7: Will cycling be feasible year-round given Dubai’s climate?
Yes. THE LOOP and other major cycling corridors are designed with climate-control technology, shaded paths and sustainable cooling systems to ensure cycling remains comfortable even in the hotter months.
Q8: How can I explore existing cycling tracks in Dubai today?
While the 2040 network is still expanding, you can already explore key tracks such as Al Qudra, Nad Al Sheba, and Meydan, along with new RTA-approved routes. Use the GOCYC App to find mapped routes, book rentals, and join local cycling communities.
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