Dubai: Dubai is set to significantly expand its soft mobility network under a new five-year strategy approved by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), aimed at making public transport more accessible and reducing dependence on private vehicles.Soft mobility — including walking, cycling, e-scooters and other low-speed personal transport options — plays a key role in improving first- and last-mile connections to public transport.The programme will focus on improving connections between residential districts and public transport services, helping residents and visitors complete the first and last stages of their journeys more easily through enhanced pedestrian, cycling and micro-mobility infrastructure.Under the plan, infrastructure upgrades will be delivered across 25 residential communities and around 63 public transport stations by 2030, creating stronger links between neighbourhoods and the wider transport network.The locations were selected based on factors including population density, existing public transport usage, land-use patterns, the condition of pedestrian and cycling facilities, and future development priorities outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the initiative supports Dubai's ambition to build a modern, sustainable and people-centred transport ecosystem that keeps pace with rapid urban growth.He said soft mobility has become a central component of future transport planning, helping integrate different forms of mobility while encouraging greater use of public transport and supporting the emirate's sustainability objectives.According to Al Tayer, the success of modern transport systems is increasingly measured by how effectively they enable seamless movement between different modes of travel, rather than simply by the efficiency of individual transport services.Dubai has already seen growing adoption of alternative mobility options. Pedestrian journeys increased from 326 million in 2024 to 342 million in 2025, while cycling trips rose by 23 per cent, reaching 57.3 million during the same period. Electric scooter journeys also recorded similar growth, increasing from 32.3 million to 39.6 million.Pedestrian satisfaction levels across the emirate reached 89 per cent, while infrastructure readiness around public transport stations stood at 87 per cent.The next phase of the strategy will focus on strengthening links between residential areas, business districts and key destinations by improving access to Metro stations, bus services and other public transport options.The initiative includes the development of bicycle lanes, wider pedestrian routes, shaded walkways, rest areas, safer crossings, facilities for People of Determination, bicycle parking, shared mobility stations and designated passenger pick-up and drop-off areas.By 2030, the total number of communities covered by soft mobility infrastructure is expected to reach 34 residential areas.Projects are currently under development in Dubai Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga and Al Muraqqabat, while upgrades have already been completed in Al Mankhool, Al Qusais, Al Karama, Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, Hor Al Anz, Abu Hail and Al Souq Al Kabeer.The RTA has also enhanced the areas surrounding 37 Metro stations, including Mall of the Emirates, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, ONPASSIVE, Gold Souq, BurJuman, Baniyas, Sharaf DG and Abu Hail, through improvements such as dedicated walking and cycling infrastructure, accessibility enhancements and shared mobility facilities.The expanded programme forms part of Dubai's wider vision to create a fully integrated transport ecosystem linking Metro, Tram, buses, marine transport, taxis and individual mobility options within a seamless urban network.
