Dubai opens 13 new cycling tracks under 162km RTA expansion plan

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 13 cycling tracks across the Emirate as part of a wider 15-track plan that spans a total length of 162 km.

The network links existing tracks from Al Khawaneej to Al Mamzar Beach, from Al Warqa’a to Saih Al Salam, and from Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to Jumeirah.

The project is part of RTA's comprehensive plan to expand Dubai’s cycling network to 1,000 km by 2030.

“Both existing and planned cycling tracks form an integrated network linking residential areas across the emirate with key destinations and public transport stations, encouraging the use of bicycles and other sustainable individual mobility modes for first- and last-mile journeys," explained Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

The locations for the tracks were determined following comprehensive field studies that looks at population density, land use integration, proximity to major tourism and economic destinations, and connectivity with public transport hubs.

Dubai's integrated cycling network has already won the Emirate a place among the world’s top 100 cycling-friendly cities in the 2025 Copenhagenize Index, making it the first city in the Middle East to achieve this distinction.

Al Tayer added: “RTA’s initiatives have increased the total length of cycling tracks from 560 km at the end of 2024 to 636 km by the end of 2025, while cyclist satisfaction with cycling infrastructure in Dubai reached 85 per cent.

"The number of cycling trips rose from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025, representing a 23.5 per cent increase. In addition, 22.3 per cent of Dubai’s population now has access to cycling infrastructure.”

Work is also underway to complete a series of pedestrian and cycling bridges, set to be among the largest in the emirate. These include a bridge over Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, connecting Al Khawaneej track to Al Mamzar Beach; another over Dubai–Al Ain Road, linking Saih Al Salam track with tracks in Al Warqa’a and Al Khawaneej; a bridge over Sheikh Zayed Road, connecting cycling tracks in Al Sufouh and Jumeirah with the track along Hessa Street; and a bridge over Al Khail Road, linking Dubai Hills with the cycling track along Hessa Street and Mall of the Emirates. All tracks are scheduled to be opened during the second quarter of this year.

New tracks
The cycling tracks under the Model Residential Neighbourhoods Project spans a total length of 18.5 km — comprising 8 km in Al Khawaneej 2 and 10.5 km in Al Barsha 2. It includes a 700-metre cycling track in Tolerance District, alongside the introduction of targeted mobility enhancements in and around public transport stations.

The project covered Al Souk Al Kabeer, Hor Al Anz, and Abu Hail, in addition to five key public transport stations: BurJuman, Sharaf DG, Palm Deira, Baniyas, and Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.

In addition, a 25 km of dedicated tracks for bicycles and e-scooters was completed, along with a 7km track connecting the area with ONPASSIVE Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station.

A pedestrian and cycling bridge over Al Manara Street, measuring 45 metres in length, 5.5 metres in width, and 6 metres in height, and featuring access ramps on both sides, has also opened.

Meanwhile, new pedestrian and cycling tracks at the entrances of Al Warqa’a will link to existing tracks in the area with a total length of 11 km.

In addition, cycling tracks have been completed as part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development Project, with a total length of approximately 10 km.