Dubai to link 25 neighbourhoods to public transport stations under five-year plan

Dubai will connect 25 residential areas to 63 public transport stations by 2030 under a five-year mobility plan intended to make buses, Metro links and future rail services easier to reach.

The Roads and Transport Authority said the plan will improve first- and last-mile journeys by adding more walking, cycling and micromobility routes across the city.

The wider goal is to reduce car use, improve air quality and support Dubai’s growing population as new residential communities and transport links expand.

“The plan forms part of RTA's efforts to reinforce Dubai's position as the best city in the world to live in, and to develop an integrated and sustainable transport system that keeps pace with urban and population growth while enhancing quality of life", said Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA.

The plan places strong emphasis on “soft mobility”, which covers low-emission, human-powered and environmentally friendly ways of moving around, including walking, cycling and e-scooters.

“Soft mobility has become one of the strategic enablers of the future mobility ecosystem and a key pillar in strengthening integration across transport modes. It reinforces public transport's position as the preferred mobility choice and supports Dubai's sustainability and quality-of-life objectives, in line with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan”.

RTA said the use of bicycles and e-scooters has risen by 23 per cent since 2024.

Soft mobility works are being carried out in Dubai Marina, Al Murar, Naif, Al Rigga and Al Muraqqabat, with more areas to follow as transport networks expand.

RTA has already introduced soft mobility options in Al Mankhool, Al Qusais, Al Karama, Al Barsha 1, Al Barsha 2, Al Khawaneej 2, Hor Al Anz, Abu Hail and Al Souk Al Kabeer.

The authority has also upgraded areas around 37 Metro stations with walking and cycling paths, improved pavements and more greenery. These include Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall, Onpassive, Gold Souq, BurJuman, Baniyas Square, Sharaf DG and Abu Hail stations.

The plan comes as Etihad Rail prepares to change travel patterns across the UAE and as Dubai Metro links expand into more residential areas. A key challenge for transport planners will be encouraging daily commuters to leave their cars and use trains, buses and other public transport options.

Areas are selected based on factors such as access to public transport, usage levels, population density, land use, whether districts are residential, commercial or mixed-use, and the condition of existing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure.