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Abu Dhabi to Build a Car-Free, Walkable City with AED 42B Plan

A massive project will turn Abu Dhabi into a walkable, well-connected city where cars take the back seat.

  • Publish date: Wednesday، 08 October 2025 Reading time: two min read
Abu Dhabi to Build a Car-Free, Walkable City with AED 42B Plan

Abu Dhabi is going all-in on a greener, more connected future — with a Dh42-billion plan to create a car-free, walkable city. The move comes as part of the capital’s expanded Liveability Strategy, designed to make everyday life smoother, healthier, and a lot more convenient.

Soon, residents will be able to zip between neighborhoods without needing a car, using walkways, cycling tracks, public transport, or even e-scooters.

The Dh42-Billion Transformation

The new budget backs hundreds of community projects — think parks, schools, mosques, sports courts, and walking paths — to make sure everything people need is within reach.

Since the first phase of the Liveability Strategy kicked off, neighborhood integration jumped from 67% to 81%, thanks to more than 60 projects worth Dh12 billion already underway.

That includes:

  • 200+ parks and sports courts

  • 24 schools and 21 mosques

  • 120 km of walking paths and 283 cycling tracks

  • 200 beautification projects and 220 km of new street lighting

The plan also taps into AI technologies to boost government efficiency and improve public services.

A City Built for People, Not Cars

Urban planners say the vision is to create “15-minute communities,” where daily needs — from groceries to schools — are accessible by foot.

This setup not only cuts commute time and traffic, but also builds stronger social bonds as people meet in shared spaces like parks and community majlises.

“It’s about making life easier and healthier,” said Yomna Garada, urban planner at InSite. “Residents can walk to what they need while enjoying safer, greener neighborhoods.”

The Mental Health Boost

Experts say this urban revamp isn’t just good for convenience — it’s great for the mind too.

Dr. Shaju George, psychiatrist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, noted that green, open spaces help reduce stress, improve mood, and support mental health.

“Regular walking or cycling boosts fitness and lowers anxiety,” he said. “When people feel safe and connected, the whole community thrives.”

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