Dubai will add 31 new pedestrian bridges and tunnels across major roads over the next five years as part of a comprehensive strategy to enhance road safety, promote sustainable mobility and improve access to public transport.

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the projects will be implemented between 2026 and 2030, building on the emirate’s significant progress in reducing pedestrian fatalities and encouraging active mobility.

New crossings planned across key roads

The proposed bridges and tunnels will be constructed at strategic locations including Sheikh Zayed Road, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Ittihad Road and Omar bin Al Khattab Street.

According to the RTA, the locations were selected after detailed studies assessing population density, land use patterns, public transport accessibility and proximity to major destinations.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the initiative aims to strengthen connectivity between residential communities, commercial centres, tourist destinations and transport hubs.

Pedestrian safety improves significantly

Dubai’s investment in pedestrian infrastructure has delivered notable results over the years. The number of pedestrian bridges and tunnels in the emirate has increased from 26 in 2006 to 178 by the end of 2025.

During the same period, pedestrian fatalities dropped dramatically from 9.5 deaths per 100,000 residents in 2007 to just 0.22 in 2025, representing a reduction of 98 per cent.

The RTA said the expanded network has played a key role in making Dubai one of the safest cities for pedestrians.

Walking and cycling gain popularity

The authority also reported a rise in active mobility across the city. Annual pedestrian trips increased from 307 million in 2023 to more than 326 million in 2025.

Cycling has also grown rapidly, with trips increasing by 23 per cent from 46.6 million in 2024 to 57.3 million in 2025.

Resident satisfaction with Dubai’s pedestrian infrastructure currently stands at 88 per cent.

Supporting a sustainable future

Several major pedestrian and cycling bridges have already been completed, while additional projects remain under construction. The initiative forms part of Dubai’s broader Traffic Safety Strategy, which aims to achieve zero fatalities and further strengthen sustainable transport options.

Officials believe the new infrastructure will encourage more residents to choose walking, cycling and public transport for daily journeys while improving safety and accessibility across the city.