Transport Dubai begins work on ‘20-minute city’ concept By Pramod Kumar July 1, 2024, 4:32 AM Wam Dubai's plan includes increasing the amount of public transport and improving the quality of public spaces to encourage walking Focus on public transport and spaces Population boost around stations Aim to integrate communities Dubai has approved a plan to support the “20-minute city” concept by developing land close to metro stations. The emirate’s executive council gave the green light to a plan to develop areas around metro stations by incentivising developers, UAE state-owned Wam news agency reported. The move will provide additional services, support the 20-minute city concept, increase the number of Metro users, and boost sustainability and quality of life in Dubai. NewsletterGet the Best of AGBI delivered straight to your inbox every week The 20-minute city is the idea that everything you need is no more than a 20-minute walk away – including shopping and work, with the aim of creating more integrated communities. The plans include increasing the share of public transport to 45 percent, reducing carbon emissions to 16 tonnes per capita, improving the quality of public spaces to encourage walking and increasing shaded areas. It also aims to boost populations around stations, enhance the diversity of residential, commercial, office, and service spaces around the metro and increase economic spaces. The scope of the metro station area development plan will expand from 64 stations currently operating over 84sq km to 96 stations over 140sq km by 2030. It aims to cover 140 stations over 228sq km by 2040. Justin Harper: Dubai and Singapore – A tale of two city states Dubai wealth fund reports record net profit for second year running The future of DXB: airport could be turned into a city In November 2023, the Dubai government approved the expansion of the world’s largest driverless metro line, expecting a surge in the resident population to more than one million under its 2040 urban master plan. The 30km Metro Blue Line project will have 14 stations and is scheduled for completion in 2029. It will be built at the cost of AED18 billion ($4.9 billion). Additionally, the executive council approved a programme to offer incentives worth AED25 billion over 10 years to attract AED650 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) by 2033. The plan aims to attract international companies and support the expansion of existing international companies with bases in Dubai.
