Dubai Builds 31 New Pedestrian Bridges by 2030

Klaus Schmidt · 2026-06-15

Dubai is about to get a lot more walkable. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) just approved a major five-year plan to build 31 new pedestrian bridges across the city by 2030. And the numbers behind this decision are pretty incredible. We're talking about a city that's seen pedestrian fatalities drop by 98% since 2007. That's not a typo. And with 88% of residents already happy with the current walking infrastructure, these new bridges are going to make things even better. ### A Huge Leap Forward Back in 2006, Dubai had just 26 pedestrian bridges and tunnels. Fast forward to 2025, and that number has jumped to 178. That's a 585% increase. The new plan adds 31 more bridges to key areas, creating a connected network that links neighborhoods with everything you need. Here's what the RTA is focusing on: - Connecting residential communities to schools, hospitals, and metro stations - Making it safer for people to walk instead of drive - Supporting the "last mile" of your commute ### The Safety Stats Are Stunning Let's talk about safety for a second. Between 2007 and 2025, pedestrian deaths dropped by 98%. That's almost a complete elimination of fatalities. And it's not just about bridges. The RTA has been working on better lighting, clearer crossings, and smarter traffic management too. People are walking more because they feel safer. Pedestrian trips went from 307 million in 2023 to 326 million in 2025. That's an extra 19 million walks in just two years. ### What This Means for You If you live in Dubai or plan to visit, this is good news. More bridges mean you can walk to more places without worrying about traffic. It also means less congestion on the roads, which is a win for everyone. Al Tayer, the RTA's director general, puts it this way: "Pedestrian bridges provide an integrated pathway network linking residential communities with key destinations, encouraging soft mobility and supporting first and last-mile journeys." ### The Bigger Picture Dubai isn't just building bridges. It's building a culture of walking. The goal is to make the city more livable, more sustainable, and more connected. And the numbers show it's working. So next time you're in Dubai, take a walk. You'll notice the difference. And with 31 more bridges on the way, it's only going to get better.