The Loop – The next generation of Dubai transportation
The Loop Dubai is a 93 km long sustainable highway developed by URB, a global company known for its sustainable projects worldwide. The smart infrastructure will make major areas of the city accessible within 20 minutes, changing the car-centric mode of transportation to walking and cycling. The urban mobility route will also produce clean kinetic energy generated from footsteps.
Integrating key locations, hotels and fitness centres, The Loop is all set to make daily life easier and healthier for Dubai residents. Here are all the details about this zero-emission transport system.
WHAT IS THE LOOP DUBAI?
The Loop Dubai is a sustainable urban highway which aims to provide 3 million residents of the city with a healthy mode of transportation. The system will support urban mobility in Dubai by making cycling and walking the primary mode of commute for more than 80% of people in the city.
The urban highway will connect all the key locations within the city. Currently, the residents of Dubai rely on cars and public transport for their daily commute. With The Loop, URB is changing this paradigm from a car-centric framework to a people-centric infrastructure. Let’s take a look at how this highway is going to shape the future.
WHAT TO EXPECT?
The Loop will allow the residents to access many key locations in the city within 20 minutes and will immediately become the world’s first smart walking and cycling infrastructure. Here’s a quick look at what to expect from The Loop Dubai:
- There will be a zero-emissions transport system.
- The Loop will produce 100% renewable energy using kinetic power.
- It will provide 100% recycled water for irrigation.
- It will promote health and well-being.
- There will be vertical farms to promote food security.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
THE CITY IN 20 MINUTES
The urban highway project aligns with Dubai’s ambition to become a ‘20-minute city’. The idea is to allow residents access to major destinations and their daily needs within 20 minutes — by foot or bicycle. Active mobility is one of the key highlights of The Loop Dubai, as it’ll allow a shift in focus from cars and taxis to walking, running and cycling.
MIX-USE ATTRACTION
The project is going to be much more than just a sustainable infrastructure. It will provide residents with integrated services as well as leisure and wellness facilities, including sports courts and fitness stations. Hotels and pocket parks will also be integrated into The Loop to assist people and promote tourism.
MULTI-FUNCTION AND RESILIENT
The high-tech infrastructure of The Loop will feature the greenest corridors in the city. It will enhance the resilience of Dubai by providing a safe and accessible mobility route to the locals. An added benefit will be the generation of renewable energy.
CLEAN KINETIC ENERGY
Your footsteps will help The Loop generate electricity. Yep….you heard that right! This is one of the most sustainable ways of generating electricity. So as you run around the highway, you’ll literally be lighting it up.
The running tracks will be integrated with kinetic paving. This will draw energy from every step you take. The energy will be fed to generators via electromagnetic induction to be used as electricity. The running tracks’ floors are made from recycled car tires that will flex when stepped on.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN WILL THE LOOP IN DUBAI BE COMPLETED?
It is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.
HOW LONG IS THE LOOP IN DUBAI?
The Loop Dubai is 93 km long and connects many key locations in the city, including Al Barsha, Dubai Investment Park, Dubai Silicon Oasis and many more.
WHERE CAN I GO FOR A WALK IN DUBAI?
The best places for a walk in Dubai include Dubai Marina Walk, City Walk Dubai, Jumeirah Beach Road and Al Qudra.
And that brings us to the end of our guide to The Loop Dubai, an urban highway set to become the envy of progressive cities around the globe. This one-of-a-kind high-tech infrastructure will shape the future of the city, adding to its sustainability and promoting the well-being of residents.
If you like cycling, there are plenty of cycling tracks in Dubai where you can enjoy scenic views. You can even rent a bike from any local rental companies and give it a go! Or if it’s a running trail in the emirate you’re looking for, our guide will point you in the right direction.
The cover image credit goes to URB’s official Instagram handle.