THE LOOP Dubai remains a proposed 93-kilometre climate-controlled urban corridor designed to transform walking and cycling across the emirate. URB continues to develop the concept as a multifunctional active-mobility network connecting communities through walking, running and cycling infrastructure. However, the project does not currently have a confirmed construction program, budget or government delivery schedule.
URB first unveiled THE LOOP in 2023 as a covered, climate-controlled corridor for year-round active mobility. The design combines transport infrastructure with landscaped public spaces, leisure facilities and community amenities.
The latest information from URB still presents the project as a 93-kilometre urban corridor. The company also positions it within its broader Dubai Cycle City 2040 vision.
THE LOOP Dubai Remains a Proposed Mobility Project
THE LOOP Dubai is designed to make walking, running and cycling practical throughout Dubai’s extreme weather conditions. URB proposes a climate-controlled environment that could operate throughout the year.
The proposed corridor would connect more than three million residents with key services and locations. URB also aims for more than 80% of Dubai residents to use walking or cycling for key journeys by 2040.
Furthermore, the design moves beyond conventional cycling infrastructure. It incorporates landscaped areas, pocket parks, allotments, sports facilities and wellness spaces.
URB also proposes vertical farms within the corridor. These facilities could support local food production while adding productive landscapes to the mobility network.
The concept includes renewable-energy systems and recycled-water irrigation. URB says kinetic power could generate energy, while recycled water would support irrigation.
However, these features remain part of the proposed design rather than confirmed construction specifications. No public procurement process currently establishes a contractor for THE LOOP.
THE LOOP Dubai Aligns With Dubai’s 20-Minute City Vision
THE LOOP Dubai supports Dubai’s wider ambition to improve neighborhood connectivity through active mobility. URB specifically links the concept to Dubai’s 20-minute city initiative and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The concept seeks to reduce dependence on private vehicles by making active transport more convenient. It also aims to connect active-mobility routes with public transport.
URB has subsequently incorporated THE LOOP into Dubai Cycle City 2040. That broader vision proposes more than 1,000 kilometers of connected cycling infrastructure across Dubai.
The wider plan includes cycling routes linked to public transport. It also proposes elevated cycle ways and cycling bridges where existing roads limit available space.
This approach gives THE LOOP a broader role within URB’s urban-mobility planning. Nevertheless, the 93-kilometre corridor remains distinct from officially funded road and transit projects.
The distinction matters because Dubai is simultaneously advancing several confirmed transport investments. Therefore, THE LOOP should not be described as an approved construction project without further government confirmation.
The concept also differs from the separate Dubai Loop underground transport project. The latter involves underground passenger infrastructure and has no connection to URB’s 93-kilometre cycling corridor.
For now, THE LOOP remains an ambitious urban-design proposal. URB continues to present it as a potential new model for climate-resilient active mobility infrastructure.
Dubai’s expanding transport program also includes the First Al-Khail Road Scheme, which will add major elevated road capacity alongside Sheikh Zayed Road.
The 30-kilometre project includes about 15 kilometers of viaduct and more than 14.5 kilometers of bridge ramps. RTA has begun contractor procurement, with construction expected to start in 2027. This road investment complements Dubai’s broader push to improve connectivity while developing alternative mobility options.
The aim of The LOOP
The LOOP strives to promote and encourage walking and cycling as a primary mode of transport, especially for people in Dubai. Indeed, it aims to get well over 80% of residents to use a bicycle on a daily basis.
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The development also aims to promote Dubai’s ambitious development goal of becoming a 20-minute city. As a result, residents would be able to access destinations as well as daily needs within 20 minutes, either by bicycle or by foot.
Furthermore, the LOOP strives to embrace the Dubai 2040 urban master plan through the provision of better connectivity.
Remarks on the project for the development of the controlled-climate cycling highway in Dubai
While commenting on the project, the CEO of URB said that it is a great opportunity in fostering an entrepreneurial spirit in urban mobility. Moreover, Baharash Bagherian, added that the project is an embodiment of that entrepreneurial spirit.
The CEO further added that the project aims to re-engineer the future of mobility infrastructure, especially in Dubai. Currently, there is a huge gap between public urban transport and cycling. Therefore, the more the two meet into closer integration, the easier it will become for Dubai’s residents to incorporate cycling into their modes of transportation.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: THE LOOP Dubai.
Type: Climate-controlled active-mobility corridor.
Proposed length: 93 kilometers.
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Current status: Research and development concept.
Primary mobility modes: Walking, running and cycling.
Proposed environment: Enclosed and climate-controlled corridor.
Planned users: More than three million residents.
Mobility objective: Encourage walking and cycling as primary transport modes.
2040 target: More than 80% of residents walking or cycling to key areas.
Proposed amenities: Pocket parks, sports facilities and wellness spaces.
Agricultural features: Vertical farms and allotments.
Sustainability features: Renewable energy and recycled-water irrigation.
Wider program: Dubai Cycle City 2040.
Wider cycling vision: More than 1,000 kilometers of connected infrastructure.
Project Team
Lead designer: URB.
Developer: URB.
Urban design responsibility: URB.
Wider masterplan: Dubai Cycle City 2040.
Government planning context: Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
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