The second phase of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan has been approved by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The plan has ten key initiatives, including enhancing urban centres, the Dubai real estate strategy, urban farming plan, preserving urban heritage plan, developing the 20-minute city policy, and the pedestrian network master plan.
With aims for high-yield agriculture and farming, suitable locations will be identified and developed with the required infrastructure and facilities, to ensure food security.
To enhance Dubai's identity, historical areas, landmarks and buildings will be promoted, and the tourism experience at archaeological sites will be improved.
Additionally, a 20-minute city will be developed, where residents can reach their destinations within a 20-minute timeframe either on foot or by bicycle.
The project involves developing integrated service centres with all the necessary facilities and increasing the population density around mass transit stations, allowing residents access to 80% of their daily needs and destinations within 20 minutes.
Three existing and two new urban centres will be developed, with the two in Deira and Bur Dubai, which will see historical areas including museums, traditional and popular markets, and historical residential areas highlighting the tradition and heritage, as well as enhancing the existing centre in Dubai International Financial Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road, Business Bay, and Downtown, that serves various business and financial activities, and the tourism and entertainment hub in Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.
The two new centres include Expo 2020 Centre, an economic and growth hotspot featuring affordable housing and a focal point for the exhibitions, tourism and logistics sectors, and Dubai Silicon Oasis Centre, a science and technology and knowledge hub that drives innovation, digital economy development and talent generation.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, "Today, we have a clear vision for the development of Dubai’s urban infrastructure and housing sector until 2040. Our goal is for Dubai to be an eco- and pedestrian-friendly city, and a city with a high yield from urban agriculture."