FUTURE-FORWARD METROPOLIS

Dubai has embarked on a multibillion-dollar infrastructure blitz, aiming to revolutionise urban living. From airport expansions to futuristic transport solutions like RailBus and the Loop, the city is prioritising sustainability and mobility. In addition, the emirate has launched a number of projects to enhance the quality of life and wellbeing such as Therme Dubai and its beach plan.

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DUBAI has launched an unprec- edented wave of infrastructure projects worth tens of billions of dollars, reinforcing its ambition to become a global leader in urban mobility, sustainability, and economic growth.

The emirate's bold plans, spanning massive road and metro expansions, futuristic pedestrian walkways, advanced drainage systems, and the world's largest airport, reflect its commitment to future-proofing the city against rapid population growth and evolving economic demands.

These projects include the $34.8-billion expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport; a $5.6-billion expansion of Dubai Metro; the $4.36-billion Main Roads Development Plan (2024-2027) and a $1-billion five-year internal road development plan (2025-2029; the 6,500-km Dubai Walk network, which is estimated to cost millions of dollars; the $8.1-billion revamp of the drainage network; in addition to a major project to create the emirate's longest public beach.

Apart from these developments, in line with the key objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the emirate last month unveiled plans to develop 'Therme Dubai', a first-of-its-kind wellbeing resort and interactive park in the region. The tallest facility of its kind in the world, the $544 million development underscores the emirate's commitment to enhancing the quality of life and overall wellbeing of its residents and visitors (see Pages 16-17).

Dubai is aggressively pursuing a multi-pronged approach to revolutionise its urban mobility landscape with two cutting-edge transit systems that were unveiled last month: the RailBus and the Dubai Loop.