Skyway travel to lift Dubai profile
dubai — A 15km urban transit system that would transport passengers along Dubai’s skyscrapers was among the several developmental projects approved on Tuesday. The ‘happiness projects’ aim to transform Dubai into the world’s best city, according to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
The ‘SkyWay’ project is a suspended transit system that would link vital spots such as the Dubai Financial Centre, Downtown and Business Bay through 21 stations. Passing through the Happiness Street and running up to City Walk, the skypods can transport 8,400 riders per hour per direction. The package of future projects, which will be developed by the Roads and Transport Authority, includes a ‘Sky Garden’, two promenades and a bicycle pool project.
dubai — A slew of happiness projects — from a Sky Garden to a new beachfront area and green bicycle lanes — were approved on Tuesday by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Designed for residents’ happiness and as part of Dubai’s smart transformation, the new package of future projects will be developed by the emirate’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
During a visit to the RTA, Sheikh Mohammed gave his nod to the projects as he reviewed the details of each of them with Mattar Al Tayer, director-general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA.
The Sky Garden, for one, is set to become a new iconic destination: It’s a footbridge that will link several landmarks along the shores of Dubai Creek. At a height of 60m, the 380m bridge will come alive with shrubs and greenery, making it a perfect spot to take a stroll as one enjoys the views of the emirate’s heritage district.
At least two promenades will also be built. One of them will be situated in the heart of the city’s hustle and bustle, while the other will be by the beach.
The first one, the Sheikh Zayed Road Promenade, will be turning the viaduct between the Dubai World Trade Centre and Financial Centre Metro Stations into a 2.5km green, modern space for cyclists, as well as visitors who may want to take a walk.
The Sunset Promenade, on the other hand, is a new 80,000sqm familyfriendly beachfront area connected to Jumeirah Beach Walk.
Besides the new mega projects in the pipeline, the RTA is working with Careem on the region’s first bicyclepool project, where about 3,500 bicycles will be operated at 350 stations in Dubai.
Sheikh Mohammed also reviewed a host of the RTA’s transport innovations, such as the Skypods, a suspended transit system that links areas like Dubai Financial Centre and the Downtown to Business Bay; and smart, artificial intelligence-powered traffic systems.
In addition, he endorsed road and public transport projects as well as a five-year plan (2019-2023) for constructing internal roads in residential districts.
Sheikh Mohammed also looked into the progress of other ongoing projects, such as the constructions on Tripoli Street, Khawaneej, Mushrif Park and Dubai-Al Ain Road, as well as roads leading to International City. —