The Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, often makes statements that attract attention. Recently, another of his statements went viral on social media, where he claimed that Dubai’s Crown Prince, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, had requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send Gadkari to Dubai for six months.
Following Gadkari’s statement, discussions arose about the characteristics of Dubai’s roads and the features of its transport system. Let’s delve into the details.
Dubai’s Road Model: Separate Bridges for Pedestrians
Dubai’s roads are not only wide and high-tech but are also considered very safe for pedestrians and cyclists. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has recently built two new pedestrian bridges on Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Mina Street.
In addition, six more pedestrian and cycling bridges are under construction. Five of these will open by the end of this year, while the sixth will be completed in 2027. The RTA states that 23 more pedestrian bridges will be built in Dubai by 2030. The aim is to strengthen road safety and make Dubai a pedestrian and cycle-friendly city.
Pedestrian Bridges Increased by 581% Since 2006
Dubai is continuously developing infrastructure keeping in mind pedestrians and cyclists. In 2006, there were only 26 pedestrian bridges and underpasses, while by 2024, this number has increased to 177. This is an increase of 581%. These bridges connect residential areas to the city’s major attractions, encouraging people to travel less by car and more on foot or by bicycle.
Reduced Accident Fatality Rate
According to the RTA, these safe routes built for pedestrians have been of great benefit. In 2007, there were 9.5 fatalities per 100,000 people in Dubai, whereas in 2024, this has reduced to only 0.3. This is a decrease of 97%. Furthermore, the level of pedestrian satisfaction has reached 88%. While 307 million pedestrian trips were made in 2023, this increased to 326 million in 2024.
Bridges Equipped with Design and Technology
Dubai’s pedestrian bridges are not only safe but also beautiful. The pedestrian and cycling bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road is 528 meters long. A 501-meter-long bridge has been built on Al Khail Road, with a design inspired by the sun’s rays. A 45-meter-long bridge has been built on Al Manara Street, which connects the Al Quoz Creative Zone to nearby attractions. These bridges feature state-of-the-art features like elevators, stairs, electromechanical systems, fire alarms, and remote monitoring.
Dubai’s traffic safety mission is clear: Zero Fatalities. This means the aim is that no one should lose their life in road accidents. For this, safe routes, separate bridges, and silent zones are being provided to pedestrians and cyclists. The cycling and e-scooter culture is also being continuously promoted.
Smart Technology Makes Roads the Smoothest
Dubai’s roads are considered among the smoothest in the world. This is due to AI and laser technology for road maintenance. According to a report in the Khaleej Times, the RTA uses special Laser Crack Measurement System (LCMS) vehicles, equipped with cameras, lasers, and infrared sensors. These vehicles detect cracks, potholes, and 14 types of defects on the road. Another vehicle measures the smoothness of the road with 12 lasers and 4 cameras using the International Roughness Index (IRI). Dubai’s IRI score is 0.9, which is considered among the smoothest surfaces in the world.
Not Just Roads, Cleaning is Also Number One
Dubai has been selected as the cleanest city in the world for the fifth consecutive time, according to the Global Power City Index (GPCI). More than 3,200 cleaning engineers and supervisors work day and night. The city’s 2,400 km long roads, 1,419 sq km investment zone, and 33.4 km long water canals and creeks are regularly cleaned. This means that the roads are not only smooth and safe but also sparkling and free of waste.
