Al Quoz Creative Zone Mobility Projects By RTA Enhance Walking, Cycling And Transport Integration

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has completed a new package of mobility and urban projects in Al Quoz Creative Zone, strengthening links between key public transport stations and creative clusters, and supporting Dubai’s plan to develop a walkable, mixed-use destination that attracts global talent, investors and visitors focused on culture, design, and the wider creative economy.

The programme includes a pedestrian and cycling bridge on Al Manara Street, three mobility hubs, and 4 km of new pedestrian, cycling and individual mobility tracks, alongside final preparations for a Super Blocks initiative. Together, these works deepen integration between transport modes and public spaces, and reinforce Dubai’s shift towards people-focused streets in major cultural and economic districts.

At the heart of the completed infrastructure is a pedestrian and cycling bridge on Al Manara Street, designed to improve safety and convenience for pedestrians and cyclists. The bridge is 45 metres long, 5.5 metres wide and 6 metres high, with two access ramps of 210 metres each, and includes design features that match the creative zone’s built environment and visual identity.

The bridge links to three new mobility hubs and aligns with upgraded pedestrian and cycling connections around Al Quoz Creative Zone. These projects connect the area to Onpassive Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station, making multimodal journeys smoother and quicker. The added links are intended to reduce dependency on private cars, while making walking and cycling more practical for everyday trips.

RTA’s work also supports a wider master plan for pedestrian pathways across Dubai. In Al Quoz Creative Zone, preparations are complete for launching the Super Blocks project, which will allow selected streets to be closed temporarily to vehicles and converted into pedestrian-only areas for events and festivals, creating flexible urban spaces that support cultural programming and public life.

The Super Blocks concept is tailored to artistic and cultural events. Streets within designated blocks can host activities such as art markets, performances and community gatherings. One of the key events to use these adaptable spaces is the Al Quoz Arts Festival, scheduled for 24th and 25th January, organised by Alserkal Avenue in strategic partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Dubai authorities see these interventions as part of broader social and urban objectives. The Super Blocks project supports the Year of the Family, Dubai Social Agenda 33, and Dubai Urban Plan 2040. It aims to strengthen social ties by offering more recreational spaces for cultural and artistic engagement, while converting high-interest districts into pedestrian-focused zones that align with Dubai’s ambition to be a globally recognised, pedestrian-friendly city.

The initiative is also linked to the 20-Minute City concept, which encourages residents and visitors to meet most daily needs within a short, local travel radius. By promoting soft mobility options and expanding green areas, the scheme supports a low-carbon, healthy urban environment, encourages local economic activity, and opens new investment prospects across the creative and cultural value chain in Al Quoz.

Al Quoz Creative Zone master plan and planning code

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, and Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee of Al Quoz Creative Zone, said, "The completion of the mobility projects reflects RTA’s approach to building an integrated transport system that facilitates movement, reduces reliance on private vehicles, and enhances urban mobility efficiency in a way that serves residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs."

Al Tayer added, "Connecting Al Quoz Creative Zone to Al Safa Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station, along developing an integrated network of pedestrian, cycling, and individual mobility routes, forms part of RTA’s commitment to delivering people-centric mobility solutions that enhance quality of life across Dubai.

"The pedestrian and cycling bridge on Al Manara Street represents a valuable addition that enhances safety and traffic flow, while reinforcing the priority given to pedestrians and sustainable mobility. Meanwhile, the mobility hubs and internal pathways contribute to creating a connected, accessible urban environment that encourages walking and social interaction."

Al Tayer further stated, "The Super Blocks project also supports targets of Dubai Urban Plan 2040 by embedding the 20-Minute City concept, enabling people to access work, services, and leisure within a compact and well-connected urban setting."

Hala Badri, Director-General of Dubai Culture, affirmed that Al Quoz Creative Zone reflects Dubai’s ambitions to position culture as a key economic driver, reinforcing the emirate’s standing as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent. She said, "Through Al Quoz Creative Zone, Dubai has established a model that supports and empowers creatives, entrepreneurs, and investors while encouraging innovation. The zone provides a full range of facilities that nurture the growth of investment projects and add economic value to their output, drawing on the area’s unique assets."

Badri added, "The completion of soft mobility and transport integration projects will further enhance the zone’s appeal. Dubai Culture remains committed to activating the area through high-impact initiatives and programmes that support innovators and highlight opportunities within the city’s cultural and creative industries. These efforts align with our focus on investing in young talent and consolidating Dubai’s role as a global hub for the creative economy."

The land-use master plan for Al Quoz Creative Zone targets a major increase in activity. Once fully delivered, the number of creatives is expected to rise from about 900 to 20,000, the zone will be able to house 8,000 residents, and it is projected to attract around 33,000 visitors each day, supporting a dense ecosystem of studios, galleries, production spaces and cultural venues.

The plan includes a tenfold increase in studio and workshop capacity, alongside a threefold expansion of leisure and support facilities, and a 30 percent rise in leasable areas. Compared with industrial areas dedicated to the arts in other countries, Al Quoz Creative Zone is set to rank among the largest globally in both built-up space and number of creative practitioners hosted.

A dedicated planning code has been introduced for Al Quoz Creative Zone to realise this vision. It supports integrated live-work environments and provides for 2,900 affordable housing units for creatives. Public realm design is central to the code, with spaces for cultural events, performances and product displays, and the transformation of Sikeek alleys into shaded outdoor areas with recreational features and knowledge routes.

Public plazas and shared open spaces are shaped for relaxation, social interaction and art displays, while an innovative visual identity strategy introduces sculptures, murals and curated art routes throughout the district. The master plan maintains Al Quoz’s industrial character by repurposing existing warehouses for varied creative activities, and infrastructure networks are defined in coordination with relevant authorities to meet long-term development needs and support sustained investment.

With inputs from WAM