Dubai: H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, recently assessed the progress of infrastructure projects aimed at advancing the emirate’s road network, public transport systems, aerial taxi services, and The Future Loop project. These initiatives are integral to the Dubai Walk Master Plan.
According to Emirates News Agency, the review was conducted during a meeting at H.H. Sheikh Hamdan’s office in Emirates Towers. The meeting included Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy and Remote Work Applications.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan highlighted that Dubai’s investment in infrastructure aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He emphasized the emirate’s commitment to creating a connected, sustainable city driven by innovation, which is crucial for achieving the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33.
The meeting also covered updates on Dubai’s Aerial Taxi project. Mattar Al Tayer briefed Sheikh Hamdan on the operational trials conducted by Joby Aviation Inc., including the first crewed flight of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) taxi during the Dubai Airshow 2025. This development is a significant step towards initiating passenger transport services by 2026.
The aerial taxi, characterized by its environmental friendliness and advanced safety features, can accommodate four passengers and a pilot. It offers a flight range of 160 km and a top speed of 320 km per hour. Plans for Aerial Taxi Vertiports, developed by Skyports Infrastructure near Dubai International Airport, were also discussed.
Further discussions covered enhancements to Dubai’s rail network. The completion of the Blue Line project by 2029 will expand the network to 131 km, adding 14 stations and increasing the fleet size. Additionally, RTA’s plan to enhance road and transport integration includes 72 projects by 2027, focusing on road development and the construction of bridges and tunnels.
The Future Loop Project, a significant component of the Dubai Walk Master Plan, aims to make the city pedestrian-friendly. The plan includes developing 3,300 km of new walkways and rehabilitating existing routes, with an increase in pedestrian and individual mobility expected by 2040. The Future Loop will feature an iconic bridge connecting key economic landmarks, supporting year-round pedestrian access with climate-controlled pathways and open spaces.
