Abu Dhabi Embraces Walkable, Car-Free Future

Abu Dhabi's New Vision: Walkable, Car-Free Communities

Abu Dhabi has made an ambitious step towards sustainable and community-focused urban development: the city leadership has allocated 42 billion dirhams to a project aimed at creating a walkable, car-free urban network. The initiative, called the 'Liveability Strategy', is not only about infrastructure development but also about establishing a new urban lifestyle that emphasizes community well-being, environmental awareness, and social cohesion.

Walkable City, Community Connections

One of the main goals of the project is to enable the residents of Abu Dhabi to move easily, quickly, and safely between different districts of the city without needing a car. To achieve this, 200 parks, 283 bicycle paths, 120 kilometers of pedestrian routes, and more than 200 public aesthetic projects will be created. The goal is to establish an urban fabric where essential services can be easily accessed even if they are not located directly in the residential district.

The new concept is based on the '15-minute city' model, which means that all basic needs – schools, shops, parks, healthcare – are accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride. This not only enhances the convenience of everyday life but also reduces traffic, supports environmental protection, and fosters the formation of connections between residents.

Liveability and Community Infrastructure

The strategy has already received broad social support since its launch in 2023, and over time, more than 60 large-scale development projects have been initiated, with a total value of 12 billion dirhams. These include the creation of over 200 new parks and sports fields, 24 schools, 21 mosques, and 28 community majlises. Street lighting will be developed over 220 kilometers, and the new roads, squares, and green areas will provide open community spaces accessible to everyone.

During the developments, AI-supported public services will also be introduced to ensure that municipal and community systems operate more efficiently and quickly.

The City Where It's Good to Live

Community spaces, such as parks and playgrounds, play a particularly significant role in creating a safe and pleasant environment for families. Dedicated pedestrian and bicycle lanes reduce the number of traffic accidents, while new street lighting enhances night-time comfort and safety. All this means that Abu Dhabi will not only transform physically but will also grow psychologically and sociologically – creating a more livable and cohesive society.

The Impact of Green Spaces on Mental Health

Liveability is not only dependent on infrastructure but also on how we feel in the city. More and more research shows that green spaces, parks, and open community spaces have a significant positive impact on mental health. Such environments reduce stress, improve mood, and can help manage depression and anxiety. They also encourage physical activity – whether it's walking, running, or cycling – which contributes to improving overall health.

Community meeting places – like majlises, schools, mosques – provide opportunities for different generations, cultures, and families to meet, participate in events together, and thereby strengthen social cohesion. This not only results in friendships but also creates a network that acts as a cohesive force for the entire city.

Abu Dhabi as a Model City

The current project will not only influence Abu Dhabi but could serve as an exemplary model for the entire region. Car-free mobility, expansion of green spaces, smart community services, as well as pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly transportation networks, are aligned with global sustainability and urban development guidelines.

The reduction in car usage not only means a reduction in air pollution but also a significant increase in the city's liveability. A pedestrian-friendly environment provides a quality of life that can halt the harmful side effects of urbanization and restore the naturalness of urban life.

Summary

Abu Dhabi's transformation is not only spectacular but profound and forward-looking as well. The 42 billion-dirham liveability strategy is not simply urban development, but a tool for creating a new social model. A model in which community life, mental and physical health, and sustainability go hand in hand.

This vision goes beyond the simple reorganization of urban transportation – it supports a lifestyle where people are not isolated but connected, where children can safely play in parks, and where all parts of the city become accessible by walking or cycling. Abu Dhabi is not only developing but setting an example of how to build more livable, healthier, and more human-centered cities.

(Source of the article: Based on the development of the Liveability Strategy.)