Dubai is set to launch an ambitious urban planning model that will see 152 new parks created across two major residential areas, bringing green spaces within a 150-metre walk and reshaping how families experience city living.
Over 33km of cycling paths will be added, along with central parks featuring diverse activities and facilities. Community majlis and wedding halls will also be built.
This project supports the 20-Minute City concept and introduces community parks as an interconnected network of central green spaces.
The new framework for Madinat Latifa and Al Yalayis puts parks, walkways and cycling paths at the heart of neighbourhood design, supporting the Year of the Family initiative and Dubai Social Agenda 33's vision of 'Family: The Foundation of Our Nation.'
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, on Monday approved the strategic planning model during an Executive Council meeting at Emirates Towers, alongside digital resilience policies and the council's 2026 agenda.
The plans allocate significant space to green areas, with Madinat Latifa dedicating around 11 per cent of its total area to parks and open spaces. Residents will have access to 77 parks connected by 12 kilometres of walking and cycling paths, while Al Yalayis will feature 75 parks linked by a vibrant green corridor.
The dedicated cycling paths will be added across both areas, alongside central parks offering diverse activities and facilities designed to bring communities together.
The new planning model for residential areas prioritises citizen welfare and family empowerment in Dubai’s urban development alongside the Digital Resilience Policy and the general plan for The Executive Council’s Agenda for 2026.
Sheikh Hamdan said: “Guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, citizen welfare and family empowerment form the foundation of Dubai’s future plans, driving efforts to make it the best, most beautiful, and most advanced city in the world. This model focuses on creating socially interconnected, service-integrated communities that enhance quality of life through homes, neighbourhoods, parks, schools, and their service centres.”
He added in a post on X: "In Dubai, we aspire to offer all citizens a better life, greater opportunities for their families and a brighter future for generations to come."
The planning model revives the concept of Fareej (traditional community cluster ) through integrated neighbourhoods where homes, schools, parks and service centres are interconnected.
Shaded walkways will link residential areas to amenities, encouraging walking, running and cycling as part of daily life.
Parks and squares will function as interactive hubs for social and cultural activities rather than passive green spaces, creating environments that foster community initiatives and participation.
Madinat Latifa also provides for comprehensive services including schools, early childhood centres, mosques, health clinics, and commercial hubs. Plans outlined for the area envisage facilities encompassing 3,000 hectares, housing 141,000 people, and including 18,500 residential units.
In Al Yalayis, the model creates an integrated living environment that promotes quality of life and sustainability. The plans provide for facilities spread over 1,108 hectares with the capacity to house 66,000 people, including 8,000 residential unit plots.
Both developments align with the 20-Minute City concept, ensuring essential services and amenities are accessible within a short walk or cycle ride from home.
The model aims to strengthen citizens' sense of comfort and belonging through vibrant environments that encourage interaction and satisfaction whilst supporting Dubai Urban Plan 2040.
