Dubai will soon be home to a 93-kilometre, climate controlled highway, titled ‘THE LOOP’. The new highway is aimed at connecting over 3 million residents using a “healthy mode of transport, access to key services and locations by walking and cycling within minutes,” sustainable architecture firm URB said in a statement.

“It will provide an enjoyable climate controlled all-year environment, to make walking & cycling the primary mode of transport for Dubai’s residents, in line with its new 20-minute city initiative. The aim is to make cycling and walking the primary mode of transport for daily commutes for more than 80 percent of Dubai’s residents by 2040,” the statement added.

THE LOOP project in emirate is in place to develop a smart cycling and walking infrastructure, however it is still at its research and development phase, URB said.

“Dubai is the best place for entrepreneurship in urban mobility. THE LOOP project is an embodiment of that entrepreneurial spirit, which aims to make Dubai the most connected city on earth by foot or bike,” URB chief executive officer Baharash Bagherian explained.

Bagherian added: “The LOOP is the future of urban mobility infrastructures, which are more than sustainable transport systems. These types of infrastructures are spaces and utilities for people, where various leisure and community services can also be provided. These types of infrastructures are an enjoyable mode of sustainable transport, no matter the weather conditions.”

THE LOOP is in line with emirate’s ambition of becoming a 20-minute city, which allows residents to access destinations and essentials within 20 minutes by foot or bicycle.