Cable cars, waterfalls, more greenery: This is how Dubai will look by 2040

Back in the 1960s, Dubai’s population was just about 40,000. Fast-forward to 2023, and the number of people that call the emirate home has soared to over 3.6 million — about 90 times more than it was 63 years ago. Dubai had launched its first urban plan back in 1960. And it is currently in the process of realising its seventh development plan since then.

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate’s 2040 Urban Master Plan maps out a greener and more sustainable city that caters to an expected 5.8 million residents.

In less than 20 years, Dubai will have more than half of its population residing in the vicinity of public transportation means. Its green areas will increase by 105 per cent, while public beaches will be extended by 400 per cent. Home to five urban centres, the Emirate will transform into a 20-minute city where residents can reach their destinations within a 20-minute timeframe on foot or by bicycle.

Several projects and initiatives have been announced as part of the plan. Among them are:

Videos and photos released back in 2021 show a breathtakingly greener Dubai. Sample this image of a stunningly green route to Dubai’s Downtown:

Under the plan, nature reserves and rural natural areas will constitute 60 per cent of the emirate’s total area. Several green corridors will be established to link the service areas, residential areas and workplaces.

Imagine soaring over the stunning network of manmade lakes in Al Qudra. Or riding a bike or driving through a 100km scenic route cutting through the golden sands of Dubai.

Route 1 or the Saih Al Salam Scenic Route will have everything from air taxis to hot air balloons, kayaking, horse rides, skydiving, an open-air cinema and lodges with glass domes.

The mountain enclave is being developed into a year-round tourist destination. Among the key projects on offer is the Hatta Waterfalls, a green haven of four oases linked with bridges crossing the water canal.

Another project is a 5.4km cable car system that transports visitors to the highest natural summit in Dubai: Um Al Nesoor. The cable car route passes over the Hatta Dam and the upper dam lakes, and over the mountains.

Vast areas around Dubai will be developed as part of a Countryside and Rural Areas Development Master Plan.

• Dubai's population grows by over 50,000 in 6 months