Dubai Green Spine project: Plans unveiled to completely transform E311

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — In a bold leap towards sustainable urban development, Dubai is set to transform the 64-kilometre-long Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311) into the world’s first “Green Spine,” a corridor that promises to revolutionize urban mobility and environmental standards. Spearheaded by the innovative urban planning firm URB, this visionary project aligns with the ambitious Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Central to the Dubai Green Spine project are 100 percent solar-powered trams, a groundbreaking initiative supported by a 300-megawatt solar energy system. This massive clean energy endeavor aims not only to reduce the city’s carbon footprint but also to promote a significant shift from car dependency to more sustainable modes of transportation.

“The Dubai Green Spine isn’t just about transit; it’s about transforming how cities function, making them more livable and human-centric,” said Baharash Bagherian, CEO of URB. “This initiative exemplifies how integrated, thoughtful urban planning can drastically improve city life, turning everyday environments into vibrant ecosystems that nurture both people and the planet.”

The project is not solely focused on transportation. It also emphasizes the enhancement of community and biodiversity through the development of extensive green spaces. These areas, designed with diverse habitats, aim to beautify the urban landscape while playing a critical role in environmental health and community well-being. An interconnected network of pedestrian and cycling paths will link these green spaces, significantly improving walkability and reducing reliance on automobiles.

Further enriching the urban experience, the Dubai Green Spine will feature mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Strategically positioned to foster urban connectivity and community interaction, these developments will ensure that daily amenities are within convenient reach, creating a dynamic urban lifestyle.

The project is being developed by URB’s research arm, EPIC Lab, which is tasked with ensuring that the Green Spine aligns with the broader objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This master plan envisions a future where Dubai’s urban growth is both sustainable and inclusive, addressing the needs of its rapidly expanding population.

The Dubai Green Spine is a testament to the city's commitment to sustainability and innovative urban planning. By incorporating solar-powered trams and extensive green spaces, the project seeks to create a model for future urban developments worldwide. It is a holistic approach that integrates environmental stewardship with social well-being, making urban spaces more liveable and human-centric.

The project also aims to elevate environmental and social standards, setting a new benchmark for urban development. By creating vibrant ecosystems within the city, it fosters a closer connection between residents and their environment, promoting a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle.

Dubai’s Green Spine is more than just an infrastructural project; it is a vision for the future of urban living. It represents a shift towards a more sustainable, integrated approach to city planning, one that prioritizes the well-being of its inhabitants and the health of the planet. As cities around the world grapple with the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate change, Dubai’s Green Spine offers a blueprint for creating more resilient and sustainable urban environments.

In transforming Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road into a Green Spine, Dubai is not just investing in infrastructure; it is investing in the future of urban living. This project exemplifies how cities can evolve to meet the demands of a growing population while remaining committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship.