URB, a Dubai-based urban planning and development firm and research arm, EPIC Lab, have announced plans for the ‘Dubai Green Spine’ project. The project aims to transform Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311) into a 64-kilometre-long “sustainable” corridor, with 100 per cent solar-powered trams, supported by a 300-megawatt solar energy system.
In addition, the project would incorporate green spaces, pedestrian and cycling paths, and mixed-use developments, including residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
“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.
The developer explained that the plan aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and, within that, the concept of the 20-minute neighbourhood. This is an approach to urban planning whereby residents can meet most of their daily needs within a short commute, whether by walking, cycling, or another form of transportation.
“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,” added Bagherian.
URB is also the developer behind the Dubai Mangroves Project, which seeks to plant 100 million mangrove trees; the Dubai Reefs Project, which aims to build the world’s largest artificial coral reefs; and The Loop, a proposal for a 93km “sustainable” urban highway, for climate-controlled walking and cycling.
Further details regarding project approval and timeline were not shared.