Dubai is exploring one of the most ambitious sustainable urban concepts on Earth — The Loop, a 93‑kilometre climate‑controlled urban corridor designed to let residents walk, cycle, and live comfortably year‑round without being exposed to the desert heat. Unlike traditional city plans, this visionary infrastructure aims to reshape mobility and urban life across the emirate.
The Loop is a proposed enclosed, year‑round climate‑controlled corridor stretching approximately 93 km around Dubai. The idea is to create a walkable, cycle‑friendly environment where people can access workplaces, homes, parks, and amenities within minutes — all while staying cool and comfortable regardless of outside temperatures.
Design & Features
Inside the structure imagined as a landscaped urban artery the temperature would be moderated to provide pleasant conditions all year. The project plans to integrate:
Zero‑emission transport corridors for walking and cycling.
Vertical farms and green spaces to support food security and livability.
Parks, sports facilities, wellness zones, and recreational areas along the route.
Renewable energy systems and recycled water for irrigation to minimise environmental impact.
The Loop aligns with Dubai’s broader 2040 Urban Master Plan and its goal of becoming a “20‑minute city” where residents can reach essential services on foot or by bicycle within 20 minutes. If realised, over 80 % of the city’s population could benefit from sustainable, heat‑resilient mobility and improved public health outcomes.
Currently in research and concept development, The Loop has not yet received official construction approvals. Developers and planners are refining designs and evaluating feasibility ahead of potential implementation. Should it come to life, The Loop could redefine how cities in extreme climates are built offering a cool, car‑free alternative to urban living and connecting millions in a comfortable, sustainable environment.
