The 100-page report includes a collection of articles aiming to investigate the impact of the health and fitness initiatives deployed in Dubai since the early 2000s, to review plans under Dubai’s evolving 2040 Urban Masterplan. It then concludes with 13 key physical policy recommendations to assist planning and policymakers in creating a healthy and active city.
With early health indicators placing cardiovascular disease, cancer and diabetes at the top of the UAE’s health concerns, the report emphasizes that Dubai’s structure and environment should be re-oriented to make a proactive contribution to public heath - making it easier to walk, cycle and run, for example.
The recommendations provide initiatives and interventions for the policymakers, planners and designers involved in the development of the city to further refine and pursue. Some of the recommendations are supported by benchmarking examples of which Dubai could assess the feasibility of implementation.
One of these examples is the growing endorsement of the residential urban concept of time-based cities, such as the ‘15-minute City’ concept popularised in Paris. There is an increasing demand to improve the quality of life of urban dwellers by creating cities where residents can access everything they need within 15 minutes. The 15-minute concept aims to meet basic needs within a short walk or bike ride from home.
Key recommendations
To create a 15-minute districts network within the city, that harnesses sustainability through the provision of civic amenities that promote healthy lifestyles and fitness. Examples include sports venues and adequate active public realm, within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride of residential areas.
To provide an east-west connection between the sea and the desert, providing an easily facilitated access to sea and sand sports, and creating more efficient connections between communities along the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor to additional fitness facilities and services.
To upgrade the main transportation connection; Sheikh Zayed Road to a boulevard.
To maximise the use of inactive open spaces, whether this is within intersections along Sheikh Zayed Road, or highly populated public areas.
To upgrade key community connections across the city, to promote the usage of sustainable transportation methods, such as walking and cycling.
To activate spaces that encourage physical activity and a healthier lifestyle, it is suggested that design interventions such as temporary art, plantings and removal benches are installed across the city.
To encourage residents and visitors to stay active in the city, it is vital that pedestrian routes are safe with no dangerous risks. It is therefore essential that all pedestrian pathways are upgraded to provide the ultimate safety measures.
To ensure fitness facilities are available and accessible to all, it is suggested that the provision of fitness facilities and services are inherent in the planning of new developments.
To use climate control mechanisms to ensure comfortability for city dwellers and users to safely engage in physical activity.
To develop digital tools and gather user data to help monitor and track the outbreak of diseases and viruses or hotspots that are detrimental to public health.
To pedestrianize communities and enable first-mile, last-mile pedestrian transit systems. Pedestrian transit systems should be available everywhere and accessible to the wider public.
To update the existing city sports calendar to include community based organisations and events. It would be great to have an interactive calendar outlining the types of events and which communities they are based within.
To encourage healthy living through tax reductions on healthy lifestyle brands and advertisements. While increasing taxes on fast food establishments and advertisements.