The Green Spin is an initiative by UAE-based Urb studio, which aims to build the world’s greenest highway in Dubai as part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The project aims to transform Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, one of the city’s main arteries, into a 65-kilometre-long sustainable corridor aimed at mitigating the ecological impacts of a booming population expected to reach 8 million by 2040.
Dubai's latest megaproject is about to be hailed as the most environmentally sustainable highway in the world.
The Green Spin
The idea of The Green Spine reportedly focuses on planting one million trees along the corridor, thereby creating a green environment that includes urban farms, gardens, parks, and sports facilities. In line with the “20-minute city” strategy, residents will have the opportunity to grow their own food. This strategy aims to ensure that essential services and recreational spaces are accessible within a 20-minute walk of the residences.
An essential component of the project is the emphasis on solar energy, with the installation of solar panels along the highway, producing more than 300 megawatts of clean energy, enough to meet the energy needs of around 130.000 homes. In addition, this system will provide energy for a network of electric trams running on tracks equipped with these panels. This infrastructure is designed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels, with projected carbon reductions of more than one million tons per year.
Another development of the project concerns water management, with the installation of bioswales, drainage systems specifically designed to capture and manage both rainwater and greywater. This initiative is particularly vital in light of the recent flooding in the area. In addition, the project seeks to improve the quality of life of local residents by incorporating outdoor sports facilities, playgrounds, bicycle lanes and pedestrian walkways, all aimed at promoting a healthier and more active lifestyle.
Urban mobility
Urban mobility is being redefined by integrating bicycle lanes and pedestrian paths, which will link residents to essential services and reduce reliance on private vehicles. This approach will help alleviate urban traffic congestion and mitigate its adverse environmental impacts. The Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 "aims to make the city a more efficient and sustainable place, in addition to prioritizing the quality of life of its inhabitants and protecting the environment."
Essential elements of the megaproject
This Green Column will stretch 64 kilometers along Dubai's Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, a major thoroughfare in the region (commonly known as the E311). It will be connected to a major solar array, which is expected to generate more than 300 megawatts of clean energy, enough to operate an electric tram system and at the same time provide enough electricity to meet the needs of approximately 130.000 homes.
Additionally, as outlined in the project, bioswales (channels designed for stormwater management) will be implemented to help capture and regulate both rainwater and greywater. This is particularly significant in Dubai at present, following recent catastrophic flooding. Furthermore, the developer claims that the transition from fossil fuels to solar energy could result in an annual carbon reduction of Approximately 1.051.200 tons.
Modern technology
The project highlights the ability of sensors to monitor traffic and energy consumption, while native vegetation surrounds pedestrian and cycling paths to provide natural cooling and purify the air. Residents have the opportunity to run through these green areas and can also grow their own food and plants within vertical agricultural farms situated along the road.
More than one million trees will be planted, spread across parks, gardens and urban farms, all of which will produce fruits and vegetables. In addition, Green Spine will include several children's play areas, outdoor fitness zones and specialist sports facilities, with a significant emphasis on cycling. The planned developments will include trails as well as elevated park areas reminiscent of the High Line. There will also be retail zones with food outlets.
The urban planning study indicates that the Green Spine improves urban connectivity by incorporating an extensive network of green trails, pedestrian paths and bicycle lanes, which allows residents to access essential services and recreational areas quickly and conveniently.
The commitment to an efficient urban environment is the concept outlined in the proposal. Urb highlights that this initiative not only encourages a more active and healthy lifestyle but also “significantly reduces the need for The project “demonstrates its commitment to promoting a more accessible, efficient and environmentally sustainable city,” they say.
Dubai 2040
In addition to the green “highway” designed to be “the best of the best,” there are other initiatives underway, including a new luxury shopping destination, an airport planned to be the largest in the world (five times the size of the current airport when completed), and a floating opera house designed by Azizi Venice.
Dubai provokes strong reactions in all who visit it. In recent years, numerous proposals have emerged around this desert enclave, many of which are difficult to categorize. It should be noted that there are islands designed for ultra-rich individuals and It invested 12.000 billion euros in the construction of 300 artificial islands, which are now abandoned and gradually sinking.
As you can see, Dubai is betting on the transition towards a more sustainable city with the support of renewable energy technology and less environmental pollution. I hope that with this information you can learn more about the greenest highway in the world presented by Dubai.