Dubai Reaches 4 Million People – What Now for Transport?

A City on the Move – But Still Dependent on Cars

Dubai is expanding its transport infrastructure at pace:

The Dubai Metro Blue Line will soon link key new growth areas like Mirdif, Dubai Creek Harbour, and International City.
Etihad Rail is connecting the UAE’s cities with a high-speed rail line, with a station planned near Jumeirah Golf Estates.
Bus network upgrades, new cycle lanes, shaded pedestrian corridors, and the rise of e-scooters and micro-mobility all signal an effort to diversify transport options.

Yet the reality is that private cars remain the dominant mode of travel, and many roads are heavily congested.

Integration Is Key

Each new resident adds demand for travel and no single mode of transport can meet that alone. Key areas to focus on include:

Integration across all modes — Metro, bus, micro-mobility, rail, DRT
Park & ride and first/last mile connections
Planning mobility around destination areas like Dubai South, Expo City, and new suburban districts
Flexible, demand-based services that adjust to need — especially in areas not yet dense enough for fixed-route systems

Rethinking Urban Form: 20-Minute City Potential

Dubai is also exploring the 20-minute city concept where most daily needs can be met within a short walk, bike ride, or public transport trip. But sprawl and climate remain major challenges.

Cities like Singapore and Phoenix, Arizona offer examples of how car-centric, climate-challenged cities can begin to rebalance towards walkability and public transport with digital apps, behavioural nudges, and air-conditioned pedestrian environments.

A Turning Point for Policy and Planning

Dubai’s growth to 4 million residents is more than a statistic. It marks a turning point for how the city moves, grows, and functions.

The next wave of urban and transport development must:

Embrace equity and inclusivity
Tackle climate goals and vehicle emissions
Provide real alternatives to car ownership
Ensure mobility is accessible for all — across income groups, age, gender, and geography

At TMP Consult, we believe this is an opportunity to shape a new mobility vision — one that makes Dubai a global leader in sustainable urban transport.

Interested in transport strategy for fast-growing cities?

TMP Consult supports governments, developers, and global advisors with:

Transport masterplans and policy
Integrated mobility strategy
Modelling and multimodal planning
ESG-aligned mobility frameworks