In the wake of Dubai’s newly unveiled Walk Master Plan, Arabian Gulf Business Insight interviewed Doug Voigt, SOM urban planning partner, to discuss the transformative impact of similar initiatives worldwide and their potential to reshape the capital city of the UAE.
In the article, Voigt underscores the importance of prioritizing the quality of public spaces to reshape urban life. “Cities like Sydney and Melbourne are excellent examples of how a strong focus on the quality of the public realm can transform urban life,” he said. “European cities such as Copenhagen and London have successfully transformed public space through strategies that prioritize cycling, public transportation, and active public spaces.”
Voigt, who has worked on the environmentally focused master plan for Sultan Haitham City in Oman, also highlighted the broader benefits of reprioritizing transportation across the Gulf region. “Walkability can be a platform for more than just mobility—it can also catalyze cultural vibrancy and economic activity,” he said. “These principles, when tailored to the unique character of each city, can help transform urban life across the region.”
