Dubai to build world’s greenest highway

Dubai is set to become home to the world’s greenest highway, the Green Spine, designed by URB. This ambitious project, powered entirely by renewable energy, primarily solar, aims to transform Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311) into a 64-kilometer sustainable corridor.

The Green Spine will feature solar-powered trams running on solar panel-clad railways, surrounded by urban farms and gardens where residents can cultivate their food and plants. This innovative design is expected to benefit nearly eight million residents by promoting non-motorized transportation and significantly reducing the city’s carbon footprint.

The integration of solar panels, especially on tram tracks, is projected to generate over 300 megawatts of clean energy, enough to power approximately 130,000 homes and offset around 1,051,200 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.

Smart technologies, including sensors for monitoring traffic and energy usage, will play a crucial role in optimizing the highway’s efficiency. Additionally, the project will incorporate native flora, vertical farms, and a specialized drainage system to create a sustainable and resilient environment.

Mixed-use spaces, educational facilities, and cultural hubs will be strategically placed along the highway to create vibrant communities and minimize commute times. With the planting of over one million native trees, the Green Spine aims to enhance biodiversity and contribute to Dubai’s vision of a 20-minute city where essential services are easily accessible.

Green roofs, parks, vertical gardens, and bioswales will be integrated throughout the highway to regulate temperatures, provide recreational spaces, and manage rainwater sustainably. While specific construction details are still under development, the Green Spine is a key component of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, shaping a greener and more sustainable future for the city.

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