Dubai’s 20-Minute Cities Face a Key Challenge: Tackling the Summer Heat

Thursday, 10 July 2025

As part of its ambitious Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the emirate is actively working toward building 20-minute cities—urban environments where residents can access 80% of their daily needs within a 20-minute walk or bike ride. From shaded walkways to climate-controlled zones, the city is exploring innovative ways to make this vision a reality—even under the intense heat of a UAE summer.

Table of Contents

• What Are 20-Minute Cities?
• The Big Obstacle: Dubai’s Extreme Summer
• Solutions Underway: Climate-Conscious Urban Design
• Reviving Old Neighborhoods: A Crucial Step
• The Future of Urban Living in Dubai
• Frequently asked questions

What Are 20-Minute Cities?

The concept of a 20-minute city revolves around the idea of proximity and accessibility. Whether it’s grocery stores, schools, parks, or healthcare facilities, these cities aim to put essential services within a short walking or biking distance. The plan includes placing 55% of residents within 800 meters of mass transit stations, making daily life more convenient, efficient, and sustainable.

The Big Obstacle: Dubai’s Extreme Summer

While the idea is inspiring, executing it in Dubai’s climate comes with a challenge—the scorching summer heat. With temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C, walking or cycling outdoors isn’t always feasible.

At Expo City Dubai, where a model for the 20-minute city is being developed, urban planners are approaching this obstacle with creativity and flexibility.

“In the winter, people are encouraged to walk. It’s an experience,” says Ivan Kyselov, Senior Manager of City Operations at Expo City. “We activate spaces along walking routes with interactive design, art, and architecture to make walking engaging and enjoyable—even for kids.”

Solutions Underway: Climate-Conscious Urban Design

To beat the heat, Expo City and other planning districts are implementing several smart strategies:

• Shaded Walking Areas: Creating cooler pedestrian paths lined with trees and structures for shade.
• Climate-Controlled Zones: Introducing enclosed, air-conditioned spaces along routes to offer relief.
• Smart Mobility Hubs: Providing e-scooters, bicycles, and electric vehicles (EVs) to promote multimodal transport.
• Interactive Urban Design: Adding visual and playful elements to make walking more attractive.

These ideas were presented during the Mobility Live event, which brings together experts in smart transportation and sustainable mobility.

Reviving Old Neighborhoods: A Crucial Step

According to transport mobility expert Martin Tillman, it’s not just about building new neighborhoods—it’s also about transforming old ones.

“It’s easier to plan from scratch, but regenerating existing areas is crucial,” he said. “Many older neighborhoods were originally designed with pedestrians in mind. They offer a strong foundation for revitalization.”

Updating these areas will involve improving access to transit, rethinking street layouts, and integrating cycling and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.

The Future of Urban Living in Dubai

Dubai’s vision for 20-minute cities is not just about reducing travel time—it’s about enhancing quality of life, promoting sustainability, and creating inclusive, people-centric communities. With a combination of innovative urban design, smart mobility, and climate-responsive planning, the city is paving the way for a more livable and resilient future.

As the Model District Project in Al Barsha 2 moves forward, Dubai continues to set global benchmarks for what it means to build cities that serve people—not just vehicles.