Dubai plans world’s greenest highway with ‘Green Spine’

The solar panels along the tram tracks will generate 300 megawatts of clean energy, enough to supply power to around 130,000 homes in the desert city, and, well, power the trams.

The shift to solar power will cut carbon emissions by at least 1 million tonnes annually, according to URB, the firm that is developing the Green Spine project. The Dubai-based developer is behind projects such as ‘Dubai Mangroves’ and ‘The Loop’ in the Emirati city.

A network of smart sensors will monitor the flow of traffic and energy usage, while native plants along the pedestrian and cycling pathways will help with natural cooling and air purification.

With plans to plant over a million trees and native plants throughout the Green Spine, the project will create a network where locals can access essential services within a 20-minute walk.

Green roofs, parks, and vertical gardens will offer recreational spaces and help regulate temperatures.

“The Dubai Green Spine isn’t just about transit; it’s about transforming urban functionality, making the city more livable and human-centric. It challenges conventional infrastructure norms, proving that our streets can do more than facilitate car traffic; they can significantly enhance quality of life, URB’s chief executive, Baharash Bagherian, said.

While a specific construction start date hasn’t been announced, the Green Spine project aligns with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, suggesting a potential completion date around that time frame.

The Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan projects the city’s population to grow to nearly 8 million and “aims to enhance urban mobility, improve environmental quality, and create a sustainable community space.”