Dubai is poised to host the world’s greenest highway, the Green Spine, an innovative project by URB. This groundbreaking development, powered entirely by renewable energy, predominantly solar, aims to convert Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road (E311) into a 64-kilometer eco-friendly corridor.
The Green Spine will include solar-powered trams operating on solar panel-covered tracks, surrounded by urban farms and gardens where residents can grow their own food and plants. This forward-thinking design is anticipated to benefit nearly eight million residents by promoting non-motorized transportation and substantially reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
The incorporation of solar panels, especially on tram tracks, is expected to generate over 300 megawatts of clean energy, sufficient to power approximately 130,000 homes and offset around 1,051,200 tonnes of carbon emissions annually.
Advanced technologies, including sensors for monitoring traffic and energy usage, will be crucial in optimizing the highway’s efficiency. Furthermore, the project will feature native flora, vertical farms, and a specialized drainage system to foster a sustainable and resilient environment.
Mixed-use spaces, educational facilities, and cultural hubs will be strategically located along the highway to create dynamic communities and reduce commute times. With the planting of over one million native trees, the Green Spine aims to enhance biodiversity and support Dubai’s vision of a 20-minute city where essential services are within easy reach.
Green roofs, parks, vertical gardens, and bioswales will be integrated throughout the highway to regulate temperatures, offer recreational spaces, and manage rainwater sustainably. While specific construction details are still being finalized, the Green Spine is a key element of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future for the city.
