What to expect out of Creating a 20-minute city

“20 min cities" refers to a concept in urban planning where all essential amenities and services are located within a 20-minute walk or bike ride from residential areas. The idea is to create compact and walkable communities that are less reliant on cars and promote a more sustainable and livable environment. In a 20-minute city, residents can easily access schools, workplaces, grocery stores, parks, and other everyday needs within a short distance from their homes. This concept aims to reduce traffic congestion, improve air quality, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.

Implementing the "20 min cities" concept in urban planning offers several benefits:

1. Improved Quality of Life: By having essential amenities and services within a short distance from residential areas, residents can easily access what they need, reducing the time and effort required for daily tasks. This can lead to a better work-life balance and increased overall well-being.

2. Reduced Traffic Congestion: With more services and amenities located closer to residential areas, there is less need for long commutes, resulting in reduced traffic congestion. This can contribute to a smoother flow of traffic, shorter travel times, and less stress for residents.

3. Enhanced Sustainability: The concept of 20-minute cities promotes walking, cycling, and the use of public transportation, reducing reliance on cars. This can help decrease carbon emissions, improve air quality, and contribute to a more sustainable and eco-friendlier urban environment.

4. Health Benefits: By encouraging walking and cycling, the 20-minute city concept promotes physical activity, leading to improved health and well-being for residents. Access to green spaces and parks within a short distance also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

5. Stronger Sense of Community: Compact and walkable neighborhoods foster a stronger sense of community and social interaction. Residents have more opportunities to connect with their neighbors, participate in local activities, and build relationships, creating a vibrant and cohesive community.

6. Economic Benefits: 20-minute cities can boost local economies by supporting local businesses and creating employment opportunities. With amenities and services easily accessible, residents are more likely to shop locally, supporting small businesses and contributing to the local economy.

Overall, implementing the 20-minute city concept can lead to a more sustainable, livable, and inclusive urban environment, benefiting both residents and the community as a whole.

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund has unveiled plans for its latest mega-project – a 400m tall and 400m wide cube city called The Mukaab.

New Murabba is Riyadh’s new downtown. A visionary project to build a new modern downtown in Riyadh, where technology and sustainability are fused into one. At the heart of New Murabba is The Mukaab, a global marvel of imagination.

New Murabba promises living, working and entertainment spaces within a 15-minute walking radius, with a 20-minute drive to the airport. The entire project is due for completion by 2030.

It will sit at the intersection of King Salman and King Khalid roads to the north west of Riyadh, over an area of 19 sq km. The plan involves building 104,000 residential units, 9,000 hotel rooms, 980,000 sq. m. of retail space, and 1.4 million sq m of office space. There will also be 1.8 million sq m of space dedicated to community facilities.

Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan is also taking the ambitions to make Dubai a 20-minute city. The idea is for city dwellers to be able to walk or bike to 80 percent of their daily needs and destinations in just 20 minutes. This means that in the coming years, half of Dubai’s population will be living within 800 meters of the nearest public transportation facility. 

Making Dubai a 20-minute city is a big step towards this goal, and that is why this step is an applaudable move by the leaders and authorities of Dubai.

Thank you for reading

Youssef Khattar