Dubai scales green spine concept as developers eye more ‘eco-friendly’ projects

Eco-Business Podcast

Can a desert city be liveable? Eyes are on whether the Dubai's plan to build the world’s “greenest highway” will take off. Envisioned as a 64-kilometre corridor that people can easily walk and bike on, the development aims to challenge conventional urban planning norms in the Middle East and shift the residents of the metropolis away from their old habits, including heavy car use. Design plans for the urban initiative, unveiled in July this year by developer URB, have attracted media attention, although some are sceptical if it will inspire similar projects adopting sustainable practices, in a city more known for opulent luxury real estate and towering skyscrapers. The Eco-Business Podcast speaks to Marwa Nahlawi from Diamond Developers, the real estate developer behind Dubai’s “Sustainable City” brand, which adopts a similar green spine concept. Tune in as we discuss: - The challenges and opportunities of sustainable infrastructure planning in the region’s harsh climates - How the ‘green spine’ concept works - The importance of creating holistic sustainable design to build a sense of community - Replicating ‘Sustainable City’ across the Middle East