Promoting Sustainable Urban Walkability: A Modified Delphi Study on Key Indicators for Urban Walkability in Gulf Cooperation Council Urban Streets

The determination of walkability for megacities is critically important, particularly in the context of fostering sustainable urban environments. This paper applies modified Delphi techniques to focus on identifying and prioritizing the key factors influencing urban walkability in large cities. The selected region of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) served as the basis for this research, reflecting its unique socio-cultural and environmental challenges. A panel of local and international experts participated in the study, evaluating and ranking 111 walkability indicators categorized into five groups: cultural, functional, safety, aesthetic, and comfort. Two rounds of the Delphi survey were conducted, to obtain insights from professionals in urban planning, civil engineering, and related fields. The findings emphasize the critical role of sustainability in addressing the extreme nature of the GCC climate, highlighting the need for innovative and climate-responsive pedestrian infrastructure. Safety and environmental considerations were identified as essential for enhancing walkability and contributing to more sustainable and livable cities in the region. The study’s outcomes led to the development of a ‘walkability audit tool’ tailored to Gulf cities, which serves as a strategic guide for policymakers and urban planners to implement sustainable urbanization policies. By addressing the relationship between walkability and sustainability, this research contributes to creating resilient, inclusive, and walkable urban environments that are better equipped to meet the challenges of rapid urbanization and climate adaptation in the GCC region. The results obtained from this study provide actionable insights and practical tools for enhancing walkability and advancing sustainable urban development in the GCC and similar regions globally.