Mapping Accessibility in Dubai: Evaluating Al Wasl and Mirdif Against 20-Minute City Principles and the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

The 15-minute city is a planning concept that aims to give people easy access to daily services such as schools, shops, healthcare, and recreation within a short walk or bike ride. Dubai has adapted this concept into a 20-minute city model under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. The goal is to reduce car use, improve quality of life, and create connected and sustainable neighborhoods. This study evaluates how well two neighborhoods in Dubai, Al Wasl and Mirdif, match the 20-minute city model. It analyzes three main goals from the Urban Master Plan: having 55% of residents within 800 meters of public transport, making 80% of essential services reachable within 20 minutes, and supporting walking and cycling through better transport networks. The study uses spatial analysis tools, travel time maps, and access scores to measure how easy it is to reach services and transit in each area. The results show that Al Wasl meets the 20-minute city goals across walking, cycling, and public transport because of its compact layout, metro access, and mix of land uses. Mirdif does not meet the same targets, mainly due to car dependence, spread-out housing, and no metro station nearby. Even with the planned Blue Line metro station, only 38% of residents will live within 800 meters of transit, which is still below the 55% target. The research explores how Dubai’s urban form, transportation systems, and land use patterns influence accessibility within the 20-minute city framework. It also suggests directions for future research, including applying this method to other districts across Dubai and tracking changes after planned infrastructure investments. This research shows that good public transport alone is not enough. To support the 20-minute city model, urban plans must also include closer service locations, better walking conditions, and more balanced land use. The findings give helpful ideas for planners and policy makers in Dubai and other growing cities.