Easing traffic congestion: RTA’s new projects to reduce 50 per cent travel time in Dubai

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched another mega road project to ease traffic congestion in the city.

The authority has awarded a contract worth Dh633 million for the development of Al Mustaqbal Street, a major urban corridor running through the heart of the city.

The project, which stretches from Za’abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street, is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance connectivity to key business, residential, and leisure destinations.

Trade centre roundabout

Part of a wider infrastructure overhaul that includes the redevelopment of the Trade Centre Roundabout, the initiative will boost road capacity by 33%, increasing peak traffic flow from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour, while slashing travel times from 13 minutes to just 6 minutes.

“Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project forms part of a broader project that includes the development of the Trade Centre Roundabout, with construction works having commenced in the last quarter of last year,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.

He added: “The project will serve several key commercial, residential, and development zones, most notably the Dubai World Trade Centre, which has been the region’s premier venue for international events and exhibitions for over four decades. It hosts major global exhibitions and conferences such as GITEX, Arabian Travel Market, Arab Health, Gulfood, and the Transport Exhibition, among others.

“The project will also serve Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), a leading financial hub for the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. It will further enhance connectivity to key areas, including Za’abeel, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay. The project is expected to benefit approximately half a million residents and visitors.”

Key Construction components

• As part of the works, the RTA will construct three tunnels totalling 1,200 metres and a 450-metre bridge:

• A three-lane tunnel heading toward Deira, with a capacity of 4,500 vehicles per hour

• A two-lane bidirectional tunnel connecting Deira and Jebel Ali, accommodating 3,000 vehicles per hour

• A single-lane tunnel to serve the One Central development, handling 1,500 vehicles per hour

• Additionally, the project involves the widening of Al Mustaqbal Street over a 3.5-kilometre stretch, expanding it from three to four lanes in each direction, and the construction of free-flowing ramps at key intersections to improve traffic flow.

“The project also includes the construction of free-flowing ramps to improve traffic movement at the intersections of Al Mustaqbal Street with both Exhibition Street and Trade Centre Street. It further encompasses the construction of a pedestrian bridge over Al Sukook Street and the upgrade of existing intersections along the corridor,” said Al Tayer.

Urban enhancements

In addition to vehicle infrastructure, the project introduces aesthetic and community-focused enhancements, including upgraded pedestrian walkways, a dedicated cycling track, and decorative lighting. Urban spaces will also be developed to encourage outdoor activity and social interaction, in line with Dubai’s vision for inclusive and liveable urban environments.

Connectivity with nearby Dubai Metro stations will also be improved, enabling seamless integration between modes of transport and supporting the city’s long-term sustainability goals.

Larger urban mobility vision

Al Mustaqbal Street’s development is part of a larger RTA master plan that includes the redevelopment of the Trade Centre Roundabout, a strategic junction connecting Sheikh Zayed Road with five major arterial roads: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Road, 2nd December Street, Za’abeel Palace Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street.

“Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project forms part of a master plan that includes the Development of the Trade Centre Roundabout, one of Dubai’s critical intersections," Al Tayer noted.

Bridges

This plan includes the construction of five bridges spanning 5,000 metres, and the conversion of the roundabout into a signalised surface-level intersection, ensuring smoother traffic flows across central Dubai. A second-level bridge will also provide uninterrupted movement from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street.

Enhancing city-wide mobility

The project complements several ongoing RTA initiatives. In Q4 2024, RTA began the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which includes 14 kilometres of roads and 4,300 metres of bridges. It aims to cut travel time in the area by 50%, serving a population projected to exceed 420,000 by 2030.

RTA has also recently completed phases of the Al Khail Road Development, which involved widening 6.8 kilometres of roadway and constructing 3.3 kilometres of bridges, increasing overall capacity by 19,600 vehicles per hour and reducing travel times by 30%.