Full project impact: From 12 minutes to 90 seconds

Once all five bridges are operational, the transformation of this intersection will be profound. Average delay at the World Trade Centre Roundabout is projected to fall from 12 minutes to just 90 seconds, a 92% reduction that will have ripple effects across a wide network of surrounding roads.

Beyond reduced wait times, the completed project will deliver free-flow traffic movement in multiple directions, including:

From Sheikh Zayed Road towards 2nd December Street
From Al Mustaqbal Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road southbound
From 2nd December Street (Jumeirah and Al Satwa) to Al Majlis Street, onward to Al Mustaqbal Street and destinations such as Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre
From Sheikh Rashid Street towards Deira

The existing roundabout will also be converted into a signalised at-grade intersection, further improving traffic management and reducing the unpredictability that roundabouts can create during peak hours.

Key project facts

Total bridge length: 5,000 metres across 5 bridges
New bridge length: 1,000 metres
Lane capacity (new bridge): 3,000 vehicles per hour
Previously opened bridges: 2,000 metres combined (Feb 2026)
Combined capacity (Feb bridges): ~6,000 vehicles per hour
Current journey time (new bridge route): 1 minute (down from 6 minutes)
Projected intersection delay after completion: 90 seconds (down from 12 minutes)
Overall project completion: Over 60%
Remaining bridges opening: October 2026

Who benefits?

The project is estimated to serve more than half a million residents and visitors. It directly enhances connectivity for some of Dubai's most significant commercial, financial, and residential zones, including:

Dubai World Trade Centre: The region's foremost venue for international exhibitions, conferences, and trade events for over four decades
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC): A globally recognised financial hub serving the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia
Residential communities including Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Karama, Al Jafiliya, and Al Mankhool

For daily commuters, the relief is immediate. For businesses based in DIFC and the WTC precinct, smoother road access means easier client visits, faster logistics, and a better first impression for international visitors arriving by road.

What's next?

Construction work continues at pace, with the RTA reaffirming its commitment to completing the final two bridges by October 2026. Once finished, the fully upgraded intersection will remove one of the most persistent bottlenecks in central Dubai, benefitting road users across the entire Sheikh Zayed Road corridor.

For residents and visitors navigating Dubai's road network, the phased openings offer incremental relief now with the biggest gains still to come later this year.

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