Watch: New access to Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates opens today

Dubai: Mall of the Emirates, in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has announced that the first major milestone of the road improvements initiative is now complete.

Starting today (January 12), drivers coming from Umm Suqeim Bridge will have direct road access to Mall of the Emirates' car park, eliminating the need to drive further to take the U-turn near the Dubai Police Academy.

This new access way is expected to significantly reduce travel time and ease congestion for visitors arriving from Umm Suqeim, providing a more streamlined and convenient experience.

The milestone is part of a project that aims to streamline mobility and enhance traffic flow in the area.

RTA had announced a series of road upgrades in the area in July 2024.

The upgrades, including the flyover coming up from Sheikh Zayed Road towards the mall are being undertaken at a cost Dh165 million in association with Majid Al Futtaim and are considered to be a “game changer” for motorists.

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, the 300-metre bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road with a single lane, provides direct access to the Mall of the Emirates parking lots for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.

“Additionally, the current ramp at Umm Suqeim intersection will be widened southward by improving the intersection to facilitate the movement of vehicles from Umm Suqeim Street to the existing bridge leading to the mall’s parking lots.," he said.

"Further works include improving the surface roads extending 2.5km around the mall, developing three signalised surface intersections, modifying the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, converting the street next to Kempinski Hotel from one-way to two-way, and enhancing pedestrian and cycling lanes. These improvements also cover paving, lighting, traffic signals, rainwater drainage system, and landscaping works,” he added.

Khalifa Bin Barik, CEO, Majid Al Futtain Asset Management, had explained to Gulf News how Mall of the Emirates has a total of five parking levels

and that its existing entry and exit points included the main access from Sheikh Zayed Road heading south, a VIP main entrance for a more exclusive entry, and two access points from Halim Street coming from Umm Suqeim – one on the first floor and another on the ground floor. Additionally, there is an entry and exit point from Al Barsha Road.

The direct bridge access from Sheikh Zayed Road from the Abu Dhabi side leading into the car park would ensure people spend less time navigating traffic-filled roads, he said.

• New direct bridge access from Sheikh Zayed Road from Abu Dhabi side into bridge leading to mall car park

• Upgrade of peripheral road to create a two-way dual road around the mall

• Enhancements to Umm Suqeim Interchange, involving addition of extra lane on the slip ramp on Umm Suqeim

• New Umm Suqeim exit for improved egress