Travel time has been significantly reduced on Dubai’s busy streets with recent traffic upgrades.
In 2024, Dubai made traffic upgrades across 50 locations. These have helped enhance road network efficiency, improved vehicular movement, increased road capacity by up to 20% in several areas, and lessened travel times from 10 minutes to 4 minutes (i.e., a 60% improvement). The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) implemented the traffic upgrades.
The RTA focused on the following —
- Major road expansions
- Intersection upgrades
- School zone improvements
Key locations that underwent enhancements include —
- The widening of Beirut Street
- Upgrades at the intersection of Al Khawaneej Street and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street
- Lane expansions from Al Rebat Street to Business Bay Crossing
- The expansion of the exit from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Al Rebat Street
- The formation of a new route linking Al Khail Road to Meydan Street
School Zone Transformations
RTA carried out 8 traffic improvement projects covering over 37 schools across Dubai in 2024. These improvements include the following —
- Road widening initiatives in school areas
- Additional parking spaces
- Enhanced entry and exit point construction
- Strategic traffic flow modifications like traffic diversions to decongest roads and lessen waiting times
These changes have resulted in a 20% improvement in peak-hour traffic movement around educational institutions, such as —
- Kings’ School on Umm Suqeim Street
- The International School of Choueifat – Dubai
- Dubai College on Hessa Street
- Schools in Al Safa, Al Qusais, Al Warqa 4, Nad Al Sheba, Al Mizhar, and Al Twar 2
Al Rebat Street Enhancement
The RTA implemented the following projects —
- Extended Exit 55 leading to Al Rebat Street by 600 metres
- Increased lane count from 2 to 3
- Expanded vehicular capacity to 4,500/hour
- Decreased travel time from 10 minutes to 4 minutes
Nad Al Sheba Improvements
Significant changes include the following —
- New vehicle entry and exit points for vehicles arriving from Meydan Street
- Conversion of the Latifa Bint Hamdan Street intersection with Nad Al Sheba Street into a roundabout
- 60% reduction in travel times
- Enhanced traffic flow management
Plans for 2025
Plans are afoot with the RTA set to implement the following projects in 2025 —
- Over 75 traffic improvements planned
- Major intersection expansion and upgrades
- New entry and exit points in residential & commercial zones
- Faster implementation of traffic solutions near school zones
These developments support Dubai’s vision as a global leader in building top-notch infrastructure and viable transportation solutions.
