Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is currently rolling out an ambitious programme of 57 strategic road infrastructure projects under its 2025–2027 Plan. 

 

The initiative encompasses the construction of 226 km of roads and 115 bridges and tunnels, said a Wam news agency report.

 

These projects, which include key upgrades to major thoroughfares such as Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra Corridor, Hessa Street, and Latifa bint Hamdan Street, are designed to enhance mobility and prepare the city to serve a population expected to reach 8 million by 2040.

 

HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, reviewed the progress of these initiatives during a recent visit. 

 

He was briefed on the project timelines, with several slated for completion by 2027, and also received updates on the deployment of autonomous taxis and the development of a model neighbourhood in Al Barsha 2. The visit began with an overview of a mural showcasing RTA’s expansive plans for the emirate’s future mobility infrastructure.

 

The mural also outlined the development of 11 major road corridors across the emirate, comprising eight vertical corridors and three new routes.

 

HH Sheikh Hamdan was briefed by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, on the progress of the Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra Corridor Development Project. Spanning 16 km from the junction with Jumeirah Street to the intersection with Emirates Road, the corridor serves several residential and development zones with a combined population exceeding one million.

 

The project entails the upgrade of four key junctions and includes the construction of bridges and tunnels totalling 7,000 m. Upon completion, the corridor’s capacity is expected to increase from 8,400 to 12,600 vehicles per hour, with travel time reduced from 46 minutes to just 11. Owing to the scale of the works and to ensure timely execution, the project has been divided into three phases. The first phase, which covers the upgrade of Umm Suqeim Street from its intersection with Al Khail Road to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, has reached 50% completion.

 

He also reviewed progress on the ongoing upgrade of Hessa Street, parts of which have already been opened to traffic. The overall project is approximately 60% complete. The development includes the enhancement of four intersections through the construction of 9,000 metres of bridges, which will double the road’s capacity from 4,000 to 8,000 vehicles per hour and reduce travel time from 30 minutes to just seven minutes. The project is expected to benefit around 640,000 residents.

 

As part of the upgrade, a 13.5-km cycling and e-scooter track is being constructed along Hessa Street, connecting Al Sufouh and Dubai Hills. The route features two architecturally distinctive bridges, one crossing Sheikh Zayed Road and the other spanning Al Khail Road. Each bridge is five metres wide, with three metres designated for cyclists and e-scooter riders, and two metres allocated for pedestrians.

 

The Al Fay Street Corridor Project, one of Dubai’s strategic mobility routes. The corridor serves as an extension of Al Khail Road, running from its junction with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, through Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, up to the intersection with Emirates Road. The project involves the construction of 12,900 m of roadway and the development of five major intersections featuring 13,500 m of bridges. Once completed, the corridor will deliver additional traffic capacity for about 64,400 vehicles per hour and is expected to benefit around 600,000 residents.

 

Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on the development plans for Sheikh Zayed Road, which currently serves about 2.5 million people. The presentation outlined key indicators of rapid traffic solutions and transport policies implemented between January and April 2025.

 

Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed the existing and future cycling infrastructure across Dubai. The emirate currently boasts of 557 km of dedicated cycling tracks, with 100 km under construction and a further 185 km planned over the coming years. In 2024 alone, Dubai recorded 47 million cycling trips. 

 

He was also briefed on the Model District Project in Al Barsha 2, which is designed to enhance liveability, expand green and open spaces, improve pedestrian infrastructure, and promote sustainable mobility by enabling safe and convenient movement without reliance on private vehicles in line with the objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

 

The project supports the ‘20-minute city’ concept, which aims to provide residents with access to essential services—including education, healthcare, retail, recreation, mosques, and childcare facilities—within a 20-minute walk or cycle using sustainable and soft mobility options to enhance quality of life in Dubai.

 

The Model District will feature 17 km of integrated walking and cycling tracks, connecting Al Barsha 2 to key destinations such as Mall of the Emirates, Al Quoz Creative Zone, the cycling track along Hessa Street, and the walking and cycling networks in Dubai Hills. The pathways will also link to major residential and tourist areas in Al Sufouh and Jumeirah Beach.

 

Additionally, the project includes the creation of three community spaces and rest stops for pedestrians and cyclists, the enhancement of green areas with the planting of over 590 trees, upgraded public amenities such as smart shaded seating, and the installation of two rental stations for bicycles and e-scooters.