Quick answer
- Dubai’s RTA announced on 14 October 2026 that it has finished converting Al Satwa Roundabout into a signalised intersection with traffic lights.
- According to the RTA, the new Al Satwa intersection cuts journey time by 50% and reduces waiting times and queues by up to 60% during peak hours.
- The Al Satwa intersection handles traffic between 2nd December Street, the Trade Centre area and Al Satwa in both directions, and gives easier access to Sheikh Zayed Road.
- The RTA says the Al Satwa Roundabout conversion also improves bus movement in the area and complements its World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project.
The RTA has replaced Al Satwa Roundabout with a signalised intersection and finished the related road and infrastructure works. The change affects drivers, bus passengers and pedestrians moving between 2nd December Street, Al Satwa, the Trade Centre area, Al Bada’a, Al Jafiliya, Al Hudaiba and Jumeirah.
The Al Satwa Roundabout is gone. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said on 14 October 2026 that it has completed the conversion of the roundabout into a signalised intersection, together with associated road and infrastructure enhancements. The authority says the new layout halves journey time through the junction and cuts peak hour queues by up to 60%.
What the RTA announced
In its official press release, the RTA said the project improves traffic flow through one of the key intersections in the area. By smoothing movement along the corridors and streets that feed into the junction, it is designed to give road users a quicker and more efficient trip while also making the crossing safer for both motorists and pedestrians.
The headline numbers from the RTA are below.
| Measure | RTA figure |
|---|---|
| Journey time through the intersection | Cut by 50% |
| Waiting times during peak hours | Reduced by up to 60% |
| Traffic queues during peak hours | Reduced by up to 60% |
| Announcement date | 14 October 2026 |
| Status | Completed |
Al Satwa Roundabout: what it means for drivers
The biggest change is how you move through the junction. Instead of merging into a roundabout and waiting for a gap, drivers now follow traffic signals and lane markings. For regular commuters this should mean a more predictable crossing, especially in the morning and evening peaks when the RTA says queues will be up to 60% shorter.
According to the RTA, the intersection serves traffic coming from 2nd December Street towards the Trade Centre and Al Satwa, as well as traffic travelling in the opposite direction. It eases movement between these main corridors and the internal streets of the area, and it also gives drivers easier access to Sheikh Zayed Road and the other key corridors nearby.
Public transport users benefit too. The RTA says the new design improves bus movement and access into and out of the area, which reduces delays for buses and links the road network more closely with the public transport system.
Key locations and connections
The RTA describes the intersection as strategically placed, because it manages traffic to and from Al Satwa and several neighbouring districts. The table below sums up who uses it, based on the RTA announcement.
| Item | Details from the RTA |
|---|---|
| Main movements | 2nd December Street towards the Trade Centre and Al Satwa, and the reverse direction |
| Areas served | Al Satwa, Trade Centre, Al Bada’a, Al Jafiliya, Al Hudaiba and Jumeirah |
| Main road access | Easier access to Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding key corridors |
| Public transport | Better bus movement and access into and out of the area |
| Related project | World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project |
The RTA says the Al Satwa project complements wider improvements across the area, most notably the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project. Together, the authority says, the two projects strengthen connections between Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road and the surrounding corridors, spread traffic more evenly and reduce congestion at the connecting intersections and streets. You can read more about that project in our story on the new Trade Centre junction.
Practical tips for using the new intersection
- Approach slowly for the first few days. Drivers who know the old roundabout may hesitate at the new signals, so leave extra space to the car in front.
- Pick your lane early. Read the overhead and roadside signs well before the stop line, whether you are heading to 2nd December Street, Al Satwa, the Trade Centre area or Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Watch for pedestrians. The RTA says the project improves safety for pedestrians as well as motorists, so give way to anyone crossing on a green pedestrian signal.
- Update your navigation app. Older maps may still show a roundabout, so follow the road markings and signals on the ground.
- Check before you set off. Our Dubai road closures tracker lists current official closures, diversions and roadworks in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
FAQs
Is Al Satwa Roundabout still a roundabout?
No. The RTA announced on 14 October 2026 that it has completed converting Al Satwa Roundabout into a signalised intersection. Drivers now follow traffic lights and lane markings instead of giving way on a roundabout.
How much time will drivers save at the Al Satwa intersection?
The RTA says the project cuts journey time by 50%. It also says waiting times and traffic queues fall by up to 60% during peak hours.
Which roads and areas does the Al Satwa intersection serve?
It handles traffic from 2nd December Street towards the Trade Centre and Al Satwa, and in the opposite direction. The RTA says it serves Al Satwa, the Trade Centre, Al Bada’a, Al Jafiliya, Al Hudaiba and Jumeirah, with easier access to Sheikh Zayed Road.
Does the new intersection help buses?
Yes. According to the RTA, the design improves bus movement and access into and out of the area. This reduces delays and supports smoother public transport operations.
Is the Al Satwa project linked to the Trade Centre Roundabout works?
The RTA says the Al Satwa project complements the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project. Together they aim to improve connections between Dubai World Trade Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road and nearby corridors and reduce congestion at connecting junctions.
More for drivers: UAE Driving Guide
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