What happened?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new three-lane bridge connecting Al Khail Road to Al Asayel Street via Al Wasl Club Street.
Who is affected?
Motorists travelling through Oud Metha, Al Jaddaf, Zabeel, Umm Hurair and surrounding areas will benefit from smoother journeys.
Why does it matter?
The bridge is part of the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which is expected to significantly reduce congestion, increase road capacity and shorten travel times in one of Dubai’s busiest corridors.
Dubai has opened a new three-lane bridge under the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, bringing another major transport upgrade closer to completion. Announced by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the bridge links traffic from Al Khail Road to Al Asayel Street through Al Wasl Club Street and is designed to improve traffic flow in one of the city’s busiest areas. The latest milestone supports Dubai’s long-term infrastructure plans as the emirate continues to accommodate a growing population and rising traffic demand.
New bridge adds another key connection to Dubai’s road network
According to the RTA, the newly opened bridge can accommodate up to 3,600 vehicles per hour. It serves motorists travelling from Al Khail Road towards Al Asayel Street via Al Wasl Club Street, helping distribute traffic more efficiently and reducing pressure on nearby intersections.
The bridge forms part of the wider Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which has now reached 90% completion. Once fully finished, the project will improve connectivity between several important residential, healthcare and commercial districts in Dubai.
The opening follows the launch of two other bridges earlier this year, showing steady progress on one of the city’s major road infrastructure projects.
What else is included in the Oud Metha road project?
The bridge is only one part of a much larger transport upgrade.
The RTA confirmed that the overall project includes:
- Four upgraded major intersections
- Two new tunnels with a combined bridge and tunnel length of 4.3 kilometres
- Around 14 kilometres of upgraded roads
- Additional service roads and improved traffic links
- New connections to Sheikh Rashid Road and Al Khail Road
Two additional tunnels are expected to open before the end of August 2026.
One tunnel will connect the Oud Metha Street service road to Sheikh Rashid Road for vehicles travelling towards Bur Dubai. The second tunnel will serve motorists coming from Dubai-Al Ain Road towards Al Wasl Club Street.
The RTA also plans to open another bridge that will improve left-turn traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Oud Metha Street.
How will the project improve traffic in Dubai?
The development is expected to make a noticeable difference for thousands of daily commuters.
According to the RTA, the project will:
- Increase Oud Metha Street’s capacity from 10,400 vehicles per hour to 15,600 vehicles per hour
- Reduce average travel times from 20 minutes to around five minutes
- Improve traffic movement between Al Khail Road, Sheikh Rashid Road and surrounding districts
- Ease congestion at several busy intersections
The improvements are designed to keep pace with Dubai’s continued urban expansion while supporting safer and more efficient travel across the city.
Why is the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project important?
The Oud Metha and Al Asayel upgrade forms part of the wider Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project, one of Dubai’s long-term road infrastructure programmes.
According to RTA Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors Mattar Al Tayer, the project supports several important areas including:
- Zabeel
- Oud Metha
- Al Jaddaf
- Umm Hurair
- Latifa Hospital
- Al Wasl Club
The authority expects the population served by the project to exceed 420,000 residents by 2030, making improved transport infrastructure essential for future growth.
The project also aligns with Dubai’s ongoing investment in smart mobility and infrastructure to support residential developments, healthcare facilities, businesses and public services.
Why It Matters
For UAE residents, the benefits go beyond shorter journeys.
The project will:
- Reduce congestion on one of Dubai’s busiest road corridors
- Improve access to hospitals, residential communities and business districts
- Support faster emergency response times
- Help businesses through more reliable transport and logistics
- Prepare Dubai’s road network for future population growth
With more bridges and tunnels due to open soon, commuters can expect additional improvements over the coming months.
FAQs
When did the new bridge open?
The new three-lane bridge officially opened on 26 July 2026, according to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority.
Where is the bridge located?
The bridge connects Al Khail Road to Al Asayel Street through Al Wasl Club Street as part of the Oud Metha development project.
How many vehicles can the bridge handle?
The bridge has a capacity of 3,600 vehicles per hour.
When will the remaining road works be completed?
The RTA says the project is 90% complete, with two tunnels and another bridge expected to open by the end of August 2026.
How much time will commuters save?
Once the project is fully completed, travel times along the corridor are expected to fall from around 20 minutes to just five minutes, according to the RTA.
Dubai continues to expand its transport infrastructure to support its growing population and economy. The opening of the new three-lane bridge marks another important milestone in the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, with more improvements arriving in the coming weeks. Once completed, the wider project is expected to deliver faster journeys, better connectivity and smoother traffic across central Dubai.
Follow Social Kandura for more updates on local news and things to do in Dubai and across the UAE.
