Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is gearing up for a major transformation of the city’s traffic and transport infrastructure. Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the RTA has unveiled a massive plan featuring 57 road and bridge projects set to be implemented between 2025 and 2027. Dubai’s Urban Plan 2040 drives initiatives to enhance road travel, making it smoother, faster, and more accessible for the city’s growing population.
With Dubai’s population expected to reach 8 million by 2040, the city is taking bold steps to stay ahead of the curve—ensuring that its road networks and transport systems can accommodate future demand.
A Long-Term Vision for a Growing City
The RTA’s comprehensive three-year roadmap focuses on key areas of urban growth and congestion hotspots. The projects are strategically distributed across high-density residential and business zones to help ease traffic flow and enhance mobility.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, the projects will significantly reduce travel times on major roads by as much as 40%.
These projects are not just about expanding capacity—they’re about reimagining how people move across Dubai. From cycling paths and smart intersections to bridges designed for autonomous taxis, the infrastructure upgrades are being designed to support future technologies and sustainable urban mobility.
Major Road Corridors Set for Expansion
Among the most notable developments are enhancements to critical corridors, including:
Hessa Street Development
Hessa Street, a key east-west artery, will be upgraded to increase capacity and reduce chronic congestion. The works will include intersection improvements, additional lanes, and pedestrian crossings to improve safety and efficiency.
Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra Corridor
This corridor will undergo extensive development to facilitate smoother east–west traffic flow, particularly around Al Barsha South and Dubai Hills. The plan includes widening roads, building new bridges, and improving access points to reduce bottlenecks during peak hours.
Al Fay Street Expansion
Authorities are extending and widening Al Fay Street to improve connections with key arterial roads. The development includes enhanced interchanges and better connectivity to neighboring residential zones.
Upgrades to Sheikh Zayed Road and Surrounding Interchanges
Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s main traffic spine, is also on the upgrade list. The RTA has already completed several enhancements to interchanges and merging lanes. In this new phase, the focus will shift toward optimizing interchange designs, reducing congestion at exits, and increasing road capacity during rush hours.
These upgrades will significantly reduce travel times from five minutes to just two minutes in certain high-traffic zones, improving overall commuter experience and easing traffic pressure across the emirate.
Integrating Autonomous and Air Mobility
This includes provisions for autonomous vehicles, flying taxis, and smart traffic systems that can adapt to real-time conditions.
Infrastructure elements will support the eventual rollout of air taxi vertiports and autonomous ride-hailing lanes, ensuring that Dubai is ready to adopt next-generation transport solutions seamlessly.
Pedestrian and Cycling Infrastructure
While the focus remains on easing vehicular congestion, the RTA is also prioritizing walkability and sustainability. Several projects will include new cycling tracks, pedestrian bridges, and footpaths to encourage active transport.
The integration of non-motorised transport infrastructure aligns with Dubai’s broader goal to become a 20-minute city—where residents can reach essential destinations within 20 minutes by foot or bike.
Pedestrian-friendly projects will benefit emerging communities like Tilal Al Ghaf, Dubai South, and Dubai Silicon Oasis.
A City Built for the Future
Dubai’s 57 new road and bridge projects are not just upgrades—they are a complete rethinking of how people move through the city. With smart design, future-ready technology integration, and an emphasis on sustainability, the RTA is positioning Dubai as a global leader in urban mobility.
Dubai’s infrastructure investments will boost quality of life, connectivity, and economic growth as the city expands.
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