Dubai is developing the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor, a 12-km road project that is expected to reduce the journey between Umm Al Sheif Street and Emirates Road from 33 minutes to 15 minutes. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) awarded the AED 2 billion project, with completion planned for the end of 2028. Larsen & Toubro (L&T) confirmed the formal execution of two contracts for the project on September 30, 2026.
- Location: Dubai, linking major east-west road corridors
- Organisation: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Project value: AED 2 billion
- Completion: End of 2028
- Corridor length: Approximately 12 km
- Infrastructure: Seven bridges and eight tunnels
- Expected users: Around 650,000 residents and visitors
- Cycling infrastructure: 12.5 km of cycling tracks
- Current status: Twin contracts formally executed on September 30, 2026
Dubai’s Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor is expected to cut a key journey between Umm Al Sheif Street and Emirates Road from 33 minutes to just 15 minutes once completed. RTA awarded the AED 2 billion project in July 2026, while L&T announced on September 30 that it had formally executed two contracts to deliver key parts of the development. The 12-km corridor is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028 and will connect six major Dubai roads.
What is the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor in Dubai?
The Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor is a major road infrastructure project designed to improve connections between Dubai’s main east-west routes.
RTA said the corridor will connect Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Al Meydan Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Emirates Road.
The project is also expected to increase capacity across Dubai’s east-west road network by around 12%. RTA estimates that the completed corridor will accommodate approximately 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions and more than 130,000 trips per day.
This means the project is broader than an upgrade to Emirates Road. It is being developed as a connected route linking several major highways and arterial roads.
How much time will the new Dubai road save?
The journey between Umm Al Sheif Street and Emirates Road is expected to fall from approximately 33 minutes to 15 minutes.
According to RTA, this represents a 54% reduction in travel time. The estimate applies to this specific route and should not be interpreted as a 54% reduction for every journey using the new corridor.
The project will also expand Latifa bint Hamdan Street to four lanes in each direction, while new bridges, tunnels and road connections will help separate different traffic movements.
RTA has previously completed improvements on the western section of Latifa bint Hamdan Street. Those works reduced the travel time between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road from 12 minutes to four minutes.
What roads and infrastructure will the project include?
The Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor will include seven bridges spanning 2.3 km and eight tunnels covering 900 metres.
The project also involves a new road connection between Al Khail Road and the extension of Latifa bint Hamdan Street, together with associated bridges, tunnels and road works.
Another part of the development covers sections of Al Meydan Street, including a new interchange and at-grade roads intended to improve access to nearby development projects.
L&T confirmed on September 30 that it had formally executed the two contracts with RTA. The first contract covers the Al Khail Road connection and related infrastructure, while the second covers sections of Al Meydan Street and its new interchange.
Which Dubai areas will benefit from the new corridor?
RTA expects the project to improve access for residents and visitors in several established and developing areas.
The communities specifically identified by RTA include Nad Al Sheba, Al Barari, Dubai Hills, District One, Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens, Living Legends, Majan and Global Village. RTA estimates that around 650,000 residents and visitors will benefit from the wider corridor.
The project is also being coordinated with the Al Meydan Street Development Project. RTA awarded that separate project at a value of approximately AED 1.161 billion in August 2026. It includes 3.7 km of bridges and 17 km of roads, with completion also planned by the end of 2028.
Together, the road developments are intended to improve connectivity around Al Meydan Street and surrounding communities.
Will the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor have cycling tracks?
Yes. The project includes 12.5 km of cycling tracks that will connect with Dubai’s existing cycling network.
RTA said the infrastructure will contribute to an integrated cycling route between Al Qudra and Jumeirah, extending connectivity beyond motorists and supporting Dubai’s wider cycling network.
This is an important part of the project because the corridor is being developed as more than a road expansion. It combines vehicle infrastructure with facilities for cycling and links between residential and development areas.
When will the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor be completed?
RTA has set the target for completion at the end of 2028. Construction will cover the new road connections, bridges, tunnels, interchanges, road widening and cycling infrastructure.
The latest confirmed development came on September 30, 2026, when L&T announced the formal execution of the twin contracts. No earlier operational date has been announced by RTA, so motorists should not expect the 15-minute journey time before the relevant sections are completed and opened.
For Dubai residents, the project could change how commuters travel between several major roads and communities once it becomes operational.
The most clearly stated benefit is the expected reduction from 33 minutes to 15 minutes between Umm Al Sheif Street and Emirates Road. The wider road network is also expected to gain additional east-west capacity, while new connections should improve access to growing residential and development areas.
Businesses could also benefit from better road access to communities, commercial areas and development projects. Meanwhile, the cycling tracks will provide an additional connection within Dubai’s existing active-mobility network.
For now, the project remains under development, with completion targeted for the end of 2028.
FAQs
How long will the journey between Umm Al Sheif Street and Emirates Road take?
RTA expects the journey to take around 15 minutes, compared with the current estimated 33 minutes, once the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor is completed.
How much does the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor cost?
The project has a value of AED 2 billion, according to RTA.
How long is the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor?
The new corridor will extend approximately 12 km across Dubai.
Which major roads will the corridor connect?
The corridor will connect Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Al Meydan Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Emirates Road.
When will the new Dubai road project be completed?
RTA has scheduled completion of the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor for the end of 2028.
Dubai’s Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor is being developed as a major east-west connection linking six important road corridors. The AED 2 billion project will include seven bridges, eight tunnels, expanded road capacity and 12.5 km of cycling tracks. Once completed by the end of 2028, RTA expects the journey between Umm Al Sheif Street and Emirates Road to fall from 33 minutes to 15 minutes.
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