Dubai has started building two new pedestrian bridges on Palm Jumeirah to improve pedestrian safety, accessibility and traffic movement. The bridges will serve residents, visitors and people accessing the island’s residential, retail and leisure areas. The first is expected to be completed in June 2027, followed by the second in October 2027.
- Location: Shoreline entrance and Golden Mile, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai
- Organisations: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Holding Community Management
- Status: Construction started in October 2026
- Who benefits: Approximately 16,000 residents, alongside visitors and pedestrians
- Combined capacity: Up to 2,700 pedestrians per hour
- Expected impact: Better pedestrian access and smoother traffic movement
- What’s next: Shoreline bridge by June 2027 and Golden Mile bridge by October 2027
Dubai’s Palm Jumeirah is getting two new pedestrian bridges, with construction now underway at Shoreline and Golden Mile. Announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Dubai Holding Community Management, the project aims to make walking around the popular island safer and improve traffic flow.
The two Palm Jumeirah pedestrian bridges will have a combined capacity of 2,700 people per hour and are expected to benefit approximately 16,000 residents. Each bridge will also feature lifts to improve accessibility for senior citizens and People of Determination.
The first crossing is scheduled for completion in June 2027, while the second is expected to be ready in October 2027.
Where Will the Two New Pedestrian Bridges Be Built?
The new bridges will be located at two busy parts of Palm Jumeirah, connecting pedestrian routes around residential and retail areas.
The first bridge will be built near Shoreline, close to the entrance of Palm Jumeirah. This location serves residents and visitors travelling towards different parts of the island. RTA expects construction to be completed by June 2027.
The second bridge will be located at Golden Mile, next to the area’s retail frontages. The crossing is intended to make it easier for pedestrians to access nearby shops and facilities without relying on existing road-level crossings. It is scheduled for completion in October 2027.
Both bridges will measure 40 metres in length. According to RTA, their combined capacity will reach 2,700 pedestrians per hour, providing room for current demand as well as future growth.
How Will the New Bridges Improve Safety and Traffic Flow?
One of the main aims of the project is to reduce the need for pedestrians to cross busy roads at ground level.
Palm Jumeirah has residential communities, hotels, restaurants, retail outlets and leisure facilities spread across the island. As pedestrian activity continues around these areas, dedicated crossings can help people move between different facilities more safely.
RTA expects the new bridges to reduce vehicle waiting times at surrounding intersections by 50%. The authority also anticipates shorter journey times and smoother traffic movement.
This is an expected improvement rather than a confirmed reduction already achieved.
Accessibility is another important part of the development. Each bridge will have lifts and supporting facilities, allowing people with different mobility requirements to use the crossings more easily.
The design will also complement Palm Jumeirah’s existing architectural and tourism character.
How Does the Project Fit Into Dubai’s Wider Road Improvements?
The two pedestrian bridges are part of a wider infrastructure improvement programme involving RTA and Dubai Holding.
In March 2025, both organisations signed an agreement to improve road infrastructure and traffic movement across 15 areas and development projects associated with Dubai Holding.
For Palm Jumeirah, the wider programme includes additional acceleration and deceleration lanes, along with improvements at six locations. It also involves replacing existing pedestrian crossings at road level with bridges.
These changes are intended to make it easier for motorists to enter and exit the island, access service roads and travel between different areas.
RTA has also identified an expected 40% reduction in travel time for entry, exit and internal journeys as part of the wider Palm Jumeirah road improvement programme. This is separate from the 50% reduction in vehicle waiting times expected from the new pedestrian bridges.
The partnership reflects Dubai’s continued focus on improving road networks alongside the growth of its residential and tourism destinations.
Dubai Continues to Expand Its Pedestrian Infrastructure
The Palm Jumeirah project also fits into Dubai’s wider efforts to improve road safety for pedestrians.
According to RTA, Dubai’s pedestrian fatality rate declined by 98% between 2007 and 2025. The authority also reported an increase in pedestrian bridges and underpasses across the emirate, from 26 in 2006 to 178 by the end of 2025.
Dedicated pedestrian crossings help separate walking routes from vehicle traffic, particularly in busy areas with high footfall.
The new bridges will add to this network while supporting safer movement around one of Dubai’s best-known residential and tourism destinations.
Why It Matters for Palm Jumeirah Residents and Visitors?
The development is relevant to people who live, work, shop or spend time on Palm Jumeirah.
For residents, the bridges will provide additional options for crossing roads and reaching nearby facilities. People visiting the Golden Mile retail area will also have a dedicated crossing, while those accessing Shoreline will benefit from improved pedestrian connectivity.
The project could also help motorists by reducing waiting times at surrounding intersections. This is particularly relevant in areas where pedestrian crossings and vehicle movement share busy road junctions.
For businesses, better access between residential and retail areas could make nearby shops and facilities easier to reach on foot. However, RTA has not announced any specific commercial impact figures.
Construction is now underway, with the Shoreline bridge expected to be completed first in June 2027. The Golden Mile bridge is scheduled to follow in October 2027.
FAQs
1. How many new pedestrian bridges are coming to Palm Jumeirah?
Two new pedestrian bridges are under construction on Palm Jumeirah. The project is being delivered by RTA in partnership with Dubai Holding Community Management.
2. Where will the new Palm Jumeirah bridges be located?
One bridge will be built near Shoreline, close to the entrance of Palm Jumeirah. The second will be located at Golden Mile, next to its retail frontages.
3. When will the Palm Jumeirah pedestrian bridges be completed?
The Shoreline bridge is expected to be completed in June 2027. The Golden Mile bridge is scheduled for completion in October 2027.
4. How many people will benefit from the new bridges?
Approximately 16,000 residents are expected to benefit from the project. The two bridges will have a combined capacity of up to 2,700 pedestrians per hour.
5. Will the new bridges have lifts?
Yes. Both 40-metre bridges will feature lifts and supporting facilities to improve accessibility for senior citizens, People of Determination and other pedestrians.
What Happens Next?
With construction underway, Palm Jumeirah is set to receive additional pedestrian infrastructure over the next year. The Shoreline crossing will be the first to open, followed by the Golden Mile bridge later in 2027.
Once completed, the two crossings are expected to improve pedestrian access, support safer road movement and contribute to smoother traffic flow across the island.
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