Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed an expansion project on Sheikh Zayed Road, adding a seventh lane to a 700-metre section between Al Safa and Umm Al Sheif. The upgrade is designed to ease traffic for vehicles coming from Abu Dhabi, an area that has long experienced congestion during evening peak hours.
The project increases road capacity by 16 per cent, enabling up to 14,000 vehicles per hour to pass through this corridor. By addressing a critical bottleneck, the RTA aims to improve both travel times and safety for motorists who rely on Sheikh Zayed Road daily.
Sheikh Zayed Road: The City’s Main Artery
Sheikh Zayed Road is one of the most important routes in Dubai, serving as a commuter and business hub. The highway lines iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai International Financial Centre, as well as hotels, banks, and residential towers.
Carrying a large share of the city’s commercial and social activity, Sheikh Zayed Road is essential to both economic growth and daily life in Dubai. With the emirate’s population and business activity continuing to rise, road improvements have become a priority to keep the city moving efficiently.
Benefits of the Expansion
The additional lane on this stretch of Sheikh Zayed Road is expected to deliver several benefits for motorists and the city at large:
- Reduced congestion during evening peak hours.
- Capacity for 14,000 vehicles per hour, helping absorb traffic growth.
- Shorter travel times for commuters from Abu Dhabi heading into central Dubai.
- Improved road safety by reducing traffic density at the Umm Al Sheif merge point.
- Smoother merging distances create a more seamless driving experience.
These improvements align with Dubai’s long-term transport goals, ensuring that major routes continue to support the emirate’s growing population and economy.
Part of Dubai’s Wider Mobility Strategy
The seventh-lane expansion is one of several upgrades carried out by the RTA in recent years to keep pace with Dubai’s growth. Projects have included lane widening, improved intersections, and the use of intelligent traffic systems to monitor and manage congestion in real time.
These efforts are not just about easing pressure on roads but also about strengthening Dubai’s position as a global city. Smooth travel across the emirate ensures better connections between business hubs, residential communities, and key destinations such as airports, ports, and leisure landmarks.
What Motorists Can Expect
The upgrade is expected to bring noticeable relief to daily commuters, especially those driving from Abu Dhabi or living near Al Safa, **Al Wasl
The smoother merge onto Umm Al Sheif should reduce the stop-and-go traffic that has long frustrated drivers during rush hours.
Motorists will also benefit from greater predictability in journey times, making travel across the city more efficient and less stressful.
Dubai’s rapid growth means that transport projects will continue to play a vital role in the city’s development. While the Sheikh Zayed Road expansion provides immediate relief for thousands of drivers, it also forms part of a broader vision that includes future road enhancements, smart mobility solutions, and stronger integration with public transport systems.
The project reflects Dubai’s commitment to building infrastructure that supports its residents, businesses, and global competitiveness.
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