Dubai Unveils Game Changing Road Upgrade: Major Intersection Overhaul to Reduce Travel Time and Ease Traffic For Commuters, Here’s What You Need to Know

Published on December 14, 2025

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has awarded a significant contract to upgrade the key intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Al Awir Road and Al Manama Street. This upgrade is part of the RTA’s larger effort to ease congestion, enhance mobility, and support the rapidly growing residential and commercial areas of Dubai.

Project Overview: Aiming for Smoother Traffic and Increased Capacity

The project is set to revolutionize traffic flow and capacity along one of Dubai’s busiest corridors, which serves key residential and development zones that are home to more than 600,000 residents and visitors. The development will include the construction of approximately 2,300 meters of bridges, widening of existing lanes, and the creation of new entry and exit points on both Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road.

Once completed in the third quarter of 2028, the project aims to increase the road’s capacity from 5,200 vehicles per hour in both directions to an impressive 14,400 vehicles per hour, a dramatic improvement of 176%. The development is also expected to significantly reduce travel times, cutting the current 20-minute journey down to just five minutes. These upgrades are crucial for keeping pace with Dubai’s rapid urban expansion and its growing population.

Key Features of the Upgrade: Grade-Separated Interchange and New Bridges

A standout feature of the project is the transformation of the existing roundabout at the intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road into a grade-separated interchange. This will allow for uninterrupted, free-flowing traffic in all directions, eliminating bottlenecks and enhancing travel times across the emirate. The project will see the construction of main bridges on Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, each featuring four lanes in each direction. Additionally, ramps will be built to facilitate smooth right- and left-turn movements, improving overall traffic efficiency.

Incorporating modern design principles, the project will also construct a bridge at the intersection of Al Awir Road and Emirates Road, facilitating traffic heading towards Al Awir and Sharjah. The development of parallel service roads will further improve access to nearby communities, allowing local traffic to flow without disrupting the main roadways.

Widening Roads and Improving Intersection Efficiency

Further improvements will be made at the intersection with Al Manama Street, where surface roads will be upgraded. Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street will be expanded from two to four lanes in each direction, increasing the road’s capacity and operational efficiency. Enhancements to the signalized surface intersection will also ensure smoother traffic flow, while providing safe access points for the surrounding development areas.

The initiative is part of a larger, ongoing effort by RTA to ease congestion and improve road infrastructure across Dubai. This upgrade will build on previous phases of work, which included the construction of a 25-kilometer dual carriageway, multiple grade-separated interchanges, signalized junctions, and bridges serving major areas such as Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City, and Global Village.

RTA’s Long-Term Vision for Traffic Mobility and Urban Growth

This major infrastructure project is aligned with the RTA’s broader strategy to accommodate the city’s growing population and urban expansion. The planned upgrades will not only improve traffic efficiency but also support Dubai’s long-term vision of becoming a global hub for business, tourism, and sustainable urban living.

RTA officials have emphasized that the project will create an enhanced, multi-modal transportation network that integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure, contributing to improved urban mobility. The project will significantly ease congestion for commuters traveling to and from key areas in Dubai, including popular residential communities and commercial zones.

Supporting Local Communities and Sustainable Urban Development

Alongside the traffic improvements, the project also takes into consideration the development needs of the surrounding areas. By expanding road access and improving infrastructure, the RTA aims to better connect residents, businesses, and tourists to key destinations across the emirate. This will help to foster economic growth by providing faster, more efficient transportation options, while also enhancing the quality of life for residents.

The bridge and road upgrades will also contribute to Dubai’s overall sustainability goals by facilitating the smooth movement of traffic, thereby reducing emissions from idling vehicles and promoting better air quality. These improvements are in line with the UAE’s commitment to creating a sustainable, smart city with modern infrastructure that caters to the needs of its diverse and growing population.

A Transformative Project for Dubai’s Future

The upgrade of the Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street intersection marks another landmark in Dubai’s ongoing efforts to enhance its road network and cater to the city’s rapid urbanization. With the significant increase in road capacity and improved traffic flow, Dubai is set to enjoy smoother journeys, reduced congestion, and an enhanced quality of life for its residents and visitors.

By 2028, the completion of this project will make a huge difference in the daily commute for thousands of people, helping Dubai stay ahead of the curve in managing its infrastructure to match the demands of a growing city.