Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Properties, has launched a strategic infrastructure upgrade featuring a new 300-metre bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road. This development drastically reduces travel time for motorists from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the Mall of the Emirates, while enhancing traffic flow, safety, and pedestrian connectivity around the mall. Alongside, a massive Dh5 billion redevelopment of the mall marks a milestone for its 20th anniversary.
Dubai’s new Sheikh Zayed road bridge transforms mall access
The newly inaugurated 300-metre single-lane bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road now offers direct access to the Mall of the Emirates car parks for motorists traveling from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali. Designed to accommodate up to 900 vehicles per hour, this bridge is expected to reduce travel time to the mall from 10 minutes to just one minute.In addition to the bridge, the project included widening the southbound ramp at Umm Suqeim junction and upgrading the junction itself. This facilitates smoother access from Umm Suqeim Street to the bridge and the mall’s parking areas. The road adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel was converted from one-way to two-way traffic, further improving traffic circulation.Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, explained that the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve road infrastructure serving key property developments and retail hubs. He emphasized that these upgrades aim to ease congestion, improve mobility for residents and visitors, and boost overall road safety.
Comprehensive infrastructure upgrades surrounding mall of the Emirates
The scope of the project extends beyond the bridge, covering 2.5 kilometers of at-grade roads around the mall. Six signalised intersections have been developed to streamline traffic flow, while the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station was also modified for better commuter experience.Enhancements were made to pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks, encouraging safer and more convenient non-motorized transport options. Additional improvements included better road paving, upgraded lighting, advanced traffic signals, enhanced stormwater drainage systems, and landscaping to improve the visual appeal and functionality of the area.Al Tayer highlighted the benefits of these improvements, noting that the bridge and surrounding road upgrades significantly boost traffic efficiency and safety for the roads serving the mall and nearby areas.
Future road network expansion in Dubai
Looking ahead, the RTA is set to launch the Umm Suqeim Street Improvement Project, a 6-kilometer development stretching from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road. This major initiative involves upgrading six junctions, constructing four bridges, and building two tunnels spanning a total of 3,450 meters.Key elements of the project include:
- A tunnel at Umm Suqeim Street and Jumeirah Street junction with two lanes in each direction plus a signalised at-grade junction.
- A tunnel at Umm Suqeim Street and Al Wasl Street junction, allowing two lanes for traffic towards Jumeirah Street and uninterrupted flow towards Sheikh Zayed Road.
- Two bridges at Umm Suqeim Street and Sheikh Zayed Road junction to eliminate traffic conflicts.
- At-grade upgrades at the junction with First Al Khail Road.
- An additional lane on Umm Suqeim Street between First Al Khail Road and Al Asayel Street, increasing capacity to four lanes in each direction.
- Construction and widening of two bridge crossings, linking Al Khail Road to Al Quoz Industrial Area and connecting Umm Suqeim Street to Al Khail Road towards Deira.
These developments are designed to reduce congestion and improve connectivity across vital parts of Dubai’s road network.
Mall of the Emirates: Dh5 billion redevelopment to match growing demand
Since opening in 2005, Mall of the Emirates has grown to attract over 40 million visitors annually. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Majid Al Futtaim has announced an ambitious Dh5 billion redevelopment project that will transform the mall’s retail and lifestyle offerings.The expansion will introduce 20,000 square meters of new retail space, housing up to 100 additional luxury, fashion, and lifestyle outlets. It will also feature a new health club, a cultural centre, a dedicated dining district, and extensive upgrades to infrastructure.The mall complex includes three five-star hotels — Kempinski Hotel, Novotel Suites Mall Avenue Dubai, and Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel — and is seamlessly connected to the Dubai Metro via a pedestrian bridge, ensuring easy access for visitors.
