Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a major step forward in its efforts to improve urban mobility and community infrastructure. The authority has launched new road development projects spanning a total of 103 kilometres across eight residential and industrial areas of the emirate. These projects are aimed at reducing traffic congestion, improving road safety, and ensuring smoother connectivity between key residential communities and industrial hubs.
The move reflects Dubai’s long-term vision of creating world-class infrastructure that supports population growth, enhances quality of life, and aligns with the emirate’s sustainable urban development strategy. With the completion of these projects, more than 400,000 residents are expected to directly benefit from improved accessibility, upgraded safety measures, and reduced travel time.
RTA’s Strategic Vision for Dubai Roads
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, explained that these projects are designed in line with the directives of Dubai’s leadership to strengthen community infrastructure. The focus is on ensuring that residential and industrial areas are well connected with major road networks while providing modern amenities like efficient lighting, cycling facilities, and stormwater drainage systems.
By addressing the challenges of traffic congestion and increasing vehicle volumes, the projects aim to create safer and more sustainable neighbourhoods. They also support Dubai’s broader vision of building a smart and future-ready transport system capable of meeting the needs of the emirate’s rapidly growing population.
Completed Road Projects
Al Khawaneej 2 (Tolerance District)
The RTA has already completed six kilometers of internal roads in Al Khawaneej 2, also known as the Tolerance District. This project is directly linked with Amman Street and surrounding areas, improving accessibility for local residents.
Along with the new roads, the project introduced 765 roadside parking spaces, 178 advanced lighting poles, and a dedicated cycling track. These upgrades not only enhance safety but also encourage sustainable modes of transport, aligning with Dubai’s vision of promoting environmentally friendly mobility options.
Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1
Another significant project completed by RTA is in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1, one of Dubai’s busiest industrial zones. This involved the construction and upgrading of 27 kilometres of internal roads, transforming the area’s road capacity and traffic management.
A key highlight of this development was the conversion of the roundabout at First Al Khail Street and Street 23 into a signalised junction. Additionally, seven new roundabouts were constructed to streamline traffic flow, particularly for heavy vehicles. The project also added 42 kilometers of road lighting, ensuring safer conditions for night-time traffic.
With these enhancements, the arterial roads in Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1 can now handle up to 3,000 vehicles per hour per road, providing much-needed relief for industrial traffic and reducing congestion in surrounding communities.
Ongoing Road Developments
Al Awir 1
In Al Awir 1, construction is currently underway on 16.5 kilometres of internal roads. This includes five kilometres of new roads inside the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment project, which will significantly improve accessibility for residents of the housing development.
Another key part of this project is a 7.5-kilometer connector road linking Al Awir 1 with Emirates Road. With two lanes in each direction, this connector will double the road’s capacity from 1,500 vehicles per hour to 3,000 vehicles per hour.
Additionally, a four-kilometre expansion on Emirates Road between Al Awir 1 and the Sharjah border is being developed. Once complete, this section will be able to handle an additional 2,000 vehicles per hour, easing congestion on one of Dubai’s most critical highways. The entire project is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.
Other Active Projects
Apart from Al Awir 1, work is progressing in several other key areas, including Nad Al Sheba 1, 3, and 4, Wadi Al Amardi, and Al Warqa’a. Each of these areas is undergoing significant upgrades to internal road networks, lighting systems, and stormwater drainage infrastructure. These improvements will enhance safety, reduce travel time, and strengthen connectivity with major roadways such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.
Benefits of the New Road Projects
The development of 103 kilometres of internal roads will bring far-reaching benefits for residents, businesses, and the wider Dubai economy. More than 400,000 people are expected to see a direct improvement in their daily lives once these projects are completed.
The new roads will ease congestion on key highways, providing smoother access to both residential neighbourhoods and industrial zones. Travel times between communities will be reduced, and safer conditions will be created through modern lighting and dedicated cycling lanes.
For businesses operating in industrial hubs such as Jebel Ali, the upgrades mean that heavy vehicles will be able to move more efficiently, reducing delays and improving logistics operations. For residents, the improvements in connectivity and safety translate into enhanced quality of life.
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Dubai’s Urban Development Vision
These projects form an essential part of Dubai’s urban development vision, which prioritizes efficient mobility, sustainable transport solutions, and smart infrastructure. By expanding road capacity, creating new access points, and integrating facilities like cycling tracks and stormwater systems, RTA is preparing Dubai’s transport network for future demand.
The authority’s proactive approach ensures that as Dubai continues to grow, its infrastructure will remain capable of supporting new communities and businesses while maintaining the emirate’s reputation as a global hub for innovation and development.
Conclusion
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has taken a bold step in reshaping the city’s road network through the launch of 103 kilometres of internal road projects across multiple residential and industrial areas. With completed projects in Al Khawaneej 2 and Jebel Ali Industrial Area 1, and ongoing developments in Al Awir 1, Nad Al Sheba, Wadi Al Amardi, and Al Warqa’a, the initiative promises lasting benefits for more than 400,000 residents.
By reducing congestion, enhancing safety, and preparing for future demand, these projects highlight Dubai’s commitment to building a modern, efficient, and sustainable transport system. As the emirate continues its journey of urban growth, the new road infrastructure will play a vital role in ensuring accessibility, connectivity, and quality of life for generations to come.