These three major traffic improvements will enhance road capacity and efficiency…

One of the most common topics in Dubai at the moment includes our busy schedules, the weather, and traffic. The latter may be due to the increase in population Dubai has seen over the recent years. However, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is on the case executing a number of traffic improvements across the city.

One of the transport authority’s list of plans includes Sheikh Zayed Road, with three major traffic improvements announced to enhance road capacity and efficiency. Its goal is to develop the road network, ensuring smoother traffic flow in key areas.

Sheikh Zayed Road

Abdullah Lootah, Director of Road and Facilities Maintenance at the Traffic and Roads Agency stated, ‘As one of the emirate’s key traffic corridors, it (Sheikh Zayed Road) serves as a vibrant economic hub, surrounded by residential districts and major commercial and financial landmarks, including Dubai International Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall, along with a wide range of global corporations, banks, and investment institutions.’

He added, ‘It is also home to numerous hotels and entertainment facilities, making it a vital artery for daily commuting and commercial activity.”

So, here are the changes you will notice

According to Lootah, the first traffic improvement to be made on the major highway involves ‘extending merging distances between Umm Al Sheif Street and Al Manara Street in the direction of Abu Dhabi, along with introducing an additional lane for traffic heading towards Al Manara.’

He added that the enhancement ‘will increase vehicle capacity in this direction by 30 per cent, significantly improving entry and exit flows.’

The second improvement involves a modification to the exit of the service road in front of the Shangri-La Hotel. This is the road that leads to the First Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road, near Dubai Mall. He explained that the work will involve ‘expanding merging distances between the entry from the service road and the exit towards Al Safa Street and Dubai Mall, aiming to improve traffic flow and ease congestion at this key location.’

And the third improvement involves ‘extending the merging distance between Al Marabi Street and Al Manara Street in the direction of Abu Dhabi.’ Lootah explains that the enhancement will reduce the congestion at merging points, shorten the queues, and ultimately improve vehicle movement during peak hours.

Image: Dubai Media Office