Dubai : Dubai is fast-tracking a comprehensive overhaul of its road infrastructure, with 57 major road projects underway to reduce traffic congestion and improve daily commutes across the emirate.
Spearheaded by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, the initiatives are part of the city’s long-term mobility strategy aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The projects, set for completion by 2027, include 226 km of new roads and 115 bridges and tunnels, and are designed to accommodate Dubai’s projected population of 8 million by 2040.
Major Corridor Upgrades
- Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra Corridor
Spanning 16 km, this flagship development includes 7 km of bridges and tunnels. Upon completion, it will reduce travel time from 46 minutes to 11 minutes, benefiting over 1 million residents. Phase one is already 50% complete. - Hessa Street Expansion
Featuring 9 km of bridges over four intersections, this project will double capacity from 4,000 to 8,000 vehicles per hour, cutting commute times from 30 minutes to just 7 minutes. It also includes a 13.5-km cycling and e-scooter track with landmark crossings over Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. - Al Fay Road Corridor
Designed to serve an additional 64,400 vehicles per hour, the upgrade includes 12.9 km of roads and 13.5 km of bridges, directly benefiting 600,000 residents.
Targeted Traffic Relief Measures
Between January and April 2025, seven rapid-implementation projects along Sheikh Zayed Road reduced congestion by 5–10%. Initiatives included:
- A dynamic tolling system, lowering traffic volumes by 9%
- A 4% increase in public transport usage
- Parking reforms encouraging a modal shift toward sustainable transport
Smart Construction Technologies
Dubai is employing AI-powered systems, drones, and time-lapse imaging to improve construction oversight. These tools have:
- Doubled on-site supervision
- Cut survey times by 60%
- Reduced project delays by 20%
Expanding Cycling Infrastructure
The city has already completed 557 km of cycling tracks, with 100 km under construction and 185 km in planning. In 2024, Dubai recorded 47 million cycling trips, reflecting growing demand for active mobility options.
A Vision for Sustainable Urban Mobility
These developments form a cornerstone of Dubai’s integrated transport strategy, aiming to deliver a future-ready, sustainable, and connected mobility network that supports growth while enhancing quality of life.
