The Dubai government and RTA are taking significant steps to ease traffic in the city. We’ve compiled a list of upcoming projects and recent developments that are set to help reduce congestion and improve mobility.
RTA x Dubai Holding Megaproject
The recently announced 6 billion megaproject aims to reduce traffic delays in selected areas by 30 to 70 percent. This initiative will be led by a collaboration between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Holding. The project will introduce a series of infrastructure improvements designed to significantly enhance traffic flow in several key bottlenecks across Dubai. Phase 1 will focus on areas such as Dubai Islands, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Palm Gateway, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Park, Arjan, Majan, and Liwan.
The recently announced 6 billion megaproject aims to reduce traffic delays by 30 to 70 percent in selected areas. Led by a partnership between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Holding, the initiative will introduce a series of infrastructure reforms designed to significantly improve traffic flow in key bottleneck areas across Dubai. Phase 1 will focus on locations such as Dubai Islands, Jumeirah Village Triangle, Palm Gateway, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Park, Arjan, Majan, and Liwan.
Phase 2 of the project will focus on easing traffic congestion in Nad Al Hamar, Villanova, and Serena. Meanwhile, Phase 3 will involve the construction of new bridges and roads in key areas such as Jumeirah Village Circle, Dubai Production City, Business Bay, Palm Jumeirah, and International City, further enhancing the city’s traffic flow.
Upgrades to 19 areas
Last year, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a major project to enhance roads in 19 areas across the city. This will result in improvements to 11.5km of road, aiming to boost traffic flow and overall infrastructure.
Specific improvements will include new road connections to make it easier and faster to get in and out of key areas. In addition, upgrades will be made to pavements, roadside parking, and street lighting, benefiting both drivers and pedestrians. Areas set for improvement include Mirdif, Umm Suqeim 1, Jumeirah 1, Al Satwa, Al Barsha 1, and more.
New Access Points
The RTA has launched another significant infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving access to four key neighborhoods: Nadd Hessa, Al Awir 1, Al Barsha South, and Wadi Al Safa 3.
The project will introduce new entry and exit points along major roads such as Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, and Hessa Street. These
enhancements are expected to reduce travel times by up to 80% while increasing capacity to accommodate 50 to 80% more vehicles.
Dhs3.7bn Internal Road Plan
In November of last year, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved a 3.7 million dirham plan for internal roads in the city. The plan includes 21 projects across 12 residential, commercial, and industrial areas, adding a total of 634km of new roads. The roadworks are scheduled to be completed over five years, from 2025 to 2029.
5 New Bridges around Trade Centre Roundabout
In line with the directives of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and under the guidance of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the RTA has awarded the contract for the AED 696 million Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, one of Dubai’s key infrastructure initiatives. This project aims to further enhance the city’s transportation network.
— RTA (@rta_dubai) October 27, 2024
Aiming to be complete in December 2026, five new bridges, spanning 5,000 metres in total, will connect five key roads around the Trade Centre Roundabout: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, 2nd December Street, Zabeel Palace Street, and Al Mustaqbal Street.
Hessa Street Upgrade
Hessa Street is set for a major upgrade with the addition of a two-lane bridge connecting Hessa Street to Al Khail Road, reducing the usual 15-minute journey to just 3 minutes. This is part of a larger Dhs689 billion project focused on transforming the area’s infrastructure. In addition to the bridge, four key intersections will be upgraded, linking Hessa Street with Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Road, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road itself.
Hessa Street will be expanded from two to four lanes in each direction, doubling its capacity to handle 16,000 vehicles per hour. These upgrades are designed to alleviate congestion for the 640,000 residents expected to live in the area by 2030. The project is scheduled for completion in the last quarter of 2025.
Changes to Sheikh Zayed Road
The RTA has implemented three major traffic improvements on Sheikh Zayed Road to boost road capacity and efficiency. These measures are part of the RTA’s strategic plans to enhance the road network and mobility systems, ensuring smooth traffic flow in critical areas to meet the demands of Dubai’s growth.
— RTA (@rta_dubai) January 30, 2025
The traffic improvements on Sheikh Zayed Road include extending merging distances between Umm Al Sheif Street and Al Manara Street heading towards Abu Dhabi, adding an extra lane for traffic towards Al Manara, modifying the exit of the service road in front of the Shangri-La Hotel, and extending the merging distance between Al Marabi Street and Al Manara Street in the Abu Dhabi direction.
These changes are expected to increase vehicle capacity by 30%, significantly enhancing the flow of traffic at key entry and exit points along the main road.
Parking Fee Increases
Starting from February 2025, parking prices in key areas across Dubai will increase to encourage more people to use public transport. The new pricing structure adjusts flat rates, with parking during peak hours rising from Dhs4 per hour to Dhs6 per hour. Affected areas will include Al Sufouh 2, The Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City. As of February 1, parking in these areas will cost Dhs4 per hour, or Dhs2 for 30 minutes.
The price of parking in event zones will also see a significant increase, with rates set at Dhs25 per hour. This new pricing will apply to areas around the Dubai World Trade Centre, starting from February 2025.
New Salik Gates
As of Sunday, November 24, two new Salik toll gates became operational, bringing the total number of toll gates in Dubai from 8 to 10. The new toll gates are located at the Business Bay Crossing on Al Khail Road and at Al Safa South on Sheikh Zayed Road, between Al Meydan Street and Umm Al Sheif Street.
The Business Bay Crossing gate is designed to alleviate traffic congestion by 12 to 15 percent on Al Khail Road, reduce traffic volume by 10 to 16 percent on Al Rabat Street, and redirect traffic to Al Maktoum and Al Garhoud bridges as well as Ras Al Khor Street. Meanwhile, the Al Safa South gate aims to reduce right-turn traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road to Meydan Street by 15 percent and optimize traffic flow on Financial Centre, First Al Khail, and Al Asayel streets.
Increase in Salik charges
For the first time ever, Dubai has increased the Salik toll gate prices during rush hour. The new rates, which took effect at the end of January 2025, see crossings during rush hours now costing Dhs6 instead of Dhs4, while off-peak crossings remain at Dhs4.
Rush hours are defined as 6am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm, while off-peak times are from 10am to 4pm and 8pm to 1am. For night owls, crossing the gates will be free between 1am and 6am. Sundays (excluding public holidays, special occasions, or major events) will follow the off-peak rate of Dhs4.
Truck Ban
Starting from January 1, 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police implemented a ban on trucks during rush hour on Emirates Road heading to Sharjah. The restriction applies to the section between Al Awir Street and Sharjah and is in effect during peak rush hour times, from 5:30pm to 8pm. This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader plan to reduce truck movement on key roads, aiming to alleviate congestion, improve traffic flow, and increase road capacity for private vehicles.
New Bridge with Three Lanes
The Zaa’beel Palace Street Bridge, which opened last year, was built to ease traffic congestion. Spanning 700 meters, the bridge connects Zaa’beel Palace Street and Oud Metha Road to Al Khail Road, directing traffic towards Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi. Designed to handle up to 4,800 vehicles per hour, the bridge is a key component of the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) Al Khail Road improvement project, which was announced earlier this year.
Upgrades to 50 areas
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully reduced traffic by 60 percent in some areas following a series of upgrades at 50 locations. Improvements include enhancements to Beirut Street, upgrades to the intersection of Al Khawaneej Street with Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street, and expanded traffic flow from Al Rabat Street to Business Bay Crossing. Additionally, the exit from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Street to Al Rabat Street has been expanded, and a new route from Al Khail Street to Meydan Street has been introduced.
Dubai Walk Project
Announced by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Walk initiative aims to transform the city into a pedestrian-friendly space with a new 6,500km network of modern walkways. This integrated network will cover 160 areas across the emirate, adding 3,300km of new walkways and upgrading 2,300km of existing pavements and pathways by 2040. Additionally, 900km of walkways are projected to be added in the years following 2040.
The entire master plan is designed to enhance connectivity for pedestrians, with 110 pedestrian bridges and underpasses to be constructed, further improving the city’s walkability. Why would you sit in the dreaded Dubai traffic if you could walk there?
Flying taxis
Coming to a stretch of horizon near you very soon… The RTA has recently announced that we can expect the first fully electric flying taxis, which will carry up to four passengers, by Q1 of 2026. The team behind these sky cabs is Joby Aviation, and initial operations will shuttle passengers between four Vertiports: Dubai International Airport (DXB), Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, and Downtown. These mega drones are capable of reaching speeds up to 320kph, and with no traffic lights (or trams) up in the sky, you’ll have minimal downtime for podcasts and crosswords!
Seaglider
The Seaglider will soon transport passengers from Dubai to Abu Dhabi for just Dhs165. This fully electric craft is a hybrid between a glider (a light aircraft) and a boat, offering the speed of an aircraft with the accessibility of a boat. Designed for travel between coastal cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it utilizes the ‘wing-in-ground effect’—a technology that’s been around for over 60 years. With a top speed of 290kph, it will significantly cut down travel times between the two cities.
Driverless taxis
In 2021, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Crown Prince and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, announced a groundbreaking agreement between the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Cruise, a leading US-based autonomous vehicle company. The agreement will see Cruise operate self-driving taxis and ride-hailing services in Dubai, aligning with the emirate’s 2030 vision for self-driving technology. This makes Dubai the first city outside of the US where Cruise will commercially run its autonomous vehicles.
These self-driving vehicles are expected to significantly enhance road safety, as more than 90% of traffic accidents are caused by human error. They are all-electric, environmentally friendly, and designed to serve a wide range of passengers, including seniors and people of determination.
The latest update on driverless cars came in December 2023, when His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai, took the first test ride in a Cruise autonomous electric vehicle. Testing will continue, and the RTA plans to announce a registration process, allowing selected members of the public to use the Cruise ride-hailing app and experience this innovative mode of transportation firsthand.
Driverless pod rail system
At Gitex Global 2024, Dubai’s Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) dropped some game-changing news: a new way to navigate the city that might finally free us from the endless traffic on Sheikh Zayed Road. Enter the Floc Duo Rail – a sleek, self-driving electric pod rail system that’s all about futuristic vibes and smooth rides.
This next-gen transport will flex both in the air and on the ground, offering a seamless travel experience. Whether it’s taking you directly from point A to B or linking you up with other transport options like the Dubai Metro, the Floc Duo Rail is set to make getting around Dubai easier and stress-free.
Sky pods
These futuristic, cable car-style pods are officially called “Suspended Transport Systems.” His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and UAE Minister of Defense, has given the green light for the 65km network as part of Dubai’s Smart Mobility Strategy.
The service will link key spots like Umm Suqeim Street, Al Khor, and Zabeel. The makers are boasting impressive specs, claiming the pods can hit speeds of up to 150kph. Plus, since they’re group-based and solar-powered, they’re up to five times more energy-efficient than today’s electric vehicles.
Electric abra
In May 2023, Dubai’s RTA kicked off trial runs of the “First Autonomous Electric Abra.” HE Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, shared that the goal is to make 25% of all mobility journeys in Dubai self-driving by 2030.
The electric abra comes with a quiet, eco-friendly ride—no noise and zero carbon emissions. It’s fully autonomous, meaning it operates without any captain intervention. The system can detect obstacles along the route, avoid collisions, and even alert the control center if anything deviates from the planned course.
Etihad Rail
One of the UAE’s boldest travel ventures is the 1,200km Etihad Rail network, set to connect all seven emirates. But the vision doesn’t stop there—plans are already in motion to expand beyond the UAE, with talks of linking up the rest of the GCC. In September, the UAE even signed a deal with Jordan to build a 360km rail network. Could this be the beginning of the next phase in inter-regional travel across the GCC?
For those traveling within the UAE, Etihad Rail promises quick, efficient trips—just 57 minutes from Abu Dhabi to Dubai and 105 minutes to Fujairah. And it’s not just passengers who’ll benefit. The system will also move cargo, with commercial freight operations already up and running, according to Etihad Rail.
RTA’s Rail Bus
The RTA has unveiled plans for a new Rail Bus, an exciting initiative aimed at tackling traffic congestion in the near future. Think of it as a twist on the Metro network—except this time, it’s a bus instead of a train, cruising along a network of elevated bridges across the city. The vehicle will measure 11.5 meters in length and 2.65 meters in width, zipping along at speeds of up to 100 km/h. It’s all part of the plan to keep the city moving smoothly and efficiently.
Minibus sharing service
Last year, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) launched a new mini bus-sharing service, offering a flexible and budget-friendly transportation option for residents. The Bus Pooling initiative lets users book a seat on a shared minibus through one of three different apps. Unlike traditional buses with fixed routes and schedules, these minibuses are super adaptable, picking up and dropping off passengers based on their specific needs. It’s all about providing a more personalized and convenient way to get around.
The Blue Line Metro
Dubai Metro’s upcoming Blue Line, currently under construction, is shaping up to be pretty impressive. One of the standout features is that most of the 30km track will run underground—around 15.5km of it, to be exact—at depths reaching up to 70 meters. Out of the proposed 14 stations, five will be fully underground. For the latest details on the Blue Line and a sneak peek at its projected route map, stay tuned for updates!
Hyperloop
Despite facing a few bumps along the way, the Dubai Hyperloop project seems to be back on track—well, technically levitating above it! This high-speed, supersonic transit system (think 1000kph) uses maglev technology to zoom through vacuum-sealed tubes. Originally proposed as a super-fast Dubai to Abu Dhabi link (in just about 12 minutes), that vision still seems to be the plan. We’ll keep you updated as more details emerge!
Finally, here’s a public transport solution that might not seem like an obvious fix but could seriously boost efficiency—smart stations. These stations use dynamic systems to monitor passenger flow and adjust in real-time, helping keep things running smoothly. Plus, they’ll streamline fare payments at metro and tram stations, making the whole experience faster and more seamless.
SkyWay
While its development status is still uncertain, another transport system under consideration for the Smart Mobility Strategy is SkyWay. Much like the pods, SkyWay operates as a suspended vehicle model, running along a string-rail overpass between skyscrapers. While the network would be shorter than the one planned for the Sky Pods, each SkyWay unit would have the capacity to carry more passengers.
Barrier free parking at malls
Starting in February, a new parking toll system has been introduced at the Mall of the Emirates (MOE), the popular entertainment and retail hub.
Whether you’re hitting the slopes at Ski Dubai, catching the latest blockbuster at VOX Cinemas, enjoying the food court, or shopping till you drop, visitors with their own cars will need to follow the new, paperless, barrier-free Parkin-based toll system now in place.
The major perks of this new system? A smoother, quicker entrance and exit experience, and most importantly, it completely eliminates those dreaded “I lost my ticket and I’m doomed” moments. It’s a win for Dubai all around, and for those of us with ADHD, it’s a major headache saved.
AI-powered traffic system
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has kicked off work on the next-gen traffic signal control system, UTC-UX Fusion, which will integrate AI, predictive analytics, and digital twin technologies.
The goal? To cut travel time and reduce traffic in Dubai by 10 to 20%, all while boosting the overall experience for motorists, public transport users, pedestrians, and cyclists. Plus, the system will prioritize emergency vehicles and public transport to keep things moving efficiently.
Trackless Tram
At the end of last year, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister, revealed plans for a new autonomous, eco-friendly “Trackless Tram.” Key details include: it will be launched in eight locations across the emirate, each electric tram will have three carriages and a capacity of 300 passengers, and it will run on a virtual guided track system. The tram promises lower operational costs, eco-friendliness, and a top speed of 70kph. Plus, it’s designed to be ultra-reliable, with the existing tram system around Dubai Marina boasting a 99.9% punctuality rate.
Upgraded Metro Stations
The future is already on its way – we could soon be paying with our palms at Metro gates. At GITEX last year, RTA showcased a new technology that might soon be integrated into our public transport system: palm scan gate access.
With this system, commuters won’t need a physical Nol card. Instead, their palm will be linked to their card. Just swipe your palm at the gate, and you’re in. This new method will make traveling on public transport smoother and more convenient, and hopefully encourage more people to choose the Metro over driving—leading to less traffic in Dubai.
Increasing Speed Limits
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced an increase in the maximum speed limits on Al Amardi Street and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street, with the new limits taking effect last September. The decision was made by RTA and Dubai Police following a comprehensive engineering and technical study. Both streets have also been upgraded and expanded, with authorities aiming to improve traffic flow through the new speed limits.
Remote Working
At the end of last year, Dubai announced an initiative encouraging both the public and private sectors to adopt flexible working hours and remote work, aiming to ease traffic congestion and improve work-life balance.
Following the approval of Dubai’s Traffic Flow Plan by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, studies by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Government Human Resources (DGHR) revealed that implementing four to five remote workdays per month, along with flexible working hours, could reduce peak travel times across Dubai by up to 30%.
