Dubai RTA launches summer traffic upgrades across 28 key locations

Dubai: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has embarked on a package of rapid traffic improvements at 28 locations across Dubai from July to September 2026, underlining its ongoing efforts to enhance the road network, improve operational efficiency, increase traffic flow and safety levels, and strengthen connectivity between residential, educational and development areas. These efforts support the rapid urban and population growth witnessed by the emirate. The works include four sites in school areas, three in development zones, and 21 across various locations in the emirate. They are scheduled for implementation during the summer holidays to take advantage of reduced traffic volumes, accelerate completion, and minimise disruption to road users. The Emirates Road expansion project is the most prominent of these improvements. It involves adding two new lanes over a 5 km stretch extending from Sharjah towards Al Omardi Street. The project is being carried out during the summer due to the road’s importance as a key corridor connecting Dubai with neighbouring emirates, and the high traffic volumes it experiences during peak hours. The expansion is expected to reduce congestion and cut travel time by 25% during peak periods. The works also include traffic improvements at the intersection of Commercial Centre Street and Marasi Drive in Business Bay, upgrades on Latifa bint Hamdan Street near Al Quoz Industrial Area, and enhancements on Ras Al Khor Street towards Al Khail Street. These measures aim to improve junction efficiency and traffic flow in several high-demand areas experiencing increased traffic growth. Projects also cover residential neighbourhoods, including the addition of a new lane at the intersection of Al Khawaneej Street and Al Omardi Street, expansion of the right turn on Ras Al Khor Street towards Dubai–Al Ain Road from one lane to two, and widening of a traffic lane on Al Jazeera Street in Al Mizhar Fourth before the entrance to workers’ accommodation. These improvements are expected to increase road capacity, reduce waiting queues and enhance vehicle movement. As part of preparations for the new academic year and efforts to enhance traffic safety around schools, the RTA is implementing new parking spaces for Zayed Educational Complex in Al Mizhar II, as well as additional parking for Horizon International School in Umm Al Sheif. Further improvements aim to regulate traffic flow, facilitate vehicle movement and reduce congestion during peak school hours. The Authority confirmed that traffic improvement sites are selected based on specialised technical and field studies, including traffic data analysis, field surveys, and data from intelligent transport systems and surveillance cameras. The RTA also benefits from public feedback and suggestions received through various communication channels to implement quick and effective solutions that enhance traffic flow, reduce travel time and improve mobility across the emirate.