The number of vehicles traversing Dubai's roads during daytime hours has reached 3.5 million, marking a 10% increase in registered vehicles over the past two years. This growth, significantly higher than the global average of 2-4%, was reported by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Despite this substantial increase, Dubai remains competitive globally in terms of journey efficiency. According to the 2023 TomTom Global Traffic Index, Dubai recorded an average journey time of 12 minutes and 50 seconds for a 10km trip within its central business district—considerably faster than many international cities.
This update coincides with Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum’s review of RTA’s strategic plans to enhance the city’s road infrastructure, with the launch of a Dh16-billion development plan for 2024-27. This ambitious project encompasses 22 initiatives aimed at benefiting over six million people, focusing on improving travel times and increasing road capacity.
Key Road Projects
Latifa bint Hamdan Street
Starting in 2024, this 12km project, extending from Al Khail Road to Emirates Road, will serve over one million residents. It aims to add capacity for 16,000 vehicles per hour and reduce travel times by 15-20%.
Meydan Road
This development will increase capacity for 22,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, benefiting one million residents and reducing travel time from Umm Suqeim Street to Meydan Street to just four minutes.
Al Mustaqbal Street
Bridges and tunnels will be constructed along 6.2km, increasing capacity from 9,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour and reducing travel times from eight minutes to approximately three, benefiting over 500,000 residents and visitors.
Trade Centre Roundabout
The RTA has awarded a contract for the transformation of the Trade Centre Roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection, enhancing traffic flow with five new bridges and reducing delays from 12 minutes to 90 seconds.
Umm Suqeim and Al Qudra Streets
Spanning 16km, this project will increase capacity from 8,400 to 12,600 vehicles per hour and reduce travel time from 46 minutes to 11, improving connectivity from Jumeirah Street to Emirates Road.
Al Fay and Al Safa Streets
Al Fay Street’s expansion, connecting from Al Khail Road to Emirates Road, will support 64,400 vehicles per hour, benefiting 600,000 residents. The Al Safa Street project will reduce travel time from 20 minutes to two for 358,000 residents by enhancing the stretch from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Wasl Road.
These developments underscore Dubai's commitment to enhancing urban mobility, aiming to keep pace with its growing population and vehicle volume while ensuring efficient travel within the city.
