Dubai is set to undergo significant traffic improvements with the introduction of 34 major projects aimed at enhancing transportation across the emirate. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is implementing a wide range of solutions that include upgrades to land, water, air, and even underground transport systems. These initiatives are designed to address the growing traffic concerns as the city’s population continues to expand.

Among the noteworthy projects is the Al Fay Street Development, which is expected to cost approximately Dhs1.5 billion. This project will expand Al Fay Street and add five major intersections, boosting road capacity to 64 400 vehicles per hour and benefiting around 600 000 residents in the vicinity. The improvements will greatly enhance access to various neighborhoods, including Dubai Sports City and Jumeirah Village Circle.

Another significant project is the Al Mustaqbal Street initiative, part of a Dhs3.7 billion plan for internal roads in Dubai. This project includes the construction of bridges and tunnels totaling 6 200 meters, increasing road capacity from 9 000 to 12 000 vehicles per hour. Furthermore, the Dhs798 million Al Qudra Street project aims to reduce travel times along the major route from 9.4 minutes to just 2.8 minutes, enhancing connectivity to key areas.

The Al Safa Street project will link Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Wasl Road, cutting travel times for around 358 000 residents from 20 minutes to just two minutes as part of a broader Dhs16 billion plan. Another major undertaking is the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, which is expected to benefit one million people by reducing travel time from 104 minutes to 16 minutes by 2030.

In a bid to improve public transport options, the RTA has also launched a bus pooling initiative that operates without fixed routes, aiming to provide faster transport for up to 30 passengers at a time. Additionally, dedicated taxi and bus lanes are planned for completion between 2025 and 2027, extending the network by 20.1 km.

The introduction of driverless cars is on the horizon thanks to a new federal traffic law approved by the UAE cabinet, with plans for 4 000 driverless taxis to ease traffic congestion and reduce emissions. The RTA aims for 25 percent of all transport to be self-driving by 2030.

Further enhancing transportation, the RTA has announced a Dhs431 million project for Dubai Harbour, which will include direct entry and exit points, reducing travel time from 12 minutes to just three minutes. A Dhs6 billion agreement with Dubai Holding will also improve traffic flow significantly in various congested areas, reducing travel times by 30 to 70 percent.

Elon Musk’s “Dubai Loop” project aims to develop an underground transportation system capable of handling up to 20,000 passengers per hour, with future capacity expected to exceed 100 000. The Dubai Metro Blue Line, a new Dhs20.5 billion project, will commence operations in 2029, serving 200 000 passengers daily, with projections to rise to 320 000 by 2040.

Moreover, the Dubai Walk project will create an extensive 6,500 km network of pedestrian pathways with 110 bridges and underpasses to improve walkability across the city. The Etihad Rail initiative promises to reduce travel times between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to just 30 minutes.

As part of the ongoing traffic management strategy, the RTA is also focusing on improving road connections in 19 areas and enhancing internal road networks through a Dhs3.7 billion plan that will construct 634 km of new roads over the next five years.

In summary, these 34 projects represent Dubai’s commitment to modernizing its transportation infrastructure, addressing traffic congestion, and improving the overall quality of life for its residents.