TLDR:
• RTA revamps Trade Centre Roundabout
• Travel time reduced to 90 seconds
• Major road upgrades improve traffic flow
DUBAI (The Thursday Times) — Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is revolutionising its Trade Centre Roundabout in a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at slashing congestion and boosting traffic flow across one of the city’s busiest intersections. The revamp will enhance accessibility to critical locations such as Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), and the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), all part of Dubai’s ambitious plans to optimise its transport network.
Awarded to a specialised contractor, the Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project is a central element in Dubai’s drive for efficient connectivity. The project will redesign the roundabout into a surface intersection, dramatically reducing average wait times from 12 minutes to just 90 seconds. An estimated AED 696.414 million is earmarked for constructing five new bridges, which will expand capacity and create seamless travel options between Sheikh Zayed Road and major routes including Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, and Zabeel Palace Street.
Major infrastructure boost for city traffic
The RTA’s redesign seeks to double the roundabout’s traffic capacity, enhancing direct access to key areas. The new setup promises quicker routes between Sheikh Zayed Road and 2nd December Street, serving neighbourhoods such as Jumeirah and Al Satwa. It also facilitates smoother southbound traffic from Al Mustaqbal Street to Sheikh Zayed Road, a vital route for business and residential commuters alike.
Key elements include a new two-lane bridge spanning 1,000 metres from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street towards Deira, with a capacity of 3,000 vehicles per hour. Additionally, the project includes two two-lane bridges, each stretching 2,000 metres, connecting Sheikh Rashid Street with 2nd December Street and Al Majles Street with Al Mustaqbal Street, providing greater capacity and ensuring more efficient movement across the city.
Strategic access to business and financial hubs
With better access to DWTC and DIFC, the new infrastructure strengthens Dubai’s position as a centre for international business. The DWTC, a key venue hosting events like GITEX, the Arabian Travel Market, and the Gulfood Exhibition, will benefit from faster traffic flow, supporting Dubai’s event industry. DIFC, a financial hub spanning the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, will see smoother access, easing commutes for professionals and boosting business activity in the area.
Mattar Al Tayer, RTA’s Director-General, explained that the roundabout redevelopment is part of a wider urban infrastructure push, including an upcoming Al Mustaqbal Street project to be awarded in November. Together, these initiatives are set to cut travel times significantly and reduce delays, with Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street journey times expected to drop from six minutes to one.
Complementary road projects for a unified system
This project coincides with the Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which focuses on upgrading major intersections and constructing additional roads to ease traffic in residential and new development areas. This project alone anticipates improved connectivity for a rapidly growing population set to exceed 420,000 in new developments by 2030.
The RTA’s Al Khail Road Development Project, which recently completed all phases, provides another boost to Dubai’s infrastructure, with expanded intersections and upgraded lanes. The project increases overall vehicle capacity by over 19,000 cars per hour, underscoring Dubai’s commitment to smoother, faster, and safer commutes across the city.
