The new bridge in central Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office Dubai's Road Transport Authority (RTA) is set to open a new 500-meter bridge with two lanes for outbound traffic from Dubai's World Trade Center and the One Central complex towards the Al Mustaqbal and Za’abeel Palace intersection.
The new bridge is expected to reduce travel time from the World Trade Center from 10 minutes to just two minutes during major events.
The bridge is part of the Al Mustaqbal Street development, spanning from the intersection with Za’abeel Palace Street to Financial Center Street. The 633 million AED ($172 million) project includes 2,000 meters of bridges and tunnels, along with expanding the street from three to four lanes in each direction.
Upon completion, the street's capacity is expected to grow by 33%, from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions. Travel time along the route is anticipated to drop from 13 minutes to six minutes.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, CEO and Chairman of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, the project is part of a broad plan to upgrade the city's transportation infrastructure, addressing population growth and urban activity while improving access to business, residential, and tourism areas.
The project also includes upgrading the World Trade Center Roundabout, which is currently in advanced stages and over 85% complete. Another bridge is expected to open by the end of August to serve traffic from Sheikh Rashid Road to 2nd December Street. The final bridge, to serve traffic from Al Majlis Street to 2nd December Street, is projected to open in October.
Further developments include the February 2027 opening of three tunnels totaling 1,500 meters at the Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Center Street junction. One tunnel will have three lanes serving traffic towards Deira with a capacity of 4,500 vehicles per hour. Another tunnel with two lanes will allow left turns towards Trade Center Street and serve both directions, while a third tunnel with one lane will cater to the One Central complex.
In addition to road enhancements, the project includes improved walkways, a bicycle path, decorative lighting, and upgraded public spaces. Connections between surrounding development areas and metro stations will be created to facilitate smoother transitions across different transportation modes.
The upgraded route serves key areas in Dubai, including the World Trade Centre, DIFC, Za’abeel, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay. The authority estimates the project will impact approximately half a million residents and visitors.
Alongside the Al Mustaqbal Street project, work is ongoing on the World Trade Center Roundabout upgrade, which comprises the construction of five bridges totaling approximately 5 km and converting the existing roundabout into a ground-level intersection. Another project, set to develop Oud Maitha and Al Asayel Streets, is expected to fully open by the end of the month, including four major intersections, bridges totaling 4.3 km, and about 14 km of roads.
This project aims to serve commercial, residential, and development areas where a population of more than 420,000 people is expected by 2030. Upon its completion, travel time in the area is expected to shorten from 20 minutes to 10 minutes, a reduction of approximately 50%.