Al Ain: From Roundabout to Traffic Innovation

Al Ain's New Transportation Era: Four-Lane Junction Replaces Roundabout

In the city of Al Ain, the development of transportation infrastructure has reached a new phase, as the Zakher roundabout has been completely redeveloped into a modern four-lane intersection with traffic lights. The project's goals went beyond merely easing traffic congestion, aiming to reduce travel times and improve traffic safety—considerations that have become particularly pertinent as the city's population continues to grow.

Scale and Implementation of the Project

The development was officially announced by the UAE Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) after the successful completion of the works. The total investment amounted to 185 million dirhams, and the entire execution took nearly 22 months.

The roundabout was entirely removed and replaced by a four-lane intersection fully controlled by traffic lights. As part of the junction, two 900-meter, three-lane tunnels were constructed in both directions under Hazza bin Sultan Road, a key route connecting the northern and southern parts of Al Ain's center.

Connecting Strategic Junctions

The revamped junction not only creates a faster and smoother connection between the Zakher and Falaj Hazza neighborhoods, but it also links the Hazza bin Sultan roundabout in the north with the Shiab Alashkhar roundabout in the south. This has resulted in a complex yet well-organized traffic network aimed at resolving previously observed congestion hotspots within the city.

The new traffic system has already brought noticeable results: travel times have significantly reduced for those traveling from regions such as Zakher, Shiab Alashkhar, Shiab AlWatah, or Ain Alfaydah towards the northern part of Al Ain. The prior roundabouts often caused bottlenecks, especially during peak hours, which are now alleviated by the new light-coordinated intersection and the tunnels.

Background of Urban Development

Al Ain is an increasingly developing city in the eastern part of the UAE, and the advancement of transportation infrastructure is closely linked to the growing needs of its population. The current project is not a standalone development but part of a broader strategic program aiming to improve urban mobility. The goal is for the region's road network to meet the expectations of both residents and visitors in the long run, while minimizing environmental and time-related burdens.

Sustainability and Efficiency

Sustainability is playing an increasingly important role in the development of urban transport systems. Though the current project primarily did not serve environmental purposes, the reduction in travel times indirectly contributes to reducing harmful emissions. Smoother passage during peak hours results in less idle waiting, thus leading to lower fuel consumption and less carbon dioxide emissions.

Local Significance, National Example

The development of the Zakher junction is not only crucial for the residents of Al Ain—it also serves as a national example of how a simple roundabout can be transformed into a fully functional, modern traffic junction. The coordination of the traffic management system, the tunnel system, and the new surfaces have created an infrastructure that ensures smooth traffic flow in the long term.

This approach aligns with the UAE's long-term urban development strategies aimed at providing world-class services to residents and supporting economic growth. Well-designed and modernized traffic systems fundamentally determine the livability, labor attraction capability, and tourism potential of a city.

Further Developments Expected

In the future, more projects of a similar scale are expected to commence in Al Ain and other UAE cities. Experience shows that comprehensive, long-term planned infrastructure investments contribute to improving traffic efficiency and have a positive impact on the local economy's functioning.

Conclusion

The four-lane junction built in place of the Zakher roundabout and its associated tunnel system have elevated Al Ain's transportation system to a new level. The development is not only a technical feat but also a clear response to urban traffic challenges—simultaneously serving safety, speed, and sustainable urban growth. Such investments help UAE cities—including Dubai and Al Ain—to possess globally competitive infrastructure, not just on a regional level.

(Announcement from the Department of Municipalities and Transport – DMT.)