Dubai's Road Development Reaches New Heights

The infrastructure development in Dubai city is progressing dynamically, particularly the modernization of the transport network. A significant example of this is the development project of Oud Metha Road and Al Asayel Street, implemented as part of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Program. By early 2026, the project is already at 60% completion and is expected to play a key role in connecting the eastern and western areas of Dubai and alleviating traffic congestion.

The Significance and Main Features of the Project

The development involves the transformation of four main junctions, each accompanied by at least one new bridge or tunnel. Throughout the entire investment, 4.3 kilometers of bridges and 14 kilometers of new or expanded road sections will be realized. The aim is to provide more convenient and faster transportation for over 420,000 residents by 2030, while also improving the accessibility of the area's service and residential zones.

Special attention is given to improving the connection between Al Asayel Street and Al Khail Road through Al Wasl Club Street, while also providing dedicated exits towards Oud Metha Road and Al Wasl Club Street. This development is expected to significantly reduce travel time in the area.

Progress and Expected Openings

Seventy percent of the bridge structures have already been completed, which will direct the traffic on Al Asayel Street north towards Al Khail Road, all the way to the Business Bay Crossing. Their opening is expected in the first quarter of the year.

Additionally, the road tunnel that leads traffic from Dubai–Al Ain Road towards Al Wasl Club Street is also at 60% completion. The remaining portions of the road expansions and related bridge structures will be usable by the third quarter of the year.

The Affected Areas of the City

Key areas served by the project include Zabeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Metha, Umm Hurair, the surroundings of Latifa Hospital and Al Wasl Club. The transportation development supports both the community infrastructure and economic activity in these neighborhoods.

Currently, calculations show that the capacity of Oud Metha Road will increase from 10,400 vehicles/hour to 15,600 vehicles/hour, a 50% expansion. In parallel, the average travel time is set to decrease from the current 20 minutes to 5 minutes, representing a 75% improvement.

Four Important Intersections

First Intersection: Oud Metha Road - Sheikh Rashid Road

The foremost major intervention occurs at the intersection of Oud Metha and Sheikh Rashid Roads. Here, a left-turn exit is being constructed from Oud Metha towards Sheikh Rashid Road, in the direction of Al Garhoud Bridge, providing a capacity for 1,800 vehicles/hour. Furthermore, the service road along Sheikh Rashid Road is being improved to reduce lane overlap and increase safety. The number of right-turn lanes is also increasing: from two to three, thus raising the capacity to 4,000 vehicles/hour.

Second Intersection: Oud Metha Road - Al Asayel Street - Al Wasl Club Street

The second intersection development involves the construction of two new bridges that connect Al Asayel Street with Al Khail Road through Al Wasl Club Street. One bridge is two-laned, with a capacity of 2,400 vehicles/hour, while the other is three-laned, capable of handling 3,600 vehicles/hour.

An additional bridge structure provides left-turn traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Oud Metha Road, also with a capacity of 2,400 vehicles/hour. The development also extends to improving access to Al Wasl Club, including the alteration of its entrance and exit points.

Third Intersection: Al Wasl Club Street - Al Khail Road

A new, two-lane bridge is being constructed at the third intersection, which will direct traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Al Khail Road, all the way to Business Bay Crossing, with a capacity of 3,000 vehicles/hour.

Additionally, Al Wasl Club Street is expanding: a two-lane exit is being built towards Al Khail Road, as well as service roads and parking spaces in both directions, to allow smoother transit traffic.

Fourth Intersection: Zabeel Palace Street - Al Khail Road - Oud Metha Road

The fourth significant transformation is taking place at the meeting of Zabeel Palace Street and the Al Khail and Oud Metha Roads. A new, left-turn exit is being constructed, which doubles the traffic from Al Khail Road towards Dubai–Al Ain Road, from 900 to 1,800 vehicles/hour.

Additionally, a new, single-lane tunnel is being built, capable of handling traffic for 1,200 vehicles/hour, guiding vehicles from Dubai–Al Ain Road towards Al Wasl Club Street. Finally, the number of lanes on the existing bridge is also increasing: from two to three, thus allowing a capacity of 3,300 vehicles/hour instead of 2,200.

Summary

The ambitious project of Dubai's transport authority not only demonstrates its importance through numbers and technical data but also brings tangible improvements to urban quality of life. Through the comprehensive development of Oud Metha and Al Asayel Roads, faster, safer, and smoother transportation becomes available for several hundred thousand people. This kind of infrastructure development not only lays the groundwork for Dubai's future but also sets an example for other major cities in the region to follow.

(Based on the press release of Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).)