Dubai's Traffic Jam Relief Breakthrough

Meydan Road Developments: 50% Drop in Peak-Time Congestion in Dubai

Dubai's continuously evolving transportation infrastructure has reached another significant milestone. Comprehensive road renovation works implemented by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in the Al Meydan Street area have led to noticeable improvements in traffic conditions: peak-time congestion has decreased by 50%, while travel times have been reduced by up to 40% during morning and evening periods. Connectivity between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, one of the capital’s most crucial transit axes, has been improved.

Strategic Interventions and Traffic Calming

One key aspect of the developments was the expansion of the exit from Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Meydan Street: previously a single lane, it has now been doubled to two lanes, doubling the capacity from 1,500 vehicles/hour to 3,000 vehicles/hour. The bridge over Al Khail Road has also been expanded, now serving traffic with four lanes in both directions. This represents more than a 33% increase in capacity—from 4,500 vehicles/hour to 6,000 vehicles/hour—and reduced peak-time crossing times from 7 minutes to 4 minutes.

New Salik Gate and Connections

In November 2024, the RTA commissioned a new toll gate (Al Safa South) in the affected area, further reducing traffic pressure. As part of the project, significant extensions have also been made to the on- and off-ramps between Al Khail Road and Al Meydan Street, which have been widened from one lane to two lanes. This has particularly reduced waiting times and congestion by more than 50% in the afternoon and evening hours.

Response to Dubai's Growth

The RTA's development strategy not only responds to current demands but also prepares foresightfully for future challenges. Considering the city's growing population and traffic load, the transport authority plans to implement more than 75 traffic development projects across different points in the emirate by 2025.

Exemplary Results in Other Areas Too

This is not the only development to have had a noteworthy impact on the city’s transportation. In recent weeks, significant traffic reduction has also been achieved in the Business Bay area—where capacity has doubled, alleviating congestion and easing the passage in downtown areas.

Summary

The road renovations around Meydan Road have brought tangible improvements to one of the city’s most critical traffic junctions. Dubai's traffic management has once again proven it can effectively respond to growing demands while making the emirate’s urban transportation increasingly livable and sustainable. The RTA's goal remains clear: to make Dubai one of the cities with the world's most advanced transportation infrastructure.

(The source of the article is Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) press release.)