DUBAI: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded two contracts worth AED1.161 billion to develop Al Meydan Street, launching a major road upgrade designed to improve journeys across some of the emirate’s fastest-growing communities.

The Al Meydan Street project will include 3,700 metres of bridges and 17 kilometres of roads, alongside cycling tracks connected to Dubai’s existing cycling network. The development is scheduled for completion by the end of 2028 and will serve residential and development areas with a combined population exceeding 500,000.

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One of the biggest changes for motorists will be shorter journey times. RTA says the development will reduce travel time from Al Manama Street and Dubai-Al Ain Road to Umm Suqeim Street from 30 minutes to just 10 minutes, a 66% improvement. Capacity along north-south traffic corridors is also expected to increase by 18%.

The project stretches from First Al Khail Street to Umm Suqeim Street, passing key routes including Al Khail Road, Latifa bint Hamdan Street and Al Marabea’ Street. Al Marabea’ Street will also be developed towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Because of its scale, RTA has divided construction into two contracts. The first covers Al Meydan Street between Latifa bint Hamdan Street and Umm Suqeim Street, alongside improvements to Al Marabea’ Street from Dubai Hills to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

A major grade-separated interchange will replace the Al Marabea’ Street and Al Meydan Street junction. It will feature four lanes in each direction and 1,600 metres of bridges, providing capacity for 14,400 vehicles per hour in both directions.

The second contract covers Al Meydan Street from First Al Khail Street through Al Khail Road to Muscat Street. It includes around two kilometres of new surface roads connecting with Latifa bint Hamdan Street and a new multi-level interchange at Muscat Street.

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The Al Meydan Street project will also introduce an integrated cycling network and underpasses beneath the road, allowing cycling routes to connect safely with the wider network.

The development complements RTA’s Latifa bint Hamdan Street project and will strengthen connections between major corridors including Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.

Communities expected to benefit include Dubai Hills, Nad Al Sheba, Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens, Dubai District One and Al Barari, alongside developments surrounding Al Meydan Street and Latifa bint Hamdan Street.

Impact to expect

Drivers could see significantly faster journeys and more alternative routes across central Dubai once the Al Meydan Street project is completed, while expanded road capacity should help the network accommodate continued population and development growth.