Dubai upgrades roads around schools as students return for new term

Dubai school road upgrades are now complete at six locations, helping more than 10 schools with safer access and smoother traffic.

DUBAI: Dubai has completed a series of road and traffic improvements around more than 10 schools as students return for the new academic year. The Dubai school road upgrades cover six locations and are designed to make daily journeys safer and easier for students, parents, teachers and school-bus drivers.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority carried out the work during the summer holidays, when roads were quieter. This helped teams finish the improvements with less disruption to residents and other motorists.

The work covers Al Barsha, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Studio City, Al Sufouh, Umm Al Sheif and Wadi Al Safa 4.

One of the biggest changes is a new road connecting Al Qudra Road with Hessa Street through Dubai Motor City and Dubai Studio City. The road is expected to make it easier for families travelling to and from GEMS Metropole School in Motor City.

Also read: Dubai gets 26 new schools, nurseries and universities this academic year

Parking has also received attention. RTA added new spaces for Horizon International School in Umm Al Sheif, doubling the school’s parking capacity. This could make busy morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups easier for parents.

The Dubai school road upgrades also include changes to entrances and exits along the service road next to the Al Barsha South schools complex.

Other improvements were completed around The International School of Choueifat in Al Sufouh and near GEMS Winchester School in Wadi Al Safa 4. Traffic-calming and safety measures have also been introduced around school areas to help protect students and other road users.

With thousands of families back on their regular school runs, RTA has also reminded drivers to be extra careful near schools.

Parents and school-bus drivers should use proper pick-up and drop-off areas instead of stopping randomly on the road. Drivers have also been reminded not to park in spaces reserved for People of Determination or emergency vehicles.

Motorists should stop when school buses display their warning signs, watch carefully for children crossing or walking near roads and reduce their speed when entering school zones.

Also read: Dubai Museum of the Future closes September 1 for a big makeover

Following traffic signs and using designated parking and drop-off areas can also help reduce congestion during the busiest parts of the school day.

Impact to expect

The Dubai school road upgrades should make the daily school run smoother and safer for families. Better roads, extra parking and improved access could also help reduce traffic build-up around some of Dubai’s busiest school areas.