Hamdan bin Mohammed Reviews AED16 Billion RTA Main Roads Development Plan

Photo : Dubai government media office

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, has reviewed the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) ambitious initiatives aimed at transforming urban mobility and enhancing infrastructure in Dubai. This includes the AED 16 billion Main Roads Development Plan for 2024-2027, which comprises 22 major projects that will significantly improve the road network and benefit more than 6 million residents.

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During his visit to RTA's headquarters, Sheikh Hamdan, accompanied by prominent officials including Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Omar Sultan Al Olama, was welcomed by RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer and senior RTA officials. The meeting emphasized RTA’s commitment to advancing infrastructure and mobility in Dubai.

The AED 16 billion plan is poised to play a crucial role in supporting Dubai's comprehensive development strategies. It aims to modernize and expand the road network, which has seen considerable growth over the years. Public transport usage has risen to 2.2 million riders daily, reflecting the success of RTA's initiatives. Since 2006, the road network has expanded dramatically from 8,715 lane-kilometers to 18,990 lane-kilometers, marking an impressive 117% increase. The number of vehicle bridges and tunnels has also grown substantially, from 129 to 1,070, showcasing the RTA's ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and connectivity.

Sheikh Hamdan was particularly interested in the projected benefits of the Latifa bint Hamdan Street development project, which is set to start next year. This project will enhance traffic capacity significantly, accommodating 16,000 vehicles per hour and reducing travel time by 15-20%. Another project under review is the Meydan Road development, which is expected to facilitate a similar increase in vehicle capacity and efficiency.

Additionally, Sheikh Hamdan received updates on the Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Roundabout developments, which promise to further alleviate congestion and improve travel times for residents and visitors alike. The Trade Centre Roundabout project aims to convert the roundabout into a signal-controlled intersection, effectively reducing delays from 12 minutes to just 90 seconds.

RTA also presented plans for the development of Al Fay and Al Safa Streets, which will expand road capacity and reduce travel times considerably, benefiting hundreds of thousands of residents. The integration of autonomous transport and artificial intelligence (AI) into traffic management was also a key focus of the discussions, with RTA exploring innovative solutions to enhance mobility and efficiency in Dubai.

One of the standout proposals is the expansion of the Dubai Tram network, which is set to include a trackless tram system that operates on virtual tracks. This eco-friendly transportation option promises lower costs and faster implementation compared to traditional trams.

In addition to these infrastructure projects, Sheikh Hamdan reviewed RTA's dedication to improving public transport services through the establishment of dedicated bus and taxi lanes, which are projected to significantly enhance ridership and reduce travel times across the emirate.

The RTA is also focused on the integration of technology in its operations, including a digital platform for commercial transport services that connects businesses with logistics providers. The Smart Control Centre, which monitors real-time traffic violations, has improved inspection efficiency since its opening in 2021.

Moreover, RTA is committed to developing local talent, having sponsored numerous Emiratis in cutting-edge technology fields such as AI and cybersecurity, providing them with the skills needed to support Dubai's future growth.

Through these initiatives, the RTA is not only addressing the immediate needs of Dubai's growing population but also positioning the emirate as a leader in sustainable urban development and innovative transport solutions. Sheikh Hamdan's visit underscored the importance of these projects in contributing to the emirate's long-term vision and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.