RTA Unveils Latest Upgrade in Sheikh Rashid Development Project

Photo : Dubai Media Office

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a major contract for the upgrading of Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets as part of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project. This AED 600 million project is a critical element of the city's strategic infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing road connectivity and easing traffic congestion.

The project will connect Al Asayel Street to Al Khail Road via Al Nawras Street, while also providing crucial exits to Oud Metha and Al Nawras Streets. It includes the construction of four major intersections, 4,300 meters of bridges, and a total of 14 kilometers of road. The upgrades are set to benefit key residential areas such as Zabeel, Al Jaddaf, Oud Metha, Umm Hurair, Latifa Hospital, and Al Wasl Club, serving a growing population.

One of the most important aspects of this project is its long-term benefit to the community. By 2030, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to serve a population of more than 420,000 people. In terms of traffic capacity, the upgrades will significantly increase the flow of vehicles on Oud Metha Street, boosting its capacity from 10,400 vehicles per hour to 15,600 vehicles per hour, marking an impressive 50 percent increase. Additionally, the project will reduce travel time on this crucial route from 20 minutes to just five minutes, providing substantial time savings for commuters.

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Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted the significance of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project. He emphasized that it is one of the largest strategic road projects currently being undertaken by the RTA, designed to meet the city’s future needs and ease the growing traffic burden.

In earlier phases of the Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project, the RTA focused on the development of Ras Al Khor Road. The project spanned from its intersection with Dubai-Al Ain Road to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, covering a distance of eight kilometers. This phase also saw the construction of several bridges, totaling 2,000 meters, and the expansion of Ras Al Khor Road from three lanes to six lanes in each direction. A two-lane service road on both sides of Ras Al Khor Road was also added, greatly increasing road capacity and improving traffic flow. 

These upgrades have had a profound impact, increasing Ras Al Khor Road's capacity to 10,000 vehicles per hour and reducing travel time from 20 minutes to seven minutes. This phase also enhanced traffic safety and facilitated smoother journeys for motorists, while serving several major development areas such as the Lagoons, Dubai Creek, Meydan Horizon, Ras Al Khor, Al Wasl, and Nad Al Hamar, catering to a population of approximately 650,000 residents.

The awarding of the latest contract is aligned with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. His Highness has emphasized the need to continue developing the Sheikh Rashid Corridor in line with Dubai’s urban growth and expanding population. This initiative is also being followed closely by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.

The project is poised to play a pivotal role in reducing congestion, enhancing traffic safety, and supporting the ongoing urban development of Dubai, ensuring that the city’s infrastructure keeps pace with its rapid growth.