Post by : Layla Badr
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has finished an important road improvement project on Sheikh Zayed Road, one of the busiest highways in the city. The project involved widening a 700-metre section of the road near the Umm Al Sheif Street exit. The number of lanes has been increased from six to seven, which means the road can now handle up to 14,000 vehicles every hour. This upgrade is part of RTA’s continuous plans to make roads smoother, reduce traffic jams, and provide safer and more reliable journeys for drivers across Dubai.
Why Sheikh Zayed Road is So Important
Sheikh Zayed Road is not just any ordinary road—it is the main highway that connects different parts of Dubai and even links the city to Abu Dhabi. Because of its central location, this road is extremely busy throughout the day. It passes through many important areas, including residential communities, schools, and famous landmarks. Along Sheikh Zayed Road, you can find places like the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall.
Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel
This highway is also home to several international companies, banks, investment institutions, luxury hotels, and popular leisure destinations. For this reason, Sheikh Zayed Road is considered the lifeline of Dubai’s economy and daily movement. It plays a key role in both business activities and personal travel for residents, workers, and visitors.
The Problem at Umm Al Sheif Street Exit
One of the main reasons this widening project was carried out is because of heavy congestion at the Umm Al Sheif Street exit. This junction was known as a traffic hotspot, especially during evening rush hours. Many vehicles coming from Abu Dhabi towards Dubai faced bottlenecks here due to overlapping points where cars merged. The situation often caused long delays, stress for drivers, and sometimes even accidents because of traffic pressure.
By adding an extra lane and improving the design of this part of the road, RTA has reduced these overlapping points. This means vehicles can now move more smoothly without clashing at merging spots. The change is expected to cut down waiting time for drivers and also make the road much safer.
Increased Capacity and Safer Travel
With the widening, the road now has seven lanes instead of six. This simple change has a big effect. The capacity has gone up by 16 percent, which allows more vehicles to pass through the same stretch every hour. For drivers, this means less time spent stuck in traffic and a faster, easier journey.
RTA has also mentioned that the new lane will help lower traffic density. When there are fewer cars packed into the same space, driving becomes less stressful and safer. It reduces the risk of sudden braking and accidents, especially during peak travel times.
A Step Towards Dubai’s Vision for Smart Mobility
This project is not just about solving one traffic problem—it is part of Dubai’s larger vision to create a city with world-class roads and smart mobility systems. The RTA has been working on several projects over the years to modernize the road network. From new bridges and tunnels to advanced traffic management systems, every effort is focused on making travel more comfortable and efficient for the public.
Sheikh Zayed Road is already one of the most developed highways in the region, but as Dubai grows, the demand on its roads also increases. Every year, more people move to the city, more businesses are established, and tourism continues to rise. These factors add extra pressure on the transport system. The widening of this busy stretch near Umm Al Sheif is a clear example of how Dubai is preparing for the future by staying one step ahead of traffic challenges.
What This Means for Residents and Visitors
For the people who live in Dubai, this upgrade will make a real difference in their daily lives. Many residents travel on Sheikh Zayed Road every day to go to work, school, or shopping. A faster and smoother road means they can save time and reach their destinations without the stress of sitting in long traffic jams.
Visitors to Dubai will also benefit. Tourists often use Sheikh Zayed Road to travel between hotels, malls, and attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. With less congestion, their journeys will be more enjoyable and efficient. Business visitors, who rely on quick travel across the city for meetings, will also find the improvement helpful.
Supporting Dubai’s Economy and Lifestyle
A well-functioning road network is not only important for comfort but also for the economy. Dubai’s role as a global hub for trade, tourism, and business depends heavily on good transport. Companies need smooth logistics, employees need quick commutes, and visitors expect efficient travel. By upgrading Sheikh Zayed Road, the RTA is supporting all of these needs.
The extra lane also improves the city’s readiness to host large-scale events, international conferences, and exhibitions. Since many of Dubai’s major event venues and hotels are located along or near Sheikh Zayed Road, the road improvements will make these events more accessible and convenient.
Looking Ahead – More Projects to Come
The RTA has not stopped here. This widening is just one part of its broader strategy to keep improving Dubai’s roads. Other projects, such as new bridges, improved intersections, and smart traffic signal systems, are already in progress. Dubai’s goal is to become one of the best cities in the world for road safety and traffic efficiency.
By investing in infrastructure today, the city is making sure it is ready for the future. As Dubai continues to expand, these projects will play a vital role in ensuring that the city remains a comfortable and attractive place to live, work, and visit.
The widening of Sheikh Zayed Road near the Umm Al Sheif Street exit is a major achievement by the Roads and Transport Authority. By adding a seventh lane, the RTA has increased capacity, reduced congestion, and improved safety for road users. This project shows Dubai’s strong commitment to creating world-class transport systems and making life easier for its residents and visitors.
For thousands of people who use Sheikh Zayed Road every day, this development means shorter travel times, less stress, and smoother journeys. More than just a road project, it is a step forward in Dubai’s journey toward building a smart, efficient, and people-friendly city.
PM Modi Lays ₹6,300 Crore Projects in Assam Criticizes Congress
PM Modi accuses Congress of backing infiltrators lays ₹6,300 crore health and infrastructure project
Nepal President Dissolves Parliament Parties Call Move Unconstitutional
Nepal’s President dissolves Parliament, sparking criticism from major political parties and lawyers
Turkey fears becoming next target after Israel strike
Turkey warns Israel may expand attacks after strike on Hamas in Qatar. Tensions rise as Erdogan stre
How AI Is Transforming Banking From Smarter Risk Models to Virtual Financial Advisors
Explore how AI is reshaping banking with smarter risk models virtual advisors personalized service
Fatal Shooting of Conservative Activist in Utah College
Authorities investigate Utah college shooting that killed activist Charlie Kirk. Suspect arrested fa
MBZUAI Leads UAE’s Global AI Ambitions with New Student Programs
UAE’s MBZUAI advances AI education with new undergraduate, graduate programs and research shaping na
4.9 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Near Sinabang Indonesia
A shallow 4.9 earthquake shakes western Sinabang Indonesia. Authorities report no major damage but w
How AI Is Transforming Banking From Smarter Risk Models to Virtual Financial Advisors
Explore how AI is reshaping banking with smarter risk models virtual advisors personalized service
From $6.5 Trillion to $7.5 Trillion The New Era of Global Banking Growth
Global banking revenues set to rise from $6.5T in 2023 to $7.5T by 2027 driven by digital growth i
Global Banking 2025 A New Era of Technology Trust and Transformation
Discover how global banking in 2025 is being transformed by AI digital finance green banking and
Alibaba Unveils Smaller AI Model Matching Larger Ones Efficiently
Alibaba launches a new AI model that is smaller, faster, and cheaper but performs as well as larger
Fujairah Hosts Sixth Round of Khaled Bin Mohamed Jiu-Jitsu Championship
Over 1,600 young athletes compete in Fujairah as Baniyas Club tops rankings at the sixth round of Kh
UAE Tops Global Competitiveness Rankings and Shows Strong Growth
UAE ranks among the world’s top nations in competitiveness, innovation, health, and safety, leading
UAE rowers win silver and bronze at Asian Beach Sprint Finals
UAE rowing team wins silver and bronze at the Asian Rowing Beach Sprint Finals 2025 in China marking
UN chief condemns Haiti gang attack that killed over 40 people
UN chief denounces brutal gang attack in Haiti killing 40 calls for urgent global support to help re