Key Takeaways:

• RTA has awarded a major AED 700 million infrastructure contract

• Project includes a new 2-lane bridge connecting Dubai-Al Ain Road to Al Meydan Street

• Al Meydan Street to be widened to 4 lanes in each direction

• Aimed at easing congestion near Al Meydan, Ras Al Khor, and Business Bay

• Completion expected by Q3 2026

Major Upgrade for Key Arterial Roads in Dubai

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially awarded a AED 700 million construction contract to expand and upgrade key sections of the city’s road network. The project includes the development of a new two-lane bridge linking Dubai-Al Ain Road with Al Meydan Street, as well as the widening of Al Meydan Street itself. This initiative is part of Dubai’s wider strategy to improve traffic flow and connectivity across fast-growing urban districts.

The project’s scope covers the construction of a 3.5 km-long bridge, elevated above Ras Al Khor Road, connecting the two vital highways. It will include four ramps to ensure seamless movement across multiple directions and facilitate smoother traffic flow, especially during peak hours.

Strategic Importance of the Link

The areas surrounding Dubai-Al Ain Road and Al Meydan Street have witnessed rapid residential and commercial development in recent years. Projects like Sobha Hartland, District One, MBR City, and parts of Business Bay depend heavily on these corridors for access. However, bottlenecks—especially around the Ras Al Khor intersection—have long caused delays for commuters.

By widening Al Meydan Street to four lanes in each direction and constructing this new bridge, the RTA expects to significantly ease congestion in this traffic-dense zone. The project is designed to handle up to 28,800 vehicles per hour in total once fully operational.

Integration with Wider Urban Plans

The bridge and road widening also support Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, which prioritizes improved infrastructure, liveability, and mobility across the city. This development follows the successful expansion of Dubai-Al Ain Road (completed in 2023), which saw the road widened to six lanes in each direction from Al Ruwayyah to the Emirates Road interchange.

The latest project will further integrate with:

• The future Etihad Rail passenger line terminal in Ras Al Khor

• Road access improvements to Meydan One and Dubai Design District

• Potential new bus and mass transit routes currently under study by the RTA

What It Means for Real Estate & Commuters

Real estate investors and residents in MBR City, Al Quoz 2, Nad Al Sheba, and Business Bay stand to benefit significantly from this upgrade. The improved road connectivity will reduce travel times to Downtown Dubai, DIFC, and Dubai International Airport, likely increasing the appeal and value of surrounding properties.

Furthermore, the infrastructure boost is expected to accelerate the handover and occupancy of large master-planned communities in the vicinity. It may also have a positive knock-on effect on commercial leasing demand in Al Meydan and Ras Al Khor.

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