226km of roads, 115 bridges: Dubai unveils bold road plan to slash travel times by 2027
Crown Prince reviews game-changing mobility projects
DUBAI: Dubai is set to transform the way its residents move around the city, with a sweeping infrastructure plan that aims to cut travel times, enhance sustainable mobility, and prepare the emirate for a population of 8 million by 2040.
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, reviewed the latest progress in a high-level briefing by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
The 2025–2027 Plan features 57 road development projects that will see the construction of 226 kilometres of new roads and 115 bridges and tunnels. The initiative encompasses 11 primary road corridors across Dubai – eight vertical and three horizontal – with major upgrades planned for key streets such as Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra, Hessa Street, and Al Fay Road.
Master Plan features development of 11 primary road corridors serving 8 million residents by 2040
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 4, 2025
- Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra Corridor upgrade to include 7,000 metres of bridges and tunnels
Project expected to cut travel time from 46 minutes to 11 minutes
- Hessa Street upgrade to… pic.twitter.com/q9DZMMekvs
Major roadworks
The Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra Corridor Development Project spans 16 km, connecting Jumeirah Street to Emirates Road. Serving a population of over one million residents, this key arterial route will see the construction of 7,000 metres of bridges and tunnels. Once completed, it will boost road capacity from 8,400 to 12,600 vehicles per hour, slashing travel time from 46 minutes to just 11.
To accelerate progress, the massive project has been divided into three phases. The first phase – covering the stretch from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road – is already 50% complete. This transformation will significantly ease traffic congestion in several high-density residential and development zones.
On Hessa Street, another vital artery, works are 60% complete, with parts of the road already open to traffic. The development features 9,000 metres of bridges at four upgraded intersections. The completed road will double its capacity from 4,000 to 8,000 vehicles per hour and bring down commute times from 30 minutes to just seven. An estimated 640,000 residents are expected to benefit from these improvements.
Adding to the sustainable mobility drive, a 13.5-kilometre cycling and e-scooter track is under construction along Hessa Street, linking Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills. It includes two uniquely designed five-metre-wide bridges – crossing Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road – with lanes divided between cyclists, e-scooter users, and pedestrians.
Hamdan bin Mohammed reviews the roadmap for deploying autonomous taxis across Dubai scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. His Highness also reviewed the existing and future cycling infrastructure across Dubai with 100 km of dedicated cycling tracks under construction. His… pic.twitter.com/zziU0lJQnV
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 4, 2025
Smart mobility push
Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed the Al Fay Street Corridor Project, which acts as an extension of Al Khail Road. It connects Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Emirates Road via Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street. The project includes 12,900 metres of roads and 13,500 metres of bridges across five intersections. Once completed, it will support an additional 64,400 vehicles per hour and serve approximately 600,000 residents.
Sheikh Zayed Road, used daily by around 2.5 million people, has also benefitted from rapid mobility solutions deployed between January and April 2025. These included dynamic toll pricing, variable parking tariffs, and seven fast-implementation solutions, which led to a 5–10% drop in congestion. Dynamic road tolls helped reduce traffic by 9%, while public transport ridership grew by 4%. Parking tariff changes also reduced traffic by 2.3% and increased transit usage by one percent.
To support efficiency and real-time project monitoring, the RTA has integrated advanced technologies such as AI and drone surveillance. These tools have doubled on-site supervision, slashed field survey times by 60%, and enhanced overall decision-making. Time-lapse imaging now provides round-the-clock oversight, increasing efficiency by 40% and reducing delays by 20% by catching problems early.
Future-ready transport
Sheikh Hamdan also reviewed the roadmap for launching autonomous taxis in Dubai. Agreements have been signed with three international firms to begin operations in 2026. The project’s first phase includes the deployment of over 60 vehicles for road mapping and data collection. Pilot operations will then launch across up to 65 pre-selected zones, all chosen with a focus on safety, accessibility, and smart mobility potential.
This initiative aligns with Dubai’s Self-Driving Transport Strategy, which aims to convert 25% of all transportation trips in the emirate to autonomous modes by 2030. The plan positions Dubai at the forefront of intelligent and sustainable urban transport.
In Al Barsha 2, the Model District Project is shaping up to become a showcase for Dubai’s "20-minute city" vision. The initiative is designed to ensure that essential services – including schools, clinics, parks, and retail centres – are within a 20-minute walk or bike ride from residential areas.
Model District in Al Barsha 2
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 4, 2025
The Model District Project in Al Barsha 2, which is designed to enhance liveability, expand green and open spaces, improve pedestrian infrastructure, and promote sustainable mobility.
Cycling tracks
The emirate currently boasts of 557 km of… pic.twitter.com/TqRMrH45gw
The district will feature 17 km of integrated cycling and pedestrian tracks, connecting residents to key hubs like Mall of the Emirates, Al Quoz Creative Zone, Dubai Hills, and Jumeirah Beach. Three community spaces and rest stops are being developed, with enhanced greenery that includes over 590 new trees. Amenities such as shaded smart seating and rental stations for bicycles and e-scooters will also be introduced.
Dubai currently boasts 557 km of dedicated cycling tracks. An additional 100 km is under construction, and 185 km more are planned. In 2024 alone, 47 million cycling trips were recorded across the city. As part of ongoing efforts to elevate user experience, Dubai plans to name its cycling routes and boost private sector partnerships to expand related services and host events.