WATCH: Dubai unveils 300-metre bridge easing congestion to Mall of the Emirates
Dh5 billion redevelopment adds new retail, dining, and cultural spaces
DUBAI – The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with Majid Al Futtaim Properties, has opened a new 300-metre single-lane bridge on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, giving direct access to Mall of the Emirates car parks for motorists arriving from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.
The bridge, which has the capacity to handle 900 vehicles per hour, forms part of a wider Dh5 billion redevelopment programme, enhancing the roads and infrastructure surrounding one of Dubai’s busiest retail and leisure destinations.
According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, the project included not only the construction of the bridge but also several key upgrades. The works widened the southbound ramp at the Umm Suqeim junction, improved the junction itself, and enhanced access for vehicles arriving from Umm Suqeim Street.
As part of our ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and ease mobility for residents and visitors across key #Dubai areas, #RTA has constructed a 300-metre bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road.
— RTA (@rta_dubai) October 5, 2025
The single-lane bridge provides direct access for traffic coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali… pic.twitter.com/pXoLQgPs7g
The RTA also redeveloped 2.5km of surrounding roads, upgraded six signalised intersections, modified the bus station at Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, converted the road adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel into two-way traffic, and added new pedestrian and cycling facilities.
How will it help?
Al Tayer explained that the improvements will have immediate benefits for road users: “The new bridge reduces the travel time for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to Mall of the Emirates from 10 minutes to just one minute. It also enhances traffic efficiency and improves road safety on the roads surrounding the mall.”
The wider transport development is expected to ease congestion in the area, facilitating better movement for both residents and visitors.
What’s next?
The authority also announced the Umm Suqeim Street Improvement Project, a 6km upgrade stretching from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road. The plan includes six upgraded junctions, four bridges, and two tunnels to increase road capacity and connectivity. One major feature is the addition of a lane on Umm Suqeim Street from its junction with First Al Khail Road to Al Asayel Street, expanding the road to four lanes in each direction. Two key bridges are also part of the works, one linking Al Khail Road to Al Quoz Industrial Area, and another connecting Umm Suqeim Street to Al Khail Road in the direction of Deira.
Mall of the Emirates, opened in 2005 and attracting more than 40 million visitors annually, is also undergoing a Dh5 billion redevelopment to celebrate its 20th anniversary. The expansion will add 20,000 square metres of retail space, up to 100 new outlets, a new health club, cultural centre, and dining district. The mall continues to offer three five-star hotels and direct connectivity to the Dubai Metro.