New Dubai Harbour bridge to open this June, slashing travel time to 3 minutes
Direct route designed to ease congestion and improve mobility
DUBAI – The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 90 per cent of a major bridge project that will provide direct entry and exit points between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour, significantly improving access to one of the emirate’s leading waterfront destinations.
The project, being delivered in collaboration with Shamal Holding, involves the construction of a 1,500-metre bridge featuring two lanes in each direction and a total capacity of up to 6,000 vehicles per hour. Once operational, the new route is expected to reduce travel times between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour from 12 minutes to just three minutes.
The development forms part of the RTA’s wider strategy to enhance Dubai’s transport infrastructure, improve road network efficiency and support the city’s continued urban, residential and tourism growth. Dubai Harbour is one of the emirate’s premier coastal destinations and is home to the largest yacht marina in the Middle East.
Project progress
Construction has advanced rapidly, with substantial portions of the foundations, bridge columns and concrete barriers already completed. The project has engaged 1,400 engineers and workers across 12 teams and has accumulated more than 4.2 million work hours since construction began, while maintaining a zero lost-time injury record.
More than 45,000 cubic metres of concrete and 8,273 tonnes of steel have been utilised throughout the project. The structure includes 254 piles, 66 bridge columns and five bridge ramps.
According to the project schedule, the bridge will open this June for motorists travelling from Sheikh Zayed Road, coming from both Deira and Jebel Ali, towards Dubai Harbour.
A further phase will follow in July, when traffic movement will begin from Dubai Harbour towards Al Naseem Street. The same phase will also open the connection from the new bridge to the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and Al Naseem Street.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the project reflects the leadership’s vision of delivering integrated infrastructure capable of supporting Dubai’s fast-paced urban and economic expansion.
He said the bridge project is part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to develop a connected and efficient road network while ensuring infrastructure readiness for future growth across key areas of the city.
How will it ease traffic?
Al Tayer described the scheme as an example of successful public-private collaboration, highlighting the close coordination between the RTA and Shamal Holding.
He noted that the project will provide sustainable traffic solutions and facilitate seamless access to Dubai Harbour, while enhancing mobility and supporting a higher quality of life for residents and visitors.
#RTA has completed 90% of a project to construct a 1,500-metre bridge with two lanes in each direction, providing direct entry and exit between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour, one of the emirate’s leading modern waterfront and tourism destinations and home to the largest… pic.twitter.com/YdHHg0wRjI
— RTA (@rta_dubai) June 7, 2026
The bridge begins at Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road near the American University in Dubai. It passes through the intersection of Al Naseem Street and Al Falak Street, crosses over the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and extends to Dubai Harbour Street.
In addition to the bridge itself, the project includes at-grade improvements at four major intersections along the corridor. These upgrades are designed to improve traffic circulation and strengthen connectivity throughout the surrounding area.
Upon completion, the new infrastructure is expected to ease congestion and accommodate increasing traffic demand generated by ongoing development projects in the vicinity.
Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer of Shamal Holding, described the bridge as a significant milestone in the evolution of Dubai Harbour.
He said improved connectivity is essential to the creation of world-class destinations and noted that the development will support Dubai Harbour’s continued growth as one of the region’s leading seafront districts.
Binhabtoor added that the project reflects Shamal Holding’s long-term investment strategy, which focuses on creating lasting value and contributing to Dubai’s future development.
Dubai Harbour occupies a strategic location between Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah and sits alongside some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, including Burj Al Arab. The destination offers a mix of residential, retail and entertainment experiences and continues to attract investment and development.
A major development currently under construction within Dubai Harbour spans 1.5 kilometres and includes a residential complex comprising 24 towers with approximately 7,500 apartments, further increasing the importance of efficient transport links to the area.
With traffic set to begin using sections of the new bridge this month and final works progressing towards completion in July, the project is poised to become a key component of Dubai’s expanding transport network and a crucial gateway to one of its fastest-growing waterfront districts.