Dubai: New 600m Al Qudra Road bridge cuts travel time to 2.8 minutes
New road link congestion between Arabian Ranches and Dubai Studio City
DUBAI – Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened a new 600-metre bridge at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and the link road connecting Arabian Ranches with Dubai Studio City, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing Al Qudra Road Development Project.
The structure, which provides four lanes in each direction, is designed to ease congestion at one of the corridor’s busiest junctions and improve traffic movement across several major residential districts. The opening forms part of a wider programme to upgrade key intersections and expand capacity along Al Qudra Road, one of Dubai’s principal east-west transport corridors.
The newly completed bridge improves traffic flow on both Al Qudra Road and the connecting route between Arabian Ranches and Dubai Studio City. According to RTA figures, the upgrade increases traffic capacity at the junction by 191%, rising from 6,600 vehicles per hour to 19,200 vehicles per hour. Waiting times at the intersection have also been reduced by 55%, with delays falling from 113 seconds to 52 seconds. The improvements are expected to significantly enhance daily commuting for residents and visitors travelling between surrounding communities.
New bridge
The corridor covered by the Al Qudra Road Development Project extends from its intersection with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, passing through Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Emirates Road, before continuing along Al Qudra Road. The newly opened bridge represents a major component of this broader upgrade, which targets improved traffic efficiency and smoother mobility across expanding urban districts.
RTA has confirmed that an additional structure at the same junction is scheduled to open later this month. The northern, or left-side, bridge at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street will open on 15 February. Spanning 700 metres, the bridge provides two lanes in each direction and will serve traffic moving along Al Qudra Road towards Al Qudra City, as well as traffic heading towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. This opening will remain in effect until completion of works on the southern, right-side bridge.
Capacity gains
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said the Al Qudra Road Development Project is being implemented in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and under the follow-up of 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.
He stated that the project supports smoother mobility for residents and visitors while keeping pace with Dubai’s sustained urban expansion. The development is aimed at addressing the emirate’s growing population and increasing demand on road infrastructure, particularly across rapidly developing residential zones.
Al Tayer noted that the project involves upgrading several major intersections, constructing bridges with a combined length of 2,700 metres, and widening and improving existing roads over a total length of 11.6 km. Once completed, the project is expected to cut journey times by 70%, reducing travel time along the corridor from 9.4 minutes to 2.8 minutes. The upgraded network will serve residential and development areas accommodating an estimated 400,000 residents and visitors.
Strategic corridor
Al Qudra Road plays a central role in strengthening Dubai’s east-west road connectivity. Al Tayer described the project as one of the key initiatives aimed at enhancing these strategic corridors, extending from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road through to Emirates Road. The route serves a number of major development areas, including Arabian Ranches 1 and 2, Dubai Motor City, Dubai Studio City, DAMAC Hills, Mudon and The Sustainable City.
The upgrades are designed to increase road capacity and improve traffic efficiency at critical intersections, reducing congestion and shortening travel times between key destinations. The project also ensures uninterrupted traffic flow along Al Qudra Road towards Emirates Road and onwards to Al Qudra City, as well as in the opposite direction. Enhancements to road safety standards form a core part of the development, supporting both residential mobility and economic activity across the communities served by the corridor.
Intersection works
Beyond the newly opened bridge, the project includes major works at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street. These works involve the construction of a 700-metre bridge providing four lanes in each direction, along with auxiliary lanes on side ramps featuring two lanes per ramp. This configuration allows traffic to move smoothly in all directions without disrupting the main carriageway.
Additional structures are under construction to support traffic movements at this strategic junction. A 500-metre bridge is being built to serve vehicles travelling from Al Qudra Road to Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street towards Jebel Ali. RTA is also constructing a 900-metre bridge to accommodate traffic heading from Al Qudra Road towards the city centre and Dubai International Airport.
To further enhance connectivity, the project includes the development of 3 km of service roads on both sides of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, improving access to surrounding development projects. Once completed, the upgraded intersection is expected to increase capacity from 7,800 vehicles per hour to 19,400 vehicles per hour. Waiting times at the junction will be reduced by 85%, with delays falling from 393 seconds to 60 seconds.
Development areas
The Al Qudra Road Development Project also covers upgrades to sections of Al Qudra Road extending from its intersection with Emirates Road to the existing roundabout serving several fast-growing communities. These include Town Square Dubai, Mira Developments and DAMAC Hills 2.
Works along this stretch include widening Al Qudra Road by increasing the number of lanes in both directions over a 3.4 km section within the developers’ zone. RTA is also constructing a new 4.8 km road in the southern part of the area, directly linking it to Emirates Road to improve entry and exit movements for nearby developments.
Further enhancements include the addition of extra lanes on both sides of Emirates Road across a total length of 4.8 km.