New Dubai bridge cuts Al Ain–Nad Al Sheba travel time to just 1 minute
Project serves 30,000 residents with high-capacity traffic solution
DUBAI’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the construction of a new two-lane bridge spanning approximately 700 metres to directly link Dubai–Al Ain Road with Nad Al Sheba.
The infrastructure project is part of RTA’s wider strategy to enhance road capacity, reduce congestion, and support the emirate’s fast-growing residential areas.
Designed to serve inbound traffic from Dubai–Al Ain Road heading towards Al Ain, the bridge will cater to residents of Nad Al Sheba and surrounding neighbourhoods. With a maximum design capacity of 2,600 vehicles per hour, it will dramatically cut the travel time between the two areas – from six minutes down to just one.
The bridge is expected to benefit around 30,000 residents by improving traffic flow and reducing pressure at major entry and exit points in Nad Al Sheba.
How will the new bridge transform traffic in Nad Al Sheba?
The new structure is more than a connector – it’s a high-capacity corridor that aligns with RTA’s long-term vision for integrated mobility and efficient urban development. The bridge will ease vehicle congestion at peak times and support the ongoing expansion of residential zones in Dubai.
By enhancing traffic fluidity and eliminating bottlenecks, the bridge will serve not only the residents of Nad Al Sheba but also motorists travelling towards Meydan and nearby districts. The reduced travel time is expected to positively impact daily commutes, especially for those relying on Dubai–Al Ain Road as a primary route.
When will construction start?
According to RTA, construction is scheduled to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026. The timeline reflects Dubai’s commitment to timely infrastructure delivery while adhering to the highest safety and engineering standards.
This initiative is one of several key projects under RTA’s agenda to modernise Dubai’s transport systems and respond proactively to urban growth. It supports broader objectives of sustainability, road safety, and smart mobility as outlined by the city’s leadership.
The bridge complements previously completed infrastructure in Nad Al Sheba, including a 170-metre, two-lane bridge inaugurated at the intersection of Nad Al Sheba Street and Dubai–Al Ain Road. That structure provides improved access to Meydan, Nad Al Sheba, and neighbouring development projects.
What are the key upgrades?
Alongside major bridge projects, RTA has implemented several upgrades across Nad Al Sheba to streamline traffic and enhance road safety – especially in school zones. Nearby educational institutions such as Repton School and Al Khaleej International School, which jointly serve around 10,000 students, have seen targeted traffic enhancements.
These include designated pick-up and drop-off zones, new parking bays, and improved signage, all contributing to smoother movement during peak school hours.
Other interventions include the conversion of a key intersection – at Latifa bint Hamdan Street and Nad Al Sheba Street – into a roundabout, resulting in a 50% reduction in delay times. This shift has helped redistribute traffic more evenly and reduce conflict points at the junction.
RTA also constructed additional entry and exit points from Meydan Street to Nad Al Sheba, enabling a 60% reduction in travel time for internal commuters. These efforts were reinforced with a newly integrated road network within Nad Al Sheba 1, 3, and 4, significantly improving connectivity between internal neighbourhoods and collector roads.
The comprehensive approach reflects RTA’s vision for sustainable and future-ready road systems. Through these projects, the Authority continues to incorporate public feedback and engage with communities, ensuring developments align with residents' mobility needs and expectations.