Dubai launches Dh1.1bn plan to slash Meydan travel times by 66 per cent

The Dubai government has invested Dh1.1 billion ($300.5 million) in a major transport project to dramatically improve travel times along Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. Dubbed the Al Meydan Street Development Project, it is part of Dubai's broader Urban Master Plan and Economic Agenda D33, and is designed to serve over half a million residents and workers.

One of the project's key objectives is to cut the journey from Al Manama Street and Dubai-Al Ain Road to Umm Suqeim Street by a staggering 66 percent – reducing a 30-minute trip to just 10 minutes. The ambitious scheme encompasses 3,700 meters of bridges and 17 kilometers of roads, and will also introduce dedicated cycling tracks to enhance overall connectivity.

Mattar Al Tayer, the director general and chairman of the board of executive directors at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), emphasized that the project aligns with the authority's proactive approach to urban development. He highlighted that Al Meydan Street is a critical strategic corridor, running parallel to and supporting the key Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.

The project has been divided into two contracts to expedite implementation while maintaining the project's overall cohesion. This strategic approach will help maximize the project's benefits, including improved traffic flow, distribution, and mobility efficiency between key areas. As the RTA continues to plan for the future, Al Meydan Street will play a crucial role in linking several important parts of Dubai and strengthening the city's overall transportation network.