Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has successfully completed a strategic 700-metre road widening project on Sheikh Zayed Road near the Umm Al Sheif Street exit, boosting road capacity by 16%. The critical upgrade expands the lanes from six to seven, enabling the highway to handle up to 14,000 vehicles per hour. Aimed at alleviating chronic congestion during evening peak hours, the expansion is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and enhance safety for commuters traveling from Abu Dhabi toward central Dubai.
Sheikh Zayed Road stands as one of Dubai’s busiest and most vital transport arteries, connecting major residential, commercial, and financial hubs such as the Dubai International Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa, and Dubai Mall. This corridor is crucial not only for daily commuter traffic but also for facilitating the movement of goods, services, and business professionals.
The newly completed expansion project focuses on optimizing traffic efficiency near the Umm Al Sheif Street exit by eliminating overlap points at the junction—previously a major source of bottlenecks during rush hours. By adding an additional lane, the RTA has directly addressed the high-density traffic that often slowed travel and increased the risk of accidents in this section.
According to RTA officials, the upgrade aligns with the authority’s broader vision of enhancing road network performance across Dubai, reinforcing its position as a smart and sustainable city. The intervention is part of ongoing infrastructure improvements designed to reduce travel times, promote safety, and provide smoother journeys for road users.
Motorists traveling from Abu Dhabi will now benefit from a more seamless entry onto Sheikh Zayed Road, as the project mitigates the overlap and weaving challenges previously faced in the area. The RTA anticipates a measurable drop in travel time and congestion, especially during evening peak hours, contributing to a better overall commuting experience.
