Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has kicked off a major road infrastructure upgrade aimed at easing traffic across one of the city’s busiest corridors. A contract worth AED 633 million has been awarded for the redevelopment of Al Mustaqbal Street, a strategic urban artery stretching from Za’abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street.
The ambitious project will increase the road’s capacity by 33%, raising the peak-hour flow from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles. Travel time along the route is also expected to be slashed by more than half—from 13 minutes to just six.
“Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project forms part of a broader project that includes the development of the Trade Centre Roundabout,” said Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA.
He emphasized that the improved road network will benefit several high-traffic zones, including the Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Za’abeel—areas that collectively serve hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors.
Key upgrades include the construction of three tunnels totaling 1.2 kilometers and a 450-meter bridge. Among them are a three-lane tunnel towards Deira accommodating 4,500 vehicles per hour, a two-lane bidirectional tunnel connecting Deira and Jebel Ali for 3,000 vehicles, and a single-lane tunnel serving One Central, with a capacity of 1,500 vehicles per hour.
The project also expands a 3.5-kilometer stretch of Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in both directions and adds new free-flow ramps at key junctions like Exhibition Street and Trade Centre Street. A pedestrian bridge will also rise over Al Sukook Street, while existing intersections will be upgraded.
Beyond vehicle infrastructure, the project includes enhancements for pedestrians and cyclists, such as wider walkways, a dedicated cycling track, and public spaces designed to encourage community activity. Decorative lighting and better links to Dubai Metro stations further align the project with Dubai’s push for a sustainable and inclusive urban environment.
The development is part of RTA’s larger vision for urban mobility, which includes revamping the Trade Centre Roundabout—a key node linking Sheikh Zayed Road with five arterial roads. This overhaul will introduce five bridges totaling 5 kilometers and convert the roundabout into a signalised intersection to improve central Dubai’s traffic flow.
The Al Mustaqbal Street project follows a series of major infrastructure upgrades by the RTA, including the recent Al Khail Road expansion and the ongoing development of Oud Metha and Al Asayel Streets, all aimed at enhancing road efficiency and serving Dubai’s growing population.