Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has unveiled a major infrastructure project to upgrade Al Wasl Road as part of broader efforts to improve traffic flow and accommodate the emirate’s growing population.
Project scope and goals
The Al Wasl Road development covers a 15 km stretch from the intersection with Umm Suqeim Street to the junction with 2nd December Street. The road will be widened from two to three lanes in each direction and is expected to cut travel time by 50%, increasing capacity from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour.
The project includes the construction of five tunnels spanning 3,850 metres and upgrades to six intersections—Al Thanya, Al Manara, Umm Al Sheif, Umm Amara, Al Orouba, and Al Safa Streets.
Key features and improvements
According to RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer, “Al Wasl Road Development Project forms part of a master plan developed by the RTA to upgrade the road network in the area, which also includes enhancements to Umm Suqeim and Al Safa Streets.”
He added, “These projects are designed with a focus on creative and aesthetic elements, incorporating dedicated pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, boulevards, and vibrant urban public spaces that promote community interaction.”
Detailed tunnel upgrades include:
A unidirectional tunnel at Al Manara Street, branching into two routes from Sheikh Zayed Road to Jumeirah Street and Umm Suqeim Street, handling up to 4,500 vehicles per hour.
A 750-metre tunnel at Umm Al Sheif Street, handling 3,200 vehicles per hour.
A dual-direction tunnel at Umm Amara Street, 700 metres long, with a combined capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour.
A unidirectional tunnel at Al Orouba Street, 625 metres long, with a 1,400-vehicle hourly capacity.
A 750-metre tunnel at Al Safa Street, two lanes in each direction, serving up to 6,400 vehicles per hour.
The Al Satwa roundabout will be converted into a signalised junction, and signal control systems will be upgraded at five Jumeirah Street intersections.
Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra corridor
The Al Wasl Road upgrades are part of a larger plan that includes improvements to Umm Suqeim Street. This corridor serves over two million residents and will see capacity increased from 12,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour. Travel time from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road is expected to drop from 20 minutes to just six.
Key upgrades include:
Six intersection improvements
Four bridges and three tunnels
Additional lane expansions
Elevated ramps at Al Khail Road intersections
Further development is ongoing along Umm Suqeim Street toward Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road, including an 800-metre tunnel and several intersection upgrades.
Al Qudra Road expansion
The RTA is also upgrading Al Qudra Road, starting from its junction with Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and extending to Emirates Road. Work includes bridge construction totaling 2,700 metres and road widening along 11.6 km. Once completed, travel time will be reduced from 9.4 minutes to 2.8 minutes.
These projects are part of Dubai’s strategic efforts to modernise road infrastructure, reduce congestion, and improve transport efficiency across the city.
