Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed two new pedestrian bridges on Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Mina Street as part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project.
The authority also built six pedestrian and cyclist bridges across key locations in the city, with five scheduled to open by the end of 2025 and the sixth expected in early 2027.
Ongoing bridge construction
RTA plans to construct 23 additional pedestrian bridges by 2030, aiming to create a safer and more accessible environment for pedestrians and cyclists throughout Dubai. This initiative aligns with the city’s efforts to improve sustainable mobility and road safety.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of RTA, said: “RTA’s drive to deliver pedestrian bridges reflects the directives of the leadership to enhance road safety, provide a safe and sustainable mobility environment for all road users, and transform Dubai into a pedestrian and cyclist-friendly city. It also supports the city’s quality of life agenda.”
He added that the growing network of pedestrian infrastructure encourages residents to use sustainable transport for first and last-mile journeys, linking residential areas with key attractions and public transport.
Safety and satisfaction data
Al Tayer highlighted improvements in pedestrian safety and satisfaction: “RTA’s efforts in enhancing road safety and integrating infrastructure have contributed to a decline in pedestrian fatalities and accidents, from 9.5 deaths per 100,000 people in 2007 to 0.3 deaths in 2024, a reduction of 97%. RTA’s efforts in developing pedestrian crossings have also raised pedestrian satisfaction levels in Dubai to 88%, while pedestrian trips have increased from 307 million in 2023 to 326 million in 2024, a growth of 6%. In addition, cycling trips have risen from 44 million in 2023 to 46.6 million in 2024, reflecting a 5% increase.”
Bridge features and designs
The two completed bridges on Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Mina Street measure approximately 91 and 109 metres in length respectively, with widths of 3.4 metres and heights of 6.5 metres. Both include lifts, staircases, and advanced electromechanical systems such as fire alarms and remote monitoring.
Among the six pedestrian and cyclist bridges under construction, two notable ones span Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. These bridges, designed with inspiration from their surroundings, provide dedicated paths for pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users. The Sheikh Zayed Road bridge extends 528 metres, while the Al Khail Road bridge measures 501 metres in length. Each bridge has a five-metre width divided into a three-metre track for cyclists and a two-metre walkway for pedestrians.
Additional bridges are located on Al Manara Street in Al Quoz Creative Zone, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road near Tunis Street – Al Nahda, and Dubai–Al Ain Road connecting Wadi Al Safa 4 with Nadd Hessa. These bridges range from 45 to 730 metres in length and feature designs that integrate functional and aesthetic elements to fit their surroundings.
Future projects
The sixth pedestrian bridge under construction on Al Sukook Street, part of the Future Street Improvement Project, is expected to be completed by early 2027. It will feature lifts, staircases, and electromechanical systems designed to complement Dubai’s Central Business District.
Looking ahead, RTA plans to start constructing nine more pedestrian bridges by the end of 2028. These include bridges near Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay, and Sheikh Zayed Road close to the Burj Khalifa area, along with six bridges on Al Asayel Street.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
