Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened Phase I of the Hessa Street Development Project, marking a key step in easing traffic movement between Al Khail Road and Sheikh Zayed Road.
The newly opened section spans 4.5 kilometres and is part of a wider infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving traffic flow in several residential and commercial areas.
Phase 1 opens
The first phase extends from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Zayed Road and includes the widening of Hessa Street to four lanes in each direction. Bridges have also been completed at key intersections with Al Asayel Street, First Al Khail Street and Sheikh Zayed Road.
According to RTA, the opening improves vehicle movement from Al Khail Road through Hessa Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road.
Overall completion of the Hessa Street Development Project has reached 90 per cent. Remaining works include road works, bridge construction, intersection upgrades and cycling tracks, which are scheduled to be completed in the second quarter of this year.
The total cost of the project is approximately Dhs690 million.
Capacity and coverage
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, said the project supports Dubai’s long-term growth plans.
“It constitutes a major road infrastructure development project serving several residential and development areas, including Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha residential area, and Jumeirah Village Circle. The population of the areas served by the project is expected to exceed 640,000 residents by 2030. The project will double traffic capacity on Hessa Street, increasing capacity from 8,000 vehicles per hour in both directions to 16,000 vehicles per hour,” Al Tayer explained.
He added: “Hessa Street Development Project extends from the intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to the intersection with Al Khail Road over a length of 4.5 km. The project includes the development of four major intersections along Hessa Street with Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road, in addition to widening Hessa Street from two to four lanes in each direction.”
Cycling and intersections
The project also includes a 13.5 km cycling and e-scooter track linking Al Sufouh and Dubai Hills through Hessa Street. The track connects residential areas such as Al Barsha and Barsha Heights and provides access to Dubai Internet City Metro Station.
“The project includes developing dedicated cycling and e-scooter tracks extending 13.5 km, 4.5 metres wide. The track links Al Sufouh and Dubai Hills via Hessa Street and serves several residential neighbourhoods,” Al Tayer said.
Four major intersections are being developed as part of the project. These include upgrades at Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Asayel Street, and Al Khail Road. The intersection with Al Khail Road was opened at the end of 2024 and features a direct ramp for traffic heading north towards Sharjah.
