Dubai Invests Dh1.1 Billion in Al Meydan Street Development to Cut Travel Times by 66%

Dubai has officially awarded contracts totaling Dh1.1 billion ($300.5 million) for a major transport initiative designed to increase vehicle capacity on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road by 18 per cent. Known as the Al Meydan Street Development Project, this transport scheme aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Economic Agenda D33, ultimately serving over 500,000 residents and workers across local residential and development areas.

A primary goal of the development is to slash travel times from Al Manama Street and Dubai–Al Ain Road to Umm Suqeim Street by an impressive 66 per cent, reducing the journey from 30 minutes down to just 10. The comprehensive plan incorporates 3,700 metres of bridges, 17 kilometres of new roads, and dedicated cycling tracks to enhance connectivity with the existing transportation network.

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors at the Roads and Transport Authority, stated that the project is slated for completion by 2028. He emphasized that the Roads and Transport Authority utilizes a proactive approach to planning and delivery to ensure an integrated, efficient road network capable of keeping pace with urban and economic growth.

"Al Meydan Street is one of Dubai’s key strategic corridors, running parallel to and supporting Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road," Al Tayer explained. He added that the initiative will reinforce connectivity, offer alternative routes for better traffic distribution, and optimize mobility efficiency throughout the emirate.

To accelerate implementation and maximize development benefits, the planned construction has been split into two contracts while maintaining overall integration. Ultimately, the project will improve traffic distribution across the network and enhance mobility between the northern and southern sectors of the emirate.