New bridge is part of Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project
Dubai. August 13, 2026: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to officially open
tomorrow, Friday, a 500-metre, two-lane bridge serving traffic from Dubai
World Trade Centre and One Central buildings towards the intersection
of Al Mustaqbal Street and Za’abeel Palace Street and contributes to cut
travel time from Dubai World Trade Centre down from 10 minutes to just
2 minutes during major events.
The newly completed bridge forms part of Al Mustaqbal Street
Development Project, which extends from its intersection with Za’abeel
Palace Street to Financial Centre Street. The project, being delivered at
a cost of AED 633 million, features 2,000 metres of bridges and tunnels,
and extends to expanding Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in
each direction.
The project will increase the street’s capacity by 33%, from 6,600 to
8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions and reduce journey time from
13 minutes to 6 minutes.
Integrated Project
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board
of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said: “Al
Mustaqbal Street Development Project is being implemented in line with
the directives of the wise leadership to continue developing the
infrastructure of the road network and public transport systems to
accommodate the needs of urban development and population growth,
while enhancing quality of life.
“The project forms part of an integrated scheme that also involves
upgrading the World Trade Centre Roundabout, where works are
progressing rapidly, and completion has exceeded 85%. With several
bridges already opened, RTA is set to open another bridge by the end of
August to serve traffic coming from Sheikh Rashid Road towards 2nd
December Street. In October, RTA will open the project’s final bridge,
which will serve traffic coming from Al Majlis Street towards 2nd
December Street.”
Al Tayer added: “Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project is
strategically significant given its location at the heart of a vital district
including Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial
Centre, and its role in linking Downtown Dubai with Business Bay.
“Beyond improving traffic efficiency, the project will enhance access to
key financial, business and events destinations, support investment,
trade and tourism flows, and strengthen the area’s readiness to keep
pace with economic growth and host major global events. This will
enhance Dubai’s competitiveness and appeal as a global business and
financial hub, while emphasising the role of roads and transport
infrastructure in supporting economy and development.”
Creative and Aesthetic Features
Al Tayer said: “Work on the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project is
progressing at an advanced pace, ahead of the approved timeline, with
completion exceeding 50%. In February 2027, RTA will open three
tunnels extending 1,500 metres at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street
and Trade Centre Street.
“The project also incorporates a range of creative and aesthetic features
designed to enhance the area’s urban character, including upgraded
pedestrian walkways, a cycling track and decorative lighting that provide
safer and more accessible routes for all.
“The project will also create urban spaces that encourage community
interaction and provide vibrant, inclusive environments. It will connect
surrounding development areas with metro stations to ensure seamless
and integrated access for residents and visitors.”
Al Tayer also affirmed that the project serves several commercial,
residential and development areas, most notably Dubai World Trade
Centre, the region’s largest venue for major international events and
exhibitions for more than 40 years. It hosts global exhibitions and
conferences such as GITEX, Arabian Travel Market, WHX Dubai
(formerly Arab Health), Gulfood, Transport Exhibition and other major
events. It also serves Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the
leading financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, as well
as Za’abeel, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. It is expected to
benefit around half a million residents and visitors.
Three Tunnels and a Bridge
Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project further involves constructing
three tunnels spanning 1,500 metres at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal
Street and Trade Centre Street. The first is a three-lane tunnel on Al
Mustaqbal Street towards Deira, with a capacity of 4,500 vehicles per
hour. The second is a two-lane tunnel enabling left-turn movement from
Al Mustaqbal Street towards Trade Centre Street. It serves traffic in both
directions towards Deira and Jebel Ali and has a capacity of 3,000
vehicles per hour in both directions. The third tunnel covers one lane,
serves One Central, and with a capacity of 1,500 vehicles per hour.
Other works include constructing a 500-metre, two-lane bridge serving
traffic from Dubai World Trade Centre onto the intersection of Za’abeel
Palace Street and Al Mustaqbal Street. Alongside expanding Al
Mustaqbal Street across a 3,500-metre stretch from its intersection with
Financial Centre Street to its intersection with Za’abeel Palace Street,
increasing the number of lanes from three to four in each direction.
It further delivers free-flow links to improve traffic movement at the
intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street with Exhibition Street and Trade
Centre Street, in addition to a newly constructed pedestrian bridge on Al
Sukook Street and upgrades to the existing intersections along the
street.
Concurrent Projects
Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project is being delivered in parallel
with two integrated projects in the area. Foremost is the World Trade
Centre Roundabout Development Project, one of Dubai’s key
intersections, linking Sheikh Zayed Road with five vital roads: Sheikh
Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, 2nd December Street,
Za’abeel Palace Street and Al Mustaqbal Street.
Additionally, five bridges extending 5,000 metres will also be constructed
besides converting the existing roundabout into an at-grade intersection
to improve traffic flow in the area.
The second is Oud Maitha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project,
which is scheduled for full opening by the end of this month. It also
entails the development of four major intersections featuring bridges
spanning 4,300 metres and 14 kilometres of roads.
Serving service, residential and development areas with a projected
population of over 420,000 by 2030, It will cut journey time from 20
minutes to 10 minutes, a 50% improvement.
