Dubai's new Al Safa Street improvement cuts travel time to 3 minutes, boosting road capacity and supporting urban growth with expanded infrastructure.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has rolled out the Al Safa Street Improvement Project, marking a significant step forward in modernizing the city's infrastructure to cut travel time, enhance traffic flow, and support the Emirate’s rapid urban expansion.

This crucial project stretches 1.5km, running from the intersection of Al Safa Street with Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Wasl Street. It aims to accommodate the area’s population growth and improve the overall quality of life in key districts.

Upon completion, the time it takes to traverse Al Safa Street will decrease dramatically from 12 minutes to a mere 3 minutes. Additionally, the road capacity is set to double from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

New Bridges and Tunnels in Dubai

The project encompasses the construction of two bridges and two tunnels, amounting to a total span of 3.12km:

  • Bridge 1: Spanning 1,005 metres with four lanes, facilitating traffic from Al Wasl Street to Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street, holding a capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour.
  • Bridge 2: A 360-metre bridge with two lanes, catering to traffic from Al Satwa Road, with an estimated capacity of 2,800 vehicles per hour.
  • Tunnel 1: Two lanes extending 1,005 metres for traffic heading from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Wasl Street, with a capacity for 3,200 vehicles per hour.
  • Tunnel 2: Featuring two lanes in each direction, measuring 750 metres at Al Wasl and Al Safa junction, with a capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour.

The thoroughfare itself will be expanded from three to four lanes in each direction, offering two free-flowing and two signal-controlled lanes.

Besides alleviating congestion, the RTA is planning enhancements including pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, and landscaped public spaces to foster community interaction and visual appeal.

The project also involves upgrades to lighting, signage, drainage, and utility services.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated, “The Al Safa Street Improvement Project is part of the RTA’s comprehensive plan to enhance the road network in the area. This plan also includes the development of the Umm Suqeim and Al Wasl Streets.

“The project serves a vital district, well-known for its tourism, cultural, and sporting events, and is home to significant landmarks such as City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena, educational institutions, residential and commercial areas, luxury hotels, and upscale restaurants.

“It also improves connectivity with Downtown Dubai and nearby developments along Financial Centre Street, an area accommodating over one million residents."

Dubai Traffic Plan

The Al Safa upgrade is part of a broader master plan, which includes:

Al Wasl Street Development

  • Spans 15km from Umm Suqeim Street to 2nd December Street
  • Includes six intersections, five new tunnels (totaling 3.85km), and road enlargements to three lanes per direction
  • Reduces travel time by 50%, increasing capacity to 12,000 vehicles per hour

Umm Suqeim Street Development

  • Extends 6km, connecting Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road
  • Features six intersection upgrades, four bridges, and three tunnels (totaling 4.1km)
  • Shortens travel time from 20 minutes to 6 minutes, with road capacity expected to accommodate up to 16,000 vehicles per hour

These developments, once finalized, promise to enhance connectivity across Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and Emirates Road, contributing to Dubai's mobility and its economic standing.