Dubai RTA Starts Traffic Upgrades at 28 Locations This Summer

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has launched a series of traffic improvement projects at 28 locations across the emirate between July and September 2026. The works aim to reduce traffic congestion, improve road safety, enhance connectivity between residential communities, educational institutions and development areas, and support Dubai's continued urban and population growth. The projects cover four school zones, three development areas, and 21 other locations across Dubai.

The authority scheduled the works during the summer holiday period to take advantage of lower traffic volumes, allowing construction to progress faster while minimising disruption for motorists.

Emirates Road Expansion Expected to Cut Peak-Hour Travel Time by 25%

One of the biggest projects under the programme is the expansion of Emirates Road, a key route connecting Dubai with neighbouring emirates. The project includes the addition of two new lanes along a 5-kilometre stretch from the Emirate of Sharjah towards Al Amardi Street.

According to RTA, the road carries heavy traffic during peak hours, and the expansion is expected to reduce peak-hour journey times by 25%, helping improve traffic flow and ease congestion on one of Dubai's busiest transport corridors.

Major Roads and Intersections to Receive Traffic Upgrades

The traffic improvement programme also includes upgrades at several important roads and intersections across Dubai.

Work is underway at the intersection of Trade Centre Street and Marasi Drive in Business Bay, while traffic flow is also being improved on Latifa Bint Hamdan Street near Al Quoz Industrial Area and on Ras Al Khor Road towards Al Khail Road.

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These improvements are designed to increase intersection efficiency, support smoother traffic movement, and accommodate growing vehicle volumes in key parts of the city.

Residential Areas to Get Additional Lanes for Better Traffic Flow

RTA is also introducing road improvements in residential neighbourhoods to increase road capacity and reduce delays for daily commuters.

The works include:

• Adding a new lane at the intersection of Al Khawaneej Street and Al Amardi Street.
• Expanding the right-turn movement from Ras Al Khor Road towards Dubai–Al Ain Road from one lane to two lanes.
• Widening a traffic lane on Algeria Street in Al Mizhar 4 before the entrance to the labour accommodation.

The authority said these upgrades will help reduce queues, improve vehicle movement, and enhance overall road efficiency in these areas.

New Parking Facilities Planned at Two Dubai Schools

As part of preparations for the 2026 academic year, RTA is constructing new parking spaces for Zayed Educational Complex in Al Mizhar 2 and additional parking facilities for Horizon International School in Umm Al Sheif.

The new parking areas are expected to improve traffic management around the schools, make student drop-off and pick-up operations smoother, and reduce congestion during peak school hours while improving road safety.

RTA Used Traffic Data and Public Feedback to Select Project Locations

RTA said the 28 project locations were selected following detailed technical and field studies, including analysis of historical traffic patterns, field survey findings, intelligent transport system data, surveillance camera monitoring, and public feedback received through different communication channels.

By using traffic data and community suggestions, the authority aims to deliver quick and effective road improvements that reduce journey times, improve traffic efficiency, strengthen road safety, and provide a better travel experience for residents and visitors across Dubai.

This summer programme forms part of RTA's ongoing strategy to modernise Dubai's transport infrastructure and ensure the road network keeps pace with the emirate's continued growth.