Dubai motorists can expect significant relief as the Roads and Transport Authority has awarded a transformative contract to upgrade the intersection of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with Al Awir Road and Al Manama Street. This ambitious project forms part of the authority’s comprehensive strategy to enhance mobility and accommodate the Emirate’s exceptional population growth.
Massive Infrastructure Enhancement
The development includes constructing 2,300 meters of bridges, widening existing lanes, developing service roads, and adding new entry and exit points along Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street and Al Awir Road. The centerpiece involves converting the existing roundabout at the Al Awir Road intersection into a grade-separated interchange, enabling uninterrupted traffic flow in all directions.
Scheduled for completion in Q3 2028, the project will dramatically increase road capacity from 5,200 vehicles per hour in both directions to 14,400 vehicles per hour—a remarkable 176% surge. Travel times are projected to plummet from 20 minutes to just five minutes, delivering substantial time savings for daily commuters.
Supporting Rapid Urban Expansion
The infrastructure upgrade serves residential and development areas with a combined population exceeding 600,000 residents and visitors. This timing proves critical as Dubai added 208,030 new residents in just 12 months, reaching over 4.04 million people by November 2025, representing the highest annual expansion ever recorded in the city’s demographic indicators.
The population growth rate has maintained approximately 3.5% throughout 2025, with roughly 567 new residents arriving daily. This explosive growth necessitates continuous infrastructure expansion to maintain quality of life and economic competitiveness.
Part of Broader Transformation
The project builds upon extensive previous work along Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street. Earlier phases included constructing a 25-kilometer dual carriageway from Dubai-Al Ain Road to Al Yalayis Street roundabout, upgrading multiple intersections, and building a grade-separated interchange near Global Village entrance.
The authority also developed signalized intersections at Al Qudra Street and Hessa Street, along with constructing two 120-meter bridges at Dubai Silicon Oasis intersection, providing capacity for 14,400 vehicles per hour in both directions with 20 lanes beneath for surface traffic.
Strategic Vision for Future Growth
This upgrade aligns with the authority’s master plan to develop a comprehensive network of roads, bridges, crossings, and tunnels accommodating rising traffic volumes. The initiative reflects Dubai’s commitment to maintaining world-class infrastructure standards while supporting continued urban expansion.
With traffic congestion remaining a persistent challenge in rapidly growing areas, these strategic investments ensure the city’s transportation network evolves alongside its demographic and economic development Thus, maintaining Dubai’s reputation as a globally competitive business and lifestyle destination.
