Sheikh Zayed Road expansion: 3,200 cars to be accommodated per hour

The Roads and Transport Authority in Dubai has completed rapid traffic enhancements on Sheikh Zayed Road.

The road adjacent to the Financial Centre Metro Station has been expanded in the direction heading towards Abu Dhabi, increasing the number of lanes from three to four.

Read-Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road: What the RTA is doing to reduce traffic

According to a WAM report, this road expansion has boosted its capacity by 25 per cent and is now set to accommodate 3,200 vehicles per hour, as opposed to 2,400 previously. Traffic congestion has been significantly reduced at the road entrance, eliminating vehicle queues and cutting the journey time from five minutes to just two.

The enhancements were carried out to optimize the efficiency of the emirate’s road network, improve traffic flow, reduce congestion at key intersections, and increase road capacity, while maintaining road safety standards.

Sheikh Zayed Road: Dubai’s vital economic corridor

This project included the expansion and upgrading of key locations along Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road.

As a vital economic corridor surrounded by residential areas and major economic and commercial landmarks—including the Dubai International Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, multinational corporations, banks, investment firms, hotels, and entertainment facilities—it serves as a primary route for business and daily commuting. It is also a key arterial roadway in Dubai.

The improvements along this road are part of the RTA’s ongoing efforts to implement innovative traffic solutions on Dubai’s key roads, in order to keep pace with the city’s urban growth and expansion.

“RTA remains committed to enhancing traffic flow across Dubai, particularly on Sheikh Zayed Road. Through innovative enhancements and traffic solutions, we aim to provide a seamless and safe travel experience for all motorists and road users across the emirate,” said Ahmed Al Khzaimy, Director of Traffic at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency.

The RTA has also optimised the traffic merging distance between Al Khail Road and Financial Centre Street in the direction towards Dubai.

The extension of the merging distance has eased congestion and improved service levels, resulting in a 25 per cent reduction in journey time along Sheikh Zayed Road, from four minutes to three. This development has ensured smoother and more efficient traffic flow.