Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road expansion to handle 14,000 vehicles per hour

Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website

The Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed a key road widening project on a 700-metre stretch of Sheikh Zayed Road, near the Umm Al Sheif Street exit. The upgrade expands the highway from six to seven lanes in one direction, boosting capacity by 16 per cent to accommodate up to 14,000 vehicles per hour.

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The initiative is part of the RTA’s broader strategy to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion across the emirate’s major road networks. By increasing capacity at one of the city’s most critical junctions, the project aims to offer smoother, faster, and safer commutes for road users, a Dubai Media Office report said.

The enhanced stretch specifically targets traffic coming from Abu Dhabi and heading toward central Dubai. The upgrade eliminates overlapping traffic movements near the Umm Al Sheif junction, a known bottleneck during evening peak hours. This is expected to reduce delays and enhance overall safety by lowering traffic density.

Sheikh Zayed Road: A lifeline for Dubai’s economy

Sheikh Zayed Road is one of Dubai’s busiest and most important highways, acting as a key artery that connects major residential, commercial, and financial districts. The corridor runs through high-density areas and provides access to iconic landmarks such as the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai International Financial Centre.

The road is also home to numerous multinational firms, banks, and leisure destinations, reinforcing its role as a vital economic and mobility hub. The recent improvements reflect the RTA’s commitment to maintaining Dubai’s infrastructure at global standards while supporting growth and livability.