Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), a member of the Higher Committee of Al Quoz Creative Zone, has announced the completion of a major package of infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and strengthening transport integration across the district.

The initiatives form a core part of Dubai’s broader strategy to position Al Quoz as a globally competitive creative hub while supporting sustainable urban mobility and economic growth, a Dubai Media Office report said.

Read more-Inside Dubai’s Al Quoz Creative Zone: Here’s what’s coming

The completed projects align with a comprehensive master plan for Al Quoz Creative Zone, which is designed to attract creatives from around the world as well as entrepreneurs and investors seeking opportunities in the creative economy. The zone offers a fully integrated ecosystem that supports every stage of the creative process, from design and production to exhibition and marketing. It also provides affordable live-work options within a partnership framework that supports commercial viability for developers and landowners, according to a Dubai Media report.

Beyond its economic objectives, Al Quoz Creative Zone has been developed as a distinctive urban destination. The area includes dedicated venues for hosting events, alongside high-quality public spaces designed to encourage walking and active travel. These elements help shape a strong urban identity and reinforce Al Quoz’s position as a year-round destination for cultural, educational and recreational experiences.

Key infrastructure projects completed

As part of the latest phase of development, RTA has delivered a range of transport and mobility projects designed to improve accessibility and safety while supporting multimodal movement within and beyond the creative zone.

Among the most prominent additions is a new pedestrian and cycling bridge on Al Manara Street. The bridge has been designed to enhance safety and ensure the smooth flow of pedestrian and cyclist movement within the area and its surrounding neighbourhoods. Incorporating aesthetic design elements that align with the identity and built environment of Al Quoz Creative Zone, the structure measures 45 metres in length, 5.5 metres in width and stands 6 metres high. It includes two access ramps, each extending 210 metres.

In parallel, RTA has completed three mobility hubs and developed pedestrian and cycling tracks, along with individual mobility routes spanning a total of four kilometres. These initiatives significantly enhance connectivity between Al Quoz Creative Zone, Onpassive Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station, enabling seamless and efficient multimodal transport options for residents, workers and visitors.

RTA has also completed preparations for the implementation of the Super Blocks project within Al Quoz Creative Zone. This initiative forms part of Dubai’s wider master plan to develop pedestrian pathways across the emirate and reimagine urban streets as people-focused spaces.

Super blocks and flexible urban spaces

The Super Blocks project introduces flexible urban spaces capable of hosting artistic events and cultural festivals. It enables the temporary closure of selected streets, transforming them into pedestrian-only urban environments during major events. One of the key initiatives supported by this approach is the Al Quoz Arts Festival, scheduled for January 24 and 25 and organised by Alserkal Avenue in strategic partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture).

The project supports the objectives of the Year of the Family, Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Dubai Urban Plan 2040 by strengthening social cohesion through the provision of recreational spaces that encourage artistic and cultural engagement. By transforming key attraction areas into pedestrian-focused environments, the Super Blocks project enhances quality of life and reinforces Dubai’s positioning as a globally recognised, pedestrian-friendly city.

In addition, the initiative advances the 20-Minute City concept by encouraging residents and visitors to adopt environmentally friendly soft mobility modes. It contributes to the creation of a sustainable, healthy and low-carbon urban environment through the expansion of green spaces, while also supporting economic activity and unlocking new investment opportunities.

Building an integrated transport system

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, and vice chairman of the Higher Committee of Al Quoz Creative Zone, said the completion of the mobility projects reflects RTA’s strategic approach to building an integrated transport system.

“The completion of the mobility projects reflects RTA’s approach to building an integrated transport system that facilitates movement, reduces reliance on private vehicles, and enhances urban mobility efficiency in a way that serves residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs,” he said.

Al Tayer noted that connecting Al Quoz Creative Zone to Al Safa Metro Station and Al Quoz Bus Station, alongside the development of an integrated network of pedestrian, cycling and individual mobility routes, forms part of RTA’s commitment to delivering people-centric mobility solutions that enhance quality of life across Dubai.

He added that the pedestrian and cycling bridge on Al Manara Street represents a valuable addition that improves safety and traffic flow while reinforcing the priority given to pedestrians and sustainable transport. Meanwhile, the mobility hubs and internal pathways contribute to creating a connected and accessible urban environment that encourages walking and social interaction.

“The Super Blocks project also supports targets of Dubai Urban Plan 2040 by embedding the 20-Minute City concept, enabling people to access work, services, and leisure within a compact and well-connected urban setting,” Al Tayer said.

Culture as an economic driver

Hala Badri, director general of Dubai Culture, said Al Quoz Creative Zone reflects Dubai’s ambitions to position culture as a key economic driver, strengthening the emirate’s standing as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity and a thriving hub for talent.

“Through Al Quoz Creative Zone, Dubai has established a model that supports and empowers creatives, entrepreneurs and investors while encouraging innovation,” Badri said. “The zone provides a full range of facilities that nurture the growth of investment projects and add economic value to their output, drawing on the area’s unique assets.”

She added that the completion of soft mobility and transport integration projects will further enhance the zone’s appeal. Dubai Culture, she said, remains committed to activating the area through high-impact initiatives and programmes that support innovators and highlight opportunities within the city’s cultural and creative industries.

“These efforts align with our focus on investing in young talent and consolidating Dubai’s role as a global hub for the creative economy,” Badri said.

Ambitious growth targets

The land-use master plan for Al Quoz Creative Zone is designed to support a significant expansion in activity over the coming years. Upon full implementation, the number of creatives operating in the zone is expected to increase from 900 to 20,000. The area will also be able to accommodate 8,000 residents and attract approximately 33,000 visitors per day.

The plan includes a tenfold increase in studio and workshop spaces, a threefold expansion of leisure and support facilities, and a 30 per cent rise in leasable areas. Compared with industrial districts dedicated to the arts worldwide, Al Quoz Creative Zone is set to rank among the largest globally in terms of built-up area and the number of practitioners it accommodates.

A distinctive planning code

As part of its long-term vision, a distinctive planning code has been introduced for Al Quoz Creative Zone, with a strong focus on integrated live-work environments. Under this framework, 2,900 affordable housing units will be delivered specifically for creatives.

The planning code places significant emphasis on public realm design, with spaces created to host artistic activities, cultural events and product showcases. It also includes the transformation of Sikeek, or alleys, into shaded outdoor areas, along with the development of knowledge and exploration routes featuring recreational facilities. Public plazas and shared open areas have been designed to support relaxation, social interaction and the display of art.

The master plan also adopts an innovative visual identity strategy, incorporating sculptures, murals and dedicated art routes throughout the district to provide visitors with a distinctive experience. At the same time, it preserves Al Quoz’s existing urban form and industrial character by repurposing warehouses to accommodate a wide range of activities. Infrastructure networks have been defined in line with development requirements, with preliminary plans prepared in coordination with all relevant authorities.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that 65 per cent of construction work has been completed on a 1,500-metre bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour, the Middle East’s largest yacht marina and a flagship waterfront destination.

The dual-lane bridge in each direction is designed to significantly enhance connectivity and ease congestion, offering direct access to and from the iconic Dubai Harbour. The project is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of this year, according to a report by Dubai Media Office.

The project contractor has already completed 90 per cent of work related to upgrading and adjusting utility services intersecting with the bridge. In parallel, approved traffic diversions have been implemented to maintain smooth flow for commuters while allowing construction to progress according to schedule.

Read more-Inside Dubai RTA’s Oud Maitha Road upgrade: Faster commutes for 420,000 residents

Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, emphasised the strategic importance of the project.

“This project reflects the directives of our leadership to develop an integrated infrastructure that supports the rapid urban and economic growth witnessed by Dubai,” he said.

Al Tayer added that the initiative exemplifies effective collaboration between RTA and strategic private-sector partners, ensuring road and transport projects are closely aligned with urban development plans, particularly along the emirate’s waterfront. “Such coordination enhances mobility, supports quality of life, and strengthens Dubai’s position as a leading global city to live, work, and invest,” he said.

Reducing journey times

The bridge will extend from Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road, near the American University in Dubai, pass through the intersection of Al Naseem Street and Al Falak Street, and cross King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street before connecting to Dubai Harbour Street.

Spanning 1,500 metres with two lanes in each direction, the bridge will handle up to 6,000 vehicles per hour. The project also includes at-grade improvement works at four key intersections: Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Falak Street with Al Naseem Street, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street with Al Naseem Street, and Dubai Harbour Street.

Once completed, the bridge is expected to reduce travel time along the corridor from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes, providing a faster, more efficient commute for residents and visitors.

Boosting Dubai Harbour as a maritime destination

Abdulla Binhabtoor, CEO of Shamal Holding, highlighted the strategic value of the bridge for Dubai Harbour. “Dubai Harbour Bridge represents a significant advancement in infrastructure connecting the city to its waterfront, further strengthening Dubai Harbour’s position as a fully integrated and highly connected maritime destination,” he said.

Binhabtoor added that the project demonstrates Shamal’s long-term vision for creating iconic destinations that elevate Dubai’s urban and architectural landscape. “Our planning is informed by a deep understanding of how destinations evolve, allowing us to invest at the right time and support seamless, sustainable experiences for residents and visitors,” he said.

“The bridge enhances daily commutes to and from Dubai Harbour through its direct link to Sheikh Zayed Road, improving quality of life while reflecting the leadership’s vision for world-class connectivity,” Binhabtoor concluded.

Dubai Harbour: A waterfront hub

Dubai Harbour enjoys a prime location between Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah, near landmarks including the Burj Al Arab. The destination combines residential, retail, and leisure offerings, and is currently undergoing a major development spanning 1.5km.

The project includes a residential complex of 24 towers and approximately 7,500 apartments, further solidifying Dubai Harbour’s status as a vibrant, integrated waterfront community.

With the bridge nearing completion, Dubai is poised to enhance its urban mobility infrastructure while supporting the growth of a world-class maritime destination, signaling continued investment in infrastructure that drives both economic growth and quality of life.

As cooler conditions persist across the country, UAE residents saw a rainy start to Monday, January 26, following light showers on Sunday evening.

According to the National Centre of Meteorology’s (NCM) bulletin for Monday, January 26, conditions would be partly cloudy to cloudy in general, with a probability of light rainfall over some northern and eastern areas, and a slight decrease in temperatures.

The report said it would humid by night and Tuesday morning over some coastal and internal areas with a probability of fog or mist formation.

Light to moderate winds, freshening at times causing blowing dust are also forecast. The bulletin also stated, “The sea will be rough to moderate in the Arabian Gulf and rough by morning, becoming moderate to slight in the Oman Sea.”

The bulletin described the weather as an “extension of surface low-pressure system, accompanied by an extension of upper-air low-pressure system.”

Dubai’s RTA also issued a post on X, advising motorists to be careful on the roads during rainy conditions.

UAE weather: NCM forecast from January 27-30

Tuesday, January 27: Fair to partly cloudy, and low clouds will appear over some eastern and northern areas. Humid by night and Wednesday morning over some western areas, with a chance of fog or mist formation. Light to moderate Northwesterly to Northeasterly winds, freshening at times, with a speed of 10 – 20, reaching 35 km/hr. The sea will be slight to moderate at times in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea.

Wednesday, January 28: Fair to partly cloudy, and low clouds will appear over some eastern and northern areas and temperature will increase. Humid by night and Thursday morning over some western areas, with a chance of fog or mist formation. Light to moderate Northeasterly to Southeasterly winds, with a speed of 10 – 20, reaching 30 km/hr. The sea will be slight in the Arabian Gulf and in the Oman Sea.

Thursday, January 29: Fair to partly cloudy, and low clouds will appear over some eastern and northern areas with a probability of light rainfall by afternoon. Humid by night and Friday morning over some internal areas. Light to moderate Southeasterly becoming Northwesterly winds, with a speed of 10 – 25, reaching 40km/hr. The sea will be slight to moderate, becoming rough gradually by night in the Arabian Gulf and slight in the Oman Sea.

Friday, January 30: Fair to partly cloudy, and low clouds will appear over some eastern and northern areas. Decrease in temperatures. Humid by night and Saturday morning over some internal areas with a probability of fog or mist formation. Light to moderate Northwesterly winds, with a speed of 10 – 25, reaching 40km/hr. The sea will be moderate to rough in the Arabian Gulf and slight to moderate in the Oman Sea.

Severe weather conditions across the USA, combined with planned airport infrastructure works in Europe, have triggered a wave of flight cancellations and operational suspensions by major Gulf carriers, underscoring the vulnerability of global aviation networks to both environmental and logistical disruptions.

Airlines including Emirates, Etihad Airways, flydubai and Qatar Airways have issued travel updates warning passengers of cancellations, suspensions and potential delays as conditions evolve.

Read more-European airlines reroute flights to avoid Iranian and Iraqi airspace

The developments come as airlines intensify their focus on operational resilience, customer communication and contingency planning amid increasingly frequent weather-related disruptions and infrastructure constraints.

Emirates cancels multiple US flights due to Storm Fern

Emirates has cancelled a significant number of flights to and from the USA due to the anticipated severe impact of Storm Fern across parts of the country. The airline confirmed that services on key routes connecting Dubai with New York, Washington, Boston and Dallas, as well as select European-US routes, have been affected.

Cancelled flights include EK203, EK204, EK201 and EK202 between Dubai and New York on 25 and 26 January, alongside EK205 and EK206 between Milan and New York. Additional cancellations cover routes between Athens and Newark, Dubai and Dallas, Dubai and Washington, and Dubai and Boston, spanning travel dates between January 24 and 25.

Customers connecting through Dubai on the affected flights will not be accepted for travel at their point of origin. Emirates has advised impacted passengers to contact their travel agency for rebooking, while those who booked directly with the airline are encouraged to reach out through Emirates’ customer service channels. Customers have also been urged to ensure their contact details are up to date via the airline’s “Manage Your Booking” platform to receive the latest updates.

The airline stated that it continues to monitor the situation closely and apologised for the inconvenience caused.

flydubai suspends Basel operations for runway refurbishment

Separately, flydubai has announced a temporary suspension of all operations to Basel, Switzerland, due to scheduled runway refurbishment at EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg Airport. The suspension will be in effect from April 16 to May 22, 2026.

Customers affected by the Basel cancellations have been advised to contact the flydubai Contact Centre in Dubai, visit a flydubai travel shop, or reach out to their travel agent to explore rebooking or refund options. The airline has also encouraged passengers to update their contact details through its “Manage your booking” feature and to regularly check flight status updates on its website.

While unrelated to weather conditions, the suspension highlights how planned infrastructure upgrades can also significantly impact airline schedules and passenger travel plans.

Etihad cancels New York and Washington flights amid US airport closures

Etihad Airways has also cancelled several services to and from the USA as severe weather conditions and airport closures affect North America. Flights to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Washington Dulles International Airport scheduled for Sunday, January 25, have been impacted.

The affected flights include EY1 and EY3 from Abu Dhabi to New York, EY2 and EY4 from New York to Abu Dhabi, and EY5 and EY6 between Abu Dhabi and Washington. Etihad confirmed that all other services to the United States and Canada are currently planned to operate as scheduled.

The airline described the situation as evolving, noting that further delays or cancellations may occur if conditions worsen. Affected guests are being assisted by Etihad teams and will be rebooked on alternative flights when services resume or offered a full refund if requested. Passengers have been asked to ensure their contact details are up to date to receive timely notifications.

Qatar Airways issues advisory for US-bound passengers

Qatar Airways has issued a general advisory warning passengers travelling to and from the United States to check for updates on flight operations due to the ongoing winter storm. While no specific cancellations were listed, the airline encouraged customers to monitor its website and mobile application for the latest information.

The advisory reflects the broader operational uncertainty facing airlines operating transatlantic routes during severe winter weather events.

Building on the momentum generated by the recent Presidential visit of His Highness the President of the UAE to India for talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the UAE-India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC) has outlined a comprehensive roadmap for 2026 aimed at converting strategic bilateral intent into sustained, on-the-ground economic impact.

The visit reaffirmed the depth and maturity of the India-UAE partnership, anchored by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), deepening trust and expanding alignment across trade, investment, technology, infrastructure and people-to-people engagement. As both governments set out ambitious forward-looking priorities, UIBC-UC has positioned itself as a key institutional platform to support execution, coordination and private-sector participation across the corridor.

Building on 2025 momentum

UIBC-UC’s 2026 agenda builds on a year of tangible outcomes in 2025. These included the successful convening of the inaugural India-UAE: Partners in Progress Conclave, which brought together senior policymakers, investors and business leaders to advance sector-specific dialogue. The Council also hosted a closed-door strategic meeting in Dubai with India’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Shri Piyush Goyal, reinforcing policy alignment and bilateral economic priorities.

Progress continued on the UAE-India Friendship Hospital (UIFH) project, led by founding trustees and UIBC-UC members Faizal Kottikollon, Nilesh Ved, Tariq Chauhan, Siddharth Balachandran and Ramesh Ramakrishnan, underscoring the Council’s commitment to social infrastructure and healthcare collaboration.

In parallel, UIBC-UC advanced its education and social impact agenda through the Dream School project in Kashmir, focused on expanding access to quality education and skills development. These efforts were further reinforced by the Council’s participation in the official delegation accompanying His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, to India, led by the founding trustees, strengthening institutional continuity and high-level trust.

Collectively, these milestones demonstrated UIBC-UC’s ability to move beyond dialogue to delivery, laying the groundwork for a more ambitious and outcome-driven 2026.

Three pillars for 2026

UIBC-UC’s 2026 roadmap is anchored in three integrated pillars: knowledge creation, strategic facilitation, and people-to-people engagement. Together, these pillars are designed to enable informed decision-making and accelerate execution across the India-UAE economic corridor.

At the core of this agenda is a series of research papers scheduled for launch in 2026. These papers are intended as deal-enabling tools, directly informing investment decisions, policy coordination and commercial partnerships emerging from bilateral engagements.

One paper will examine India-UAE AI integration, mapping opportunities for a shared AI ecosystem across healthcare, logistics, fintech, manufacturing and smart cities. Reflecting the growing emphasis on digital public infrastructure and AI-enabled governance, the research aims to support the design of concrete pilots and partnerships discussed during leadership-level visits.

A second study will focus on the role of UAE sovereign wealth funds in India’s next infrastructure cycle, including opportunities linked to Dholera, Gujarat and GIFT City. It will contextualise Prime Minister Modi’s invitation to UAE sovereign investors to participate in the second infrastructure fund following NIIF, expected to launch in 2026, and propose frameworks to channel long-term capital into transport, energy transition, logistics and urban development.

A third paper will explore consumer, retail and supply chain integration under CEPA, connecting evolving consumer behaviour and omnichannel retail models with initiatives such as Bharat Mart. The objective is to position Bharat Mart as a platform to scale Indian manufacturing, MSMEs and exports into the UAE and wider regional markets.

The final paper will address India-UAE co-venturing in Africa, outlining practical co-investment and execution models that combine Indian operational capabilities with UAE capital and global connectivity to deliver projects across energy, digital infrastructure, logistics and human development.

Business missions and engagement

Recognising the importance of people-to-people engagement, UIBC-UC will lead a structured dialogue series in 2026, including at least two major UAE-to-India business missions. These will combine central government engagement in New Delhi with targeted state-level visits aligned to sectoral priorities.

The Council will also support inbound delegations from India, deepening institutional familiarity and accelerating project-level collaboration across priority sectors such as advanced manufacturing, infrastructure, clean energy, food security, fintech, healthcare innovation and digital public goods. These efforts are designed to contribute meaningfully to the revised $200bn India-UAE bilateral trade and investment target.

As part of its forward-looking agenda, UIBC-UC will also serve as a knowledge contributor at the World Governments Summit 2026, further reinforcing its role as a bridge between policy vision and commercial execution.

As India and the UAE enter the next phase of their strategic partnership, UIBC-UC’s integrated approach aims to ensure that leadership-level outcomes are supported by sustained, ground-level action, strengthening one of the world’s most dynamic and future-oriented bilateral relationships.

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