Dubai is pressing ahead with an ambitious, multi-layered transport expansion programme as the emirate seeks to address mounting traffic pressures driven by rapid population growth, expanding commercial districts, and rising visitor numbers.

Through a combination of new metro lines, station upgrades, and large-scale road and bridge projects, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is reshaping the city’s mobility landscape in what officials describe as one of the most comprehensive infrastructure pushes in recent years.

From unveiling new metro corridors to easing bottlenecks at critical intersections and gateways, Dubai’s strategy reflects a long-term effort to future-proof mobility while supporting economic growth, urban expansion, and quality of life.

Dubai Metro Blue Line: Backbone for urban connectivity

RTA had released the official route map of the Dubai Metro Blue Line, offering the first detailed look at the emirate’s next major public transport project. Scheduled to open in 2029, the new line will connect 14 ground-level and underground stations across the city, with a capacity exceeding 320,000 passengers per day.

The Blue Line will consist of two main routes. The first spans 21 kilometres from Creek Interchange Station, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, and International City, before terminating at Academic City. This section will include 10 stations, among them an underground interchange.

The second route covers nine kilometres, running from Centrepoint Interchange Station in Al Rashidiya to International City 1, via Mirdif and Al Warqa, with four stations along the corridor. Supporting the operation will be a new metro depot to be built at Al Ruwayah 3, reinforcing the project’s scale and long-term operational readiness.

Gold Line plans signal further metro network expansion

In March 2025, it emerged that Dubai is preparing to take another step toward easing traffic congestion with plans for the Dubai Metro’s Gold Line. The proposed line underscores RTA’s broader strategy of expanding rail coverage to complement road infrastructure and relieve pressure on existing routes.

The Gold Line is planned to begin at Al Ghubaiba in Bur Dubai, extending through Business Bay, Meydan, Global Village, and Dubailand. Once operational, the line is expected to reduce congestion on the heavily utilised Red Line while improving accessibility between Dubai’s older districts and its newer residential and commercial developments.

The planned route reflects Dubai’s evolving urban geography, as population growth and real estate development increasingly stretch beyond traditional city centres.

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station set for major capacity upgrade

Alongside network expansion, the RTA is also focusing on optimising existing infrastructure to meet surging passenger demand. In partnership with Emaar Properties, the authority has signed an agreement to expand the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, one of the busiest stations on the network.

The expansion responds to sustained growth in ridership during New Year’s Eve celebrations, national and religious holidays, and major citywide events. The project will increase the station’s total area from 6,700 square metres to 8,500 square metres, significantly enhancing operational capacity.

Planned upgrades include improvements to station entrances and pedestrian bridges, expanded concourse and platform areas, and the installation of additional escalators and lifts. Entry and exit gates will be separated, the number of fare gates increased, and commercial spaces expanded to support additional revenue generation.

Once completed, passenger handling capacity is expected to rise from 7,250 passengers per hour to 12,320 passengers per hour, a 65 per cent increase. Daily capacity will reach up to 220,000 passengers, reinforcing the station’s role as a critical transit hub in downtown Dubai.

Dubai Harbour bridge project nears completion

Beyond rail, road connectivity remains a central pillar of Dubai’s transport strategy. The RTA has announced that 65 per cent of construction work has been completed on a 1,500-metre bridge linking 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 access to and from Dubai Harbour, easing congestion and improving connectivity. Scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2026, the project extends from Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road near the American University in Dubai, passing through the intersection of Al Naseem Street and Al Falak Street, crossing King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, and connecting to Dubai Harbour Street.

With a capacity of up to 6,000 vehicles per hour, the bridge is expected to dramatically cut travel time along the corridor from 12 minutes to just three minutes. The project also includes at-grade improvements at four major intersections, further strengthening traffic flow across the area.

Expanded bridge enhances access to Dubai International Airport Terminal 1

Improving access to global gateways is another priority area. In collaboration with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), the RTA has inaugurated a major expansion of the bridge leading to Terminal 1 at Dubai International Airport.

The project increased the number of traffic lanes from three to four, boosting capacity from 4,200 vehicles per hour to 5,600 vehicles per hour, a 33 per cent increase. The expansion is expected to ease congestion, reduce journey times, and enhance the overall experience for airport users.

As one of the world’s busiest airports for international passengers, smoother access to Terminal 1 strengthens Dubai’s reputation for efficiency in transport and logistics while supporting its role as a global aviation hub.

Oud Maitha and Sheikh Rashid corridor upgrades advance

Progress is also being made on the Oud Maitha Road and Al Asayel Street Development Project, where 60 per cent of construction has been completed. The initiative forms part of the wider Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project, aimed at modernising road infrastructure in line with population growth and urban expansion.

The project enhances connectivity between Al Asayel Street and Al Khail Road via Al Wasl Club Street, while providing a dedicated exit to Oud Maitha Road and Al Wasl Club Street. Its scope includes four major intersections, bridges spanning 4.3 kilometres, and roads extending 14 kilometres.

Once completed, the upgraded corridor is expected to serve more than 420,000 residents by 2030, easing congestion across several densely populated and strategically important districts.

Major capacity boost planned for Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan corridor

Further reinforcing Dubai’s long-term transport strategy, the RTA has awarded a contract for the development of the Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street intersection with Al Awir Road and Al Manama Street.

The project includes the construction of 2,300 metres of bridges, expanded traffic lanes, and the paving of service roads in both directions. New entrances and exits will serve residential and development areas along the corridor, significantly enhancing accessibility.

Once completed, traffic capacity along the corridor will increase from 5,200 vehicles per hour to 14,400 vehicles per hour, a 176 per cent rise. Travel times are expected to fall from approximately 20 minutes to just five minutes, with construction scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2028.

Supporting urban growth and mobility, Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, said the project forms a core component of the authority’s master plan.

“Undertaking this project is part of RTA’s master plan to develop the roads, bridges, crossings, and tunnels network to accommodate growing traffic volumes, enhance mobility, and ensure smoother traffic flow across Dubai,” Al Tayer said.

He added that the initiative supports urban expansion and population growth, serving residential and development areas with a combined population exceeding 600,000 residents and visitors.

India plans to slash tariffs on cars imported from the European Union to 40 per cent from as high as 110 per cent, sources said, in the biggest opening yet of the country’s vast market as the two sides close in on a free trade pact that could come as early as Tuesday.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has agreed to immediately reduce the tax on a limited number of cars from the 27-nation bloc with an import price of more than 15,000 euros ($17,739), two sources briefed on the talks told Reuters.

This will be further lowered to 10 per cent over time, they added, easing access to the Indian market for European automakers such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and BMW.

The sources declined to be identified as the talks are confidential and could be subject to last-minute changes. India‘s commerce ministry and the European Commission declined to comment.

“The mother of all deals”

India and the EU are expected to announce on Tuesday the conclusion of protracted negotiations for the free trade pact, after which the two sides will finalise the details and ratify what is being called “the mother of all deals”.

The pact could expand bilateral trade and lift Indian exports of goods such as textiles and jewellery, which have been hit by 50 per cent US tariffs since late August.

India is the world’s third-largest car market by sales after the US and China, but its domestic auto industry has been one of the most protected. New Delhi currently levies tariffs of 70 per cent and 110 per cent on imported cars, a level often criticised by executives, including Tesla chief Elon Musk.

New Delhi has proposed slashing import duties to 40 per cent immediately for about 200,000 combustion-engine cars a year, one of the sources said, its most aggressive move yet to open up the sector. This quota could be subject to last-minute changes, the source added.

Battery electric vehicles will be excluded from import duty reductions for the first five years to protect investments by domestic players like Mahindra & Mahindra and Tata Motors in the nascent sector, the two sources said. After five years EVs will follow similar duty cuts.

Local market

Lower import taxes will be a boost for European automakers such as Volkswagen, Renault and Stellantis, as well as luxury players Mercedes-Benz and BMW which locally manufacture cars in India but have struggled to grow beyond a point in part due to high tariffs.

Lower taxes will allow carmakers to sell imported vehicles for a cheaper price and test the market with a broader portfolio before committing to manufacturing more cars locally, said one of the two sources.

European carmakers currently hold a less than 4% share of India‘s 4.4-million units a year car market, which is dominated by Japan’s Suzuki Motor as well as homegrown brands Mahindra and Tata that together hold two-thirds.

With the Indian market expected to grow to 6 million units a year by 2030, some companies are already lining up new investment.

Renault is making a comeback in India with a new strategy as it seeks growth outside Europe, where Chinese carmakers are making strong inroads, and Volkswagen Group is finalising its next leg of investment in India through its Skoda brand.

Read: From CEPA to execution: UAE–India Business Council outlines 2026 priorities

Saudi Arabia’s plan to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games has been postponed, with organisers confirming that the event will be rescheduled to a later date yet to be announced.

The decision was announced over the weekend by the Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), following discussions on the future delivery of the games.

In a joint statement, the two bodies said they had agreed on an updated hosting framework.

“The Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee and the Olympic Council of Asia have agreed on an updated framework for future hosting of the Asian Winter Games, confirming the postponement of the 2029 edition to a later date to be announced in due course.”

The games were set to take place at Trojena, the mountain destination under development as part of the Neom giga-project. Saudi Arabia was set to become the first Middle Eastern country to host the Asian Winter Games, a milestone aligned with the kingdom’s wider sports, tourism and economic diversification agenda.

Saudi Arabia will now host a series of standalone winter sports events in the coming years, ahead of staging the full multi-sport games.

“These competitions are designed to promote winter sports while providing additional preparation time to support wider regional representation at future Asian winter events,” the statement said.

What happens to the 2029 slot?

With the 2029 edition now postponed, attention will turn to possible interim hosts.

South Korea and China, hosts of the 2018 and 2022 Winter Olympics respectively, have been mentioned as possible alternatives.

China also staged the most recent Asian Winter Games in Harbin in 2025.

However, a replacement host has neither been announced nor confirmed.

The postponement comes against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s rapid rise as a global sports host, underpinned by sustained investment across football, motorsport, boxing, golf and esports.

The kingdom is also preparing to host the 2034 Fifa World Cup. The tournament will be the largest sporting event ever staged in Saudi Arabia, and a defining moment for the country’s long-term sports and tourism strategy.

Growing the sport sector is also a key component of the country’s ambitious Vision 2030 plan to diversify and grow its economy.

According to the Saudi Arabia Sports Business & Tech Report 2025 by Berlin-based SportsTechX, the Kingdom’s sports market is projected to grow from $8.4bn in 2024 to $22.5bn by 2030, driven by sustained public and private investment.

Dubai Police reinforced its reputation for operational excellence in the fourth quarter of 2025, with its Command-and-Control Centre handling more than 1.46 million calls while maintaining one of the fastest emergency response times globally.

Dubai Police reviewed the operational readiness of its General Department of Operations during a Q4 2025 performance assessment meeting, with a focus on preparedness for emergencies, disasters, and adverse weather conditions. The review highlighted efficient patrol deployment, rapid response to emergency reports, and continued efforts to safeguard critical locations and public assets across the emirate.

The assessment was led by Hareb Al Shamsi, Deputy Commander-in-Chief for Criminal Sector Affairs, and attended by Saif Muhair Al Mazroui, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations; Mohammad Al Muhairi, Acting Director of the General Department of Operations; Ahmad Al Muhairi, Director of the Inspection and Control Department; alongside a number of senior officers.

Faster response times amid rising call volumes

Operational data presented during the meeting showed that 99.5 per cent of emergency calls were answered within less than 10 seconds during Q4 2025, a significant improvement compared to 91.1 per cent recorded in the same period of 2024. The performance was achieved despite a sharp increase in call volumes, underscoring Dubai Police’s ability to sustain rapid response standards under growing demand.

The Command-and-Control Centre remains the central hub for managing emergency and non-emergency reports, acting as the first point of contact for the public and ensuring incidents are assessed, prioritised, and resolved efficiently.

During the fourth quarter of 2025, the General Department of Operations recorded a 99.54 per cent security coverage rate, up from 98.01 per cent in the corresponding period last year. The improvement reflects enhanced operational planning and the department’s ability to adapt effectively to changing security requirements and weather-related challenges.

Technology-driven public safety

During his visit to the Command-and-Control Centre, Major General Al Shamsi reviewed recent technological and operational upgrades designed to strengthen Dubai Police’s response capabilities across a wide range of security and emergency scenarios. These enhancements support real-time situational awareness, data-driven decision-making, and intelligent performance monitoring, reinforcing Dubai’s standing as one of the world’s safest cities.

At the conclusion of the visit, Major General Al Shamsi recognised several outstanding employees for their professionalism and dedication, commending the General Department of Operations’ workforce for its teamwork, commitment, and consistently high performance standards.

Read: Dubai Police launches 7 smart legal services: Here’s how they’ll help you

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.