RTA to Open 500-Metre Bridge on Friday, Serving Traffic from Dubai World Trade Centre onto Al Mustaqbal Street
New bridge is part of Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project
Dubai. Roads and Transport Authority. 13th August 2026:
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is set to officially open tomorrow, Friday, a 500-metre, two-lane bridge serving traffic from Dubai World Trade Centre and One Central buildings towards the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Za’abeel Palace Street and contributes to cut travel time from Dubai World Trade Centre down from 10 minutes to just 2 minutes during major events.
The newly completed bridge forms part of Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project, which extends from its intersection with Za’abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street. The project, being delivered at a cost of AED 633 million, features2,000 metres of bridges and tunnels, and extends to expanding Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in each direction.
The project will increase the street’s capacity by 33%, from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour in both directions and reduce journey time from 13 minutes to 6 minutes.
Integrated Project
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, said: “Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project is being implemented in line with the directives of the wise leadership to continue developing the infrastructure of the road network and public transport systems to accommodate the needs of urban development and population growth, while enhancing quality of life.
“The project forms part of an integrated scheme that also involves upgrading the World Trade Centre Roundabout, where works are progressing rapidly, and completion has exceeded 85%. With several bridges already opened, RTA is set to open another bridge by the end of August to serve traffic coming from Sheikh Rashid Road towards 2nd December Street. In October, RTA will open the project’s final bridge, which will serve traffic coming from Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street.”
Al Tayer added: “Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project is strategically significant given its location at the heart of a vital district including Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai International Financial Centre, and its role in linking Downtown Dubai with Business Bay.
“Beyond improving traffic efficiency, the project will enhance access to key financial, business and events destinations, support investment, trade and tourism flows, and strengthen the area’s readiness to keep pace with economic growth and host major global events. This will enhance Dubai’s competitiveness and appeal as a global business and financial hub, while emphasising the role of roads and transport infrastructure in supporting economy and development.”
Creative and Aesthetic Features
Al Tayer said: “Work on the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project is progressing at an advanced pace, ahead of the approved timeline, with completion exceeding 50%. In February 2027, RTA will open three tunnels extending 1,500 metres at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street.
“The project also incorporates a range of creative and aesthetic features designed to enhance the area’s urban character, including upgraded pedestrian walkways, a cycling track and decorative lighting that provide safer and more accessible routes for all.
“The project will also create urban spaces that encourage community interaction and provide vibrant, inclusive environments. It will connect surrounding development areas with metro stations to ensure seamless and integrated access for residents and visitors.”
Al Tayer also affirmed that the project serves several commercial, residential and development areas, most notably Dubai World Trade Centre, the region’s largest venue for major international events and exhibitions for more than 40 years. It hosts global exhibitions and conferences such as GITEX, Arabian Travel Market, WHX Dubai (formerly Arab Health), Gulfood, Transport Exhibition and other major events. It also serves Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the leading financial centre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, as well as Za’abeel, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. It is expected to benefit around half a million residents and visitors.
Three Tunnels and a Bridge
Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project further involves constructing three tunnels spanning 1,500 metres at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street. The first is a three-lane tunnel on Al Mustaqbal Street towards Deira, with a capacity of 4,500 vehicles per hour. The second is a two-lane tunnel enabling left-turn movement from Al Mustaqbal Street towards Trade Centre Street. It serves traffic in both directions towards Deira and Jebel Ali and has a capacity of 3,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. The third tunnel covers one lane, serves One Central, and with a capacity of 1,500 vehicles per hour.
Other works include constructing a 500-metre, two-lane bridge serving traffic from Dubai World Trade Centre onto the intersection of Za’abeel Palace Street and Al Mustaqbal Street. Alongside expanding Al Mustaqbal Street across a 3,500-metre stretch from its intersection with Financial Centre Street to its intersection with Za’abeel Palace Street, increasing the number of lanes from three to four in each direction.
It further delivers free-flow links to improve traffic movement at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street with Exhibition Street and Trade Centre Street, in addition to a newly constructed pedestrian bridge on Al Sukook Street and upgrades to the existing intersections along the street.
Concurrent Projects
Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project is being delivered in parallel with two integrated projects in the area. Foremost is the World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project, one of Dubai’s key intersections, linking Sheikh Zayed Road with five vital roads: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, 2nd December Street, Za’abeel Palace Street and Al Mustaqbal Street.
Additionally, five bridges extending 5,000 metres will also be constructed besides converting the existing roundabout into an at-grade intersection to improve traffic flow in the area.
The second is Oud Maitha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which is scheduled for full opening by the end of this month. It also entails the development of four major intersections featuring bridges spanning 4,300 metres and 14 kilometres of roads.
Serving service, residential and development areas with a projected population of over 420,000 by 2030,It will cut journey time from 20 minutes to 10 minutes, a 50% improvement.
