The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), jointly with Majid Al Futtaim Group, has awarded an AED 165 million contract to widen entrances to Mall of the Emirates and improve the streets and intersections surrounding it. The project supports the directions of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at developing road networks to meet the demands of Dubai's rapid urbanisation and population growth.
New Bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road
The centrepiece of the project is a 300-metre single-lane bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road, giving motorists travelling from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali direct access to the mall's parking lots. An extension of the ramp at the Umm Suqeim intersection will also be built southward to increase capacity and improve traffic flow from Umm Suqeim Street to the existing bridge leading to the mall car park.
Full Scope of RTA Mall of the Emirates Improvements
Beyond the new bridge, the contract covers a broad package of upgrades to the surrounding road network:
- Resurfacing 2.5 km of surface roads around the mall - Construction of three new signalised surface intersections - Modification of the bus station at Mall of the Emirates Metro Station - Conversion of the street beside the Kempinski Hotel from one-way to two-way - Road markings, crosswalks, Blair markers, pedestrian walkways, and a cycle track - Upgraded lighting, traffic signs, drainage systems, and landscaping
Travel Time Reductions
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, said the improvements will dramatically reduce congestion for visitors approaching from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali, cutting travel time to the mall from 10 minutes to just one minute. Journey times from Umm Suqeim Street will also be reduced from 15 minutes to 8 minutes, easing overall traffic flow and improving road safety in the area.
About Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates opened in late 2005 and has grown into one of the busiest retail destinations in the region, attracting more than 40 million visitors annually. The mall currently houses 454 retail stores, 96 restaurants and cafes, and major entertainment attractions including Ski Dubai and the largest VOX Cinema in the Middle East.
The AED 165 million Dubai road infrastructure investment reflects the emirate's continued commitment to reducing congestion around high-traffic destinations and supporting the long-term vision set under His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence.
