Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is leading an ambitious infrastructure expansion program in 2026, redefining how people move across the city. Through a mix of large-scale road upgrades, advanced transit systems, and smart mobility initiatives, the RTA aims to support Dubai’s rapid urbanization, economic diversification, and population growth. These efforts are designed to enhance sustainability, efficiency, and long-term livability across residential, commercial, and industrial districts.
Aligned with the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040 and the RTA Strategic Plan 2023–2030, the infrastructure drive focuses on key priorities: easing congestion, strengthening intermodal connectivity, enabling smart mobility adoption, and improving commuter experience. Collectively, these projects are unlocking new corridors of growth, boosting real estate potential, and laying the groundwork for the next era of urban mobility.
1. Dubai Metro Blue Line
A 30 km addition to the metro network featuring 14 stations — nine underground and five elevated — linking Al Warqa, International City, Silicon Oasis, Ras Al Khor, and Dubai Creek Harbour. Designed for 320,000 daily passengers, it will alleviate pressure on existing lines and support East Dubai’s population surge. The MAPA–CRRC consortium leads construction, with phased completion set for 2029.
2. Al Shindagha Corridor Upgrade
Spanning 13 km between Deira and Bur Dubai, this multi-phase project modernizes 15 intersections while preserving historic districts. It includes bridges, pedestrian walkways, and tunnels, cutting travel time from 104 to 16 minutes and improving access to Deira Waterfront and Dubai Islands.
3. Hessa Street Enhancement
A full-scale overhaul adding 9 km of bridges and 13.5 km of parallel roads, alongside shaded cycling and e-scooter tracks. Once complete, it will double capacity to 8,000 vehicles per hour and reduce travel times by 75%, with redesigned interchanges at Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.
4. Umm Suqeim Street Development
Covering 4.6 km between Al Khail and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Roads, this project adds new lanes and interchanges to ease congestion for east–west commuters and improve connectivity to Al Barsha, Arabian Ranches, and Motor City.
5. Trade Centre Roundabout Redesign
A complete reconfiguration of one of Dubai’s busiest intersections, introducing flyovers and intelligent signaling to improve traffic flow near DIFC and the World Trade Centre.
6. Dubai Islands Bridge Network
New bridges are linking Bur Dubai to Dubai Islands, ensuring smooth access to upcoming waterfront communities. Multi-lane spans and pedestrian/cycling tracks are being integrated into the design.
7. Al Fay Street Expansion
A major arterial expansion adding 13.5 km of bridges and 12.9 km of service roads, increasing hourly capacity to 64,400 vehicles and benefiting over 600,000 residents in areas such as Dubai Silicon Oasis.
8. Internal Roads in Al Awir 1
Featuring 16.5 km of new internal roads, the project improves local circulation with upgraded drainage, signage, and junctions connecting to Emirates Road, doubling the area’s traffic-handling capacity.
9. Nad Al Sheba Bridge
A new 700-metre bridge linking Dubai–Al Ain Road to Nad Al Sheba, easing internal congestion and providing smoother access to residential areas. Delivery is planned for late 2026.
10. Al Warqa Access Improvements
Enhanced entry and exit ramps to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will accommodate 5,000 vehicles per hour, supported by smart signals and redesigned roundabouts to cut travel time by up to 80%.
11. Oud Metha & Al Asayel Upgrades
Ongoing works include lane realignments, advanced traffic signaling, and junction capacity improvements across key educational and business districts.
12. Dubai Harbour Access Roads
New dedicated access points are being built to handle cruise and visitor traffic, integrating Dubai Harbour with Bluewaters Island and JBR through upgraded maritime–road links.
13. Mall of the Emirates Access Enhancement
With 27% completion, this project widens surrounding roads and optimizes signal coordination to manage peak-hour and event-related traffic surges.
14. Al Qudra Street Upgrade
Widening works and new roundabouts are boosting connectivity for Dubai’s western corridor, improving access to Damac Hills, Tilal Al Ghaf, and surrounding residential zones.
15. Five-Year Internal Roads Strategy (2025–2029)
Focused on secondary roads across developing areas such as Hatta, Al Barsha South, and Muhaisnah, this plan delivers structural upgrades and enhanced accessibility in underserved communities.
16. Integrated Development Package (2024–2027)
A multi-sector initiative covering 22 projects — from highways to district-level upgrades — with 20% of works already complete.
17. Aerial Taxi Infrastructure (by 2026)
Dubai is building the foundation for the world’s first urban air mobility network, including vertiports and air traffic systems to support VTOL (vertical takeoff and landing) aircraft.
18. Multi-Use Mobility Track – Hessa Street
Stretching 13.5 km, this protected corridor for cyclists, scooter riders, and pedestrians supports Dubai’s sustainability and non-motorized transport goals.
19. 762 Climate-Controlled Bus Shelters
Solar-powered shelters with digital bus tracking are being installed across high-demand neighborhoods to enhance passenger comfort and reliability.
20. Community Access Projects
Ramps, roundabouts, and junction upgrades in Al Khawaneej 2, Nad Al Sheba 2, and Al Barsha 2 are improving local mobility and reducing congestion.
Urban Impact and Real Estate Outlook
RTA’s 2026 pipeline is transforming Dubai’s urban fabric — extending infrastructure investment beyond the central corridor to emerging districts. As these transport links open, they are expected to unlock new real estate hotspots, stimulate economic activity, and enhance the value proposition of outer zones like Dubai South, Nad Al Sheba, and Dubai Islands.
For developers and investors, monitoring these infrastructure timelines is essential: areas adjacent to major highways, metro expansions, and smart mobility networks are set to experience significant demand growth and value appreciation over the next five years.
