New Bridge Opens Near Dubai World Trade Centre, Accelerating Major Infrastructure Projects

The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new 500-metre, two-lane bridge designed to ease traffic flow from the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and One Central. This new thoroughfare significantly reduces journey times from 10 minutes to just two minutes for traffic heading towards the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Za'abeel Palace Street.

Advancing the Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project

The bridge is a key component of the larger AED 633 million Al Mustaqbal Street Development Project, which spans between Za'abeel Palace Street and Financial Centre Street. Once fully completed, this comprehensive project is anticipated to halve journey times along Al Mustaqbal Street, reducing them from 13 minutes to six minutes. Beyond that, the project will expand Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in each direction over a 3.5-kilometre stretch, boosting road capacity by 33% — from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour.

This extensive infrastructure upgrade is expected to benefit approximately half a million residents and visitors, improving connectivity across some of Dubai's most vibrant business, residential, and event districts, including Dubai World Trade Centre, DIFC, Za'abeel, Downtown Dubai, and Business Bay.

Future Milestones and Wider Network Enhancements

Work on the Al Mustaqbal Street project is reportedly over 50% complete and ahead of schedule. Several other significant elements are slated for future openings:

• Another bridge is expected to open by the end of August, facilitating traffic from Sheikh Rashid Road towards 2nd December Street.
• The final bridge within the World Trade Centre Roundabout works is due to open in October, serving traffic from Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street.
• Three tunnels, extending 1,500 metres, are scheduled for completion in February 2027 at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street. These will include a three-lane tunnel towards Deira (4,500 vehicles/hour), a two-lane tunnel for left turns towards Trade Centre Street (3,000 vehicles/hour), and a one-lane tunnel serving One Central (1,500 vehicles/hour).

In parallel, the RTA is progressing with the World Trade Centre Roundabout upgrade, which is over 85% complete. This larger scheme will feature five bridges spanning 5,000 metres and convert the existing roundabout into an at-grade intersection. Also, the Oud Maitha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, including four major intersections, 4,300 metres of bridges, and 14 kilometres of roads, is also set for full opening by the end of August, promising to cut journey times from 20 minutes to 10 minutes in its area.