
Dubai achieves 70% progress on road project linking major corridors
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced the completion of 70 per cent of the Umm Suqeim Street Improvement Project, which extends from the intersection with Al Khail Road to the junction with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
The development is part of a broader master plan for the Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra corridor, a 16 km stretch connecting Jumeirah Street to Emirates Road. This corridor serves several key residential and development zones with a combined population of over one million.
The update was shared by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at the RTA, during a site inspection to review progress and ensure alignment with Dubai's infrastructure strategy.
The initiative supports Dubai's urban expansion goals by easing traffic congestion and enhancing road mobility.
The current phase of the project spans 4.6 km, with major works including a revamped Umm Suqeim–Al Barsha South intersection near Kings' School, construction of an 800-metre tunnel with four lanes in each direction, and a signalised surface-level intersection to improve traffic flow.
When complete, the corridor will connect four major arterial roads - Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road - and accommodate up to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.
Travel time between Al Khail Road and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road is expected to be reduced by 61 per cent, from 9.7 minutes to 3.8 minutes.
Integration with Smart Technology
The RTA is also deploying smart technologies to enhance project delivery. Drones are used to capture and analyse construction progress, while artificial intelligence tracks milestones and performance indicators, and time-lapse imaging systems provide continuous visual monitoring.
These tools have led to a 100 per cent increase in on-site visibility, a 60 per cent reduction in survey time, and a 40 per cent improvement in overall monitoring efficiency.
Completed Milestones
Phase I (2013): Covered the section between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, featuring two major bridges and three pedestrian crossings between Al Quoz and Al Barsha.
2020: A 500-metre bridge was opened at the Dubai Hills–Al Barsha South intersection, offering four lanes in each direction and serving 16,000 vehicles per hour.
The Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra Corridor is one of the RTA's key east-west traffic arteries, designed to seamlessly integrate with Dubai's north-south road network and support future growth.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


TAG 91.1
7 hours ago
- TAG 91.1
Dubai's RTA to get over 600 eco-friendly buses under AED 1.1 billion deal
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced plans to add 637 eco-friendly buses to its fleet after signing an agreement worth AED 1.1 billion at the UITP Global Public Transport Summit. The buses will meet the European 'Euro 6' low-emission standards, highlighting the RTA's commitment to support Dubai's sustainability goals transition towards a 100 per cent electric and hydrogen-powered public bus fleet by 2050. Deliveries are scheduled for 2025 and 2026, and also includes 40 electric buses, marking the country's "largest and first-of-its-kind order". The authority also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer Build Your Dreams (BYD) to trial electric buses in the city. The e-buses will feature the latest battery systems and technologies developed by BYD.

Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai to host UITP Global Summit in 2026: A milestone in public transport
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has received the official flag to host the Global Public Transport Summit 2026 during its participation in the summit held in Hamburg, Germany. Organised by the International Association of Public Transport (UITP), the event will mark the second time Dubai has been selected as host, having previously organised the 59th UITP World Congress and Exhibition in 2011. The RTA also signed an agreement to procure 637 buses equipped with Euro 6 engines, at a total value of Dh1.1 billion. The buses are scheduled for delivery in 2025 and 2026. This announcement was made during the participation of the RTA delegation, led by Mattar Al Tayer, director-general, chairman of the board of executive directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, in the UITP Global Public Transport Summit 2025, held in Hamburg. The summit brought together 1,900 members from over 100 countries, featured 300 speakers, and hosted 80 discussion panels exploring the latest ideas and developments in urban and sustainable mobility. On the sidelines of the summit, a public transport exhibition was held, featuring 400 specialised companies and attracting over 10,000 visitors. RTA showcased its latest projects and initiatives in sustainable public transport, autonomous mobility, and digital customer services. Mattar Al Tayer attended the opening ceremony of the summit, which was inaugurated in the presence of Patrick Schneider, Federal Minister for Transport of the Federal Republic of Germany; Dr Anjes Tjarks, senator of Hamburg's Ministry of Transport and Mobility Transition; Renée Amilcar, president of the International Association of Public Transport (UITP); and Mohamed Mezghani, secretary-general of the UITP. During the summit, speakers highlighted emerging trends in the public transport sector, including its role in facilitating the mobility of residents and visitors, the future of metro systems, the integration of multiple public transport modes, and the rise of individual mobility means such as bicycles and autonomous public transport systems. Renée Amilcar, who was re-elected as president of the UITP, affirmed that mass transit is not merely about systems and schedules, but rather a societal structure centred around people. Dr Anjes Tjarks stated that the public transport system serves as the backbone of both infrastructure and the economy, acting as a catalyst for digital transformation and innovation. Author Benita Matofska discussed strategies for driving positive change towards sustainability, stating: 'The most important skill is the ability to adapt. Optimism and positive motivation empower people to feel they can make a difference.' Strategic partnership Mattar Al Tayer said Dubai's selection to host the UITP Global Public Transport Summit reflects the confidence that international organisations and institutions place in the emirate's leading global position and strong reputation. 'It also highlights the quality and efficiency of Dubai's integrated infrastructure, particularly its advanced public transport and mass transit systems. Dubai's proven ability to host world-class events and deliver them to the highest international standards reinforces its status as a preferred destination for major global gatherings,' he said. Al Tayer emphasised RTA's commitment to participating in the summit, saying: 'This summit is a global platform for transport professionals, bringing together heads of authorities, policymakers, developers, operators, and manufacturers to explore future solutions for public transport and showcase the latest advancements in infrastructure technologies.' Al Tayer said Dubai's public transport system has undergone a remarkable transformation, with the development of an advanced and diverse infrastructure that now serves as the backbone of mobility for both residents and visitors across the emirate. Thanks to these efforts, the share of journeys made using public transport and shared mobility has increased from six per cent in 2006 to 21.6 per cent in 2024. 'The newly procured buses will support the geographic expansion of bus services across all areas of Dubai and will play a key role in our transition towards a 100 per cent electric and hydrogen-powered public bus fleet by 2050." Bus supply agreements On the sidelines of RTA's participation in the UITP Global Public Transport Summit, Al Tayer witnessed the signing of four major agreements to supply 637 buses of various types. These vehicles comply with the European 'Euro 6' low-emission standards and include 40 electric buses, marking the UAE's largest and first-of-their-kind order. Deliveries are scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The signing ceremony was also attended by Dan Peterson, vice-president International at Volvo Buses; Barbaros Oktay, senior vice-president and head of the Bus Business Unit at MAN; Zhou Yong Hou, general manager of Zhongtong Bus; and Murat Dedeoglu, International Sales director at Anadolu Isuzu. The RTA also signed a memorandum of understanding with the Chinese company BYD to pilot the operation of an electric bus equipped with the latest technologies and battery systems offered by the company. The trial will take place in Dubai over a period that includes the summer season. The agreements were signed on behalf of the RTA by Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of Public Transport Agency. Signing on behalf of Al-Futtaim Automotive, the authorised dealer of Volvo, was Paul Willis, president of Al Futtaim Automotive. Representing United Motors and Heavy Equipment Co, the authorised dealer of MAN, was Khalifa Saif Darwish, general manager of the company. The two agreements on behalf of Saeed Juma Al Naboodah Group, the authorised dealer of Zhongtong Bus and Anadolu Isuzu, were signed by Medhat Shoukry, chief executive officer of the group. Bus specifications The agreements include the supply of 40 electric buses (zero-emission) from Zhongtong, equipped with GCC specifications and previously tested in the region. Each bus measures 12 metres in length and accommodates 72 passengers. Additionally, the agreements cover the supply of 451 city service buses, comprising 400 MAN buses, each 12 metres long with a capacity of 86 passengers, and 51 Zhongtong buses of the same length, each accommodating 72 passengers. These buses are equipped with high standards of safety, comfort, and quality, and are powered by environmentally friendly Euro 6 engines. They are classified under the United Nations vehicle classification as Class II, allowing for flexible operation on both urban routes and inter-urban highways. The agreement also includes the supply of 76 double-decker Volvo buses, each 13 metres long with a capacity of 98 passengers, as well as 70 articulated buses from Isuzu Anadolu, each 18 metres long with a capacity of 111 passengers. These articulated buses are designed to serve high-density urban areas and newly developed districts, ensuring broader geographical coverage in Dubai and improving occupancy rates. Most of the buses will be equipped with the Raqeeb system (Driver Behaviour Monitoring System), which monitors and improves driver conduct using innovative technologies to enhance safety standards across the fleet. They will also be fitted with the Rasid electronic system (Automated Passenger Counting), which records actual passenger numbers and cross-references them with the automated fare collection system, aiming to reduce fare evasion. An electronic Driver Identity Authentication system will also be installed to verify the driver's identity inside the bus and integrate it with the operational system. The buses will feature comfortable seating, high safety standards, and adjustable seat belts in family-designated areas to accommodate all age groups. Additionally, they will have a streamlined design that reflects Dubai's modern and forward-looking image. RTA stand The RTA participated in the global event with a delegation comprising several CEOs and Directors. It also had a dedicated stand showcasing a range of strategic initiatives, ambitious plans, and future projects. Among the highlights was a model of the Dubai Walk project, which outlines the master plan to transform Dubai into a pedestrian-friendly city year-round. The project includes the development of more than 6,500km of pedestrian pathways across 160 areas. The RTA also showcased the Dubai Metro Blue Line project, which spans 30km, half of which is underground, and includes 14 stations. The line is designed to serve nine residential and development areas with an estimated combined population of around one million by 2040. In addition, the authority presented the RailBus project, a futuristic, self-driving, and sustainable mass transit system powered by solar energy. It represents one of RTA's innovative solutions for delivering environmentally friendly transport. The RTA also highlighted the Aerial Taxi project, developed in collaboration with Skyports and Joby Aviation, which is expected to be operational by 2026. The stand further featured a model of the world's first electric abra manufactured using 3D printing technology in collaboration with the private sector. The abra accommodates 20 passengers. Additionally, the stand showcased a new Dubai Metro fare payment system using palm print biometrics, allowing passengers to travel without the need for a nol card. RTA has a clear vision, roadmap Dubai's selection to host the 2026 Summit affirms the emirate's global standing in organising major international events and highlights the efficiency of its integrated infrastructure, particularly its advanced public transport and mass transit systems. The mass transit system in Dubai serves as the backbone of mobility for residents and visitors across the emirate. The share of journeys made via public transport and shared mobility has increased from six per cent in 2006 to 21.6 per cent in 2024. The agreement covers the procurement of 637 buses of various types, including articulated and double-decker models, compliant with European 'Euro 6' environmental standards, with delivery scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The agreement includes the supply of 40 electric buses, marking the UAE's largest and first-of-its-kind electric bus procurement. RTA chief reviews latest autonomous mobility technoligies Mattar Al Tayer, director-general, chairman of the board of executive directors of the Roads and Transport Authority, along with the accompanying delegation, toured the exhibition held alongside the summit. He reviewed the latest innovations in public transport buses and smart mobility technologies. The tour included visits to the stand of the host city, Hamburg; the stand of BYD, the electric vehicle and bus manufacturer; and the MAN platform, where he was briefed on the latest advancements in bus manufacturing. Mattar Al Tayer reviewed Volkswagen's latest advancements in autonomous mobility technologies. He was briefed on the trial operation of the MOIA self-driving Vehicle in Hamburg, which is being integrated into the city's public transport network as part of Germany's government-supported autonomous driving initiatives. The RTA chief also attended a detailed presentation by Christian Senger, member of the board of management at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, responsible for Autonomous Driving (formerly CEO of Volkswagen ADMT), who outlined the Group's global strategy and ongoing projects in the autonomous mobility sector.


Hi Dubai
7 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Wins Bid to Host Global Public Transport Summit 2026
Dubai has been officially selected to host the Global Public Transport Summit in 2026, marking its second time as host following its debut in 2011. The announcement came during this year's summit in Hamburg, Germany, where Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) received the official hosting flag from the International Association of Public Transport (UITP). Led by Director-General Mattar Al Tayer, the RTA delegation showcased Dubai's advancements in sustainable and smart mobility. The summit gathered over 1,900 participants from more than 100 countries and featured 300 speakers across 80 panels, alongside a major transport exhibition. In a significant move, RTA signed four agreements to procure 637 low-emission buses worth AED1.1 billion. Set for delivery in 2025 and 2026, the fleet includes 40 electric buses—marking the UAE's largest and first-of-its-kind order. The new buses, built to Euro 6 standards, feature smart systems, inclusive design, and enhanced safety technologies. Suppliers include Volvo, MAN, Zhongtong Bus, and Anadolu Isuzu, with an MoU signed with China's BYD to trial a high-tech electric bus in Dubai. The initiative supports RTA's goal of a fully electric and hydrogen-powered fleet by 2050. RTA also presented key projects such as the Aerial Taxi, Dubai Metro Blue Line, 3D-printed electric abras, and a biometric fare system, underscoring Dubai's position as a global hub for next-generation mobility. News Source: Emirates News Agency