Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a major Dhs 633 million development of Al Mustaqbal Street, a vital corridor in the city’s central business and residential areas. The upgrade is expected to significantly ease traffic congestion, improve travel times, and enhance access to some of Dubai’s most important districts such as DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, and Za’abeel.
One of the major benefits will be the expansion of Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in each direction, increasing capacity by 33%, from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour. As a result, travel time along the corridor is expected to drop from 13 minutes to just 6 minutes.
Stretching from Za’abeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street, the project is part of a broader plan that includes the redevelopment of the Trade Centre Roundabout.
Key components of the project include 1.7 kilometres of new tunnels and bridges at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street and Trade Centre Street. These feature a three-lane tunnel along Al Mustaqbal Street heading toward Deira, a two-lane tunnel turning left from Al Mustaqbal Street and connecting to Trade Centre Street, serving traffic between Deira and Jebel Ali, and a dedicated single-lane tunnel towards One Central. A 450-metre bridge will also serve traffic from Dubai World Trade Centre towards Za’abeel Palace Street.
In addition to easing vehicle traffic, the project places emphasis on pedestrian and cyclist safety, with upgraded side-walks, a dedicated cycling track, decorative lighting, and a new pedestrian bridge over Al Sukook Street. Free-flowing ramps and upgraded intersections are also planned to facilitate smoother traffic flow.
The RTA also noted that the project includes aesthetic and urban improvements designed to make the area more accessible. New public spaces, improved walkways, and better access to nearby metro stations aim to promote an inclusive, community-friendly environment.
Al Mustaqbal Street upgrade reflects the city’s continued investment in smart, connected infrastructure that supports daily life and long-term urban development.