Latest news with #DubaiRoadsandTransportAuthority
Time Out Dubai
16-07-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai Metro Blue Line: RTA warns of major traffic diversions
Work is beginning on the construction of the eagerly-awaited Dubai Metro Blue Line, as a series of traffic diversions are put in place. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) advised motorists travelling through Mirdif to be aware of new routes and alternative routes from Tuesday July 15. If you like this: Dubai Metro Blue Line: Stations, opening date and latest updates A post on X from the RTA read: 'RTA announces traffic diversions in Mirdif, coinciding with the beginning of construction works on the Dubai Metro Blue Line. 'Please plan your trip in advance and use alternative routes to ensure a smooth and seamless commute.' تعلمكم #هيئة_الطرق_و_المواصلات بتنفيذ تحويلات مرورية في منطقة مردف، وذلك تزامناً مع بدء تنفيذ أعمال الخط الأزرق لمترو دبي. يرجى التخطيط لرحلاتكم مسبقاً واستخدام الطرق البديلة لضمان وصولكم لوجهاتكم براحة وسلاسة. #راحتكم_تهمنا — RTA (@rta_dubai) July 15, 2025 The diversions include closing the roundabout intersection between 5th and 8th Street near City Centre Mirdif, with a diversion from 5th to 8th towards City Centre Mirdif, and vice versa from 8th to 5th Steet towards Algeria Street. Providing alternative access road to the parking area for mall visitors, with a U-turn for residents near Ghoroob Square for traffic flow coming from City Centre Mirdif Street. Mirdif will be one of the 14 new stations opening as part of the Blue Line route. Nine will be above ground, while the other five will be underground. Compromising of two main routes, the first will run from Creek Interchange on the Green Line, located in Al Jaddaf, passing through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour and Ras Al Khor before reaching International City 1, which will include an underground interchange station. The first route will continue towards International City 2 and 3, extending to Dubai Silicon Oasis up to Academic City. This section will span 21km and connect 10 stations. And the second route will start from Centrepoint Interchange Station on the Red Line. It will pass through Mirdif and Al Warqa, concluding at International City 1 Interchange Station. This route will be 9km long and link four stations. More Dubai transport news Dubai reveals plans for quicker bus journeys More than 11,000 trips are made daily on city buses 6 wild public transport projects coming soon to Dubai From Elon Musk's underground tunnel to a trackless tram 57 major road projects coming to Dubai by 2027 — here's what to expect And how they'll improve your journey
Time Out Dubai
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
RTA Al Safa Street project to cut travel time to 3 minutes
Good news motorists — a busy Dubai road is about to undergo a huge renovation, according to the RTA. The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that Al Safa Street will see a number of improvements between the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Street intersections. Part of a master plan covering both Umm Suqeim and Al Wasl Streets, two new bridges will be constructed as well as two tunnels. If you like this: 36 major traffic improvement projects coming soon to Dubai Spanning a total of 3,120 metres, the travel time along the stretch of road will be reduced from 12 minutes down to just three minutes. Surface roads will also be widened, as well as a series of upgrades to intersections and traffic signals. Once complete, the street will double its capacity and be able to hold 12,000 vehicles an hour in both directions, instead of the current 6,000. Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority announces Al Safa Street Improvement Project. The scope of this project extends from the junction of Al Safa Street with Sheikh Zayed Road to the junction with Al Wasl Street, spanning 1,500 metres. It is designed to keep pace with Dubai's… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 29, 2025 The first bridge will serve traffic coming from Al Wasl Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street, with four lanes spanning over 1,005 metres. The second bridge will serve traffic coming from Al Satwa Road towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street, with two lanes spanning over 360 metres. Speaking about the project, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority said: 'The project also involves widening Al Safa Street from three signalised lanes in each direction to four lanes—two providing free-flowing movement and two managed by traffic signals.' 'It also includes the development of dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks, the creation of vibrant urban spaces, and landscaped areas. Additional works cover upgrades to lighting systems, directional signage, the rainwater drainage network, and the protection and relocation of existing utility services.' 'Al Safa Street Improvement Project is part of RTA's broader master plan to upgrade the road network in the area. 'This includes the development of Al Wasl Street from its intersection with Umm Suqeim Street to its intersection with 2nd December Street, covering 15km in length, as well as the development of Umm Suqeim Street from the junction with Jumeirah Street to the intersection with Al Khail Road, spanning 6km.' In other Dubai news The 4 Dubai changes coming in July you need to know about There's a lot happening A popular Dubai Metro station has changed its name What it'll be called for the next 10 years DXB issues important advice ahead of peak travel period Everything you need to know
Time Out Dubai
26-06-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
RTA makes major upgrades to key Business Bay roads
Calling all motorists, the RTA has just upgraded the roads in one of Dubai's most popular neighbourhoods. In a statement on Wednesday June 25, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority confirmed it had completed three major traffic improvements in the Business Bay area. Expanding and upgrading several locations, the road which connects directly to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road has been given a makeover. If you like this: Public parking will be free in Dubai over Islamic New Year Hoping to improve traffic flow and road safety, the works should also reduce travel times for drivers. As part of the upgrades, the street parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road was converted from a two-lane, two-way road into a one-way dual roadway, with updated signage and road markings. Designed to increase traffic flow, the works have now increased capacity by 100 percent along the road. There have been three major upgrades (Credit: RTA) In addition, a 100-metre-long storage lane was added at the intersection of Al Mustaqbal Street with Al Khaleej Al Tejari 1 Street to increase right-turn capacity towards First Al Khail Street by up to 50 percent. Finally, the RTA confirmed it has also expanded the entrance to the bridge on Al Mustaqbal Street over the canal in the direction of First Al Khail Street from one lane to two, doubling its capacity. Hoping to ease traffic congestion during peak hours, the junction onto the bridge is now easier to access. In addition to the Business Bay upgrades, there are a series of additional projects underway throughout Dubai to make your commute even easier. From new bridges to million-dirham developments, here are the 36 major traffic improvement projects coming soon to Dubai. In other Dubai news Dubai metro confirms operating hours for upcoming public holiday Read this before you travel 7 major Dubai visa changes you need to know about in 2025 New ways of getting a long-term stay Public parking will be free in Dubai over Islamic New Year Enjoy a cost-free space on the public holiday
Time Out Dubai
25-06-2025
- Time Out Dubai
Dubai metro confirms operating hours for upcoming public holiday
The RTA has announced the official Dubai Metro timings for the upcoming Islamic New Year public holiday. The holiday will be celebrated on Friday June 27, giving both public and private sector employees a day off work. You might also like: UAE public holidays 2025: All the days off this year revealed In a statement this week, the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority confirmed that all stations on both the red and green lines will operate from 5am to 1am (the following day) on Friday June 27, in light of the public holiday. (Credit: Adobe) Other public transport The Dubai Tram will also be running 6:00am – 1:00am (next day) on Islamic New Year to allow residents to travel easily during the public holiday. Public Buses (Dubai Bus) Public buses and marine transport will also continue to run throughout the long weekend. However, the RTA urged passengers to refer to the S'hail app for any changes to the schedules over the holiday period. All RTA Customer Happiness Centres will be closed throughout the Islamic New Year holiday. However, Smart Customer Happiness Centres at Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, and the RTA Head Office will operate, 24/7 as usual. In other Dubai news UAE public holidays 2025: All the days off this year revealed The important dates for your calendar 20 surprising things your Emirates ID chip knows about you And no, it's not just your name 7 major Dubai visa changes you need to know about in 2025 New ways of getting a long-term stay
Arabian Post
08-06-2025
- Automotive
- Arabian Post
Lifestyle Mobility Redefines UAE Auto Ambitions
Arabian Post Staff -Dubai UAE's car market is undergoing a fundamental shift as lifestyle-driven mobility rises to prominence, reshaping consumer choices from metal to experience. A surge in preference for digitally enabled, subscription-based, and autonomous transportation is aligning with the emirates' drive for sustainable, high-tech urban living. Automakers and transport authorities are adapting, marking a new era for mobility in the region. At the forefront is the uptake of connected and autonomous vehicles. A 2024 Astute Analytica report found that the UAE invested US $500 million in autonomous and connected vehicle infrastructure, and government surveys show that nearly 60 per cent of residents are open to self-driving cars once available . Dubai aims for 25 per cent of its transport network to operate autonomously by 2030, while Abu Dhabi is piloting robotaxis under a combined Dubai Roads and Transport Authority and DP World initiative . Chinese mobility pioneer WeRide has commenced fully driverless robotaxi trials in Abu Dhabi and holds significant UAE licences, further cementing the country's status as a regional testbed . ADVERTISEMENT Parallel to autonomy, digital car buying and subscription services are gaining ground. A global study by Arthur D. Little reports that UAE has the highest percentage worldwide of buyers willing to complete vehicle purchases entirely online, with 53 per cent preferring full digital transactions . It also notes more than half of car buyers intend to purchase hybrid or electric models for their next car . Major brands such as Jaguar‑Land Rover, Audi and Volvo have launched subscription models allowing flexible short‑term access to vehicles, reflecting a deeper shift from ownership to access . Luxury meets lifestyle in a market defined by adventure and affluence. The UAE's love for off‑road capable SUVs—icons like Land Rover, Toyota Land Cruiser and Mercedes G‑Class—remains strong, supported by driving culture and desert heritage . At the same time, social media has amplified the aspirational value of high‑performance and bespoke vehicles, prompting services offering vehicle customisation and luxury rentals to expand . Despite their prestige, sustainable mobility options are advancing steadily. Government plans aim for EVs to account for 10 per cent of all vehicles by 2030; Dubai Electricity and Water Authority intends to install 1,000 public charging points by 2025 . Financial incentives including free parking and toll exemptions support uptake. While less than 15 per cent of buyers currently prefer full battery‑electric vehicles , more than 50 per cent plan to choose hybrid or electric options next . Shared mobility and micro‑mobility solutions are gaining traction among urban dwellers. The UAE's ride‑hailing market grew to US $1.3 billion in 2023, and car‑sharing usage surged by 30 per cent to over 200,000 subscribers . Platforms like Careem, ekar and others expand convenient access while supporting sustainability goals . Pre‑owned and rental markets also reflect shifting lifestyle demands. The luxury car rental segment caters to business travellers and experience‑seeking residents, accounting for over half of regional luxury rentals . Certified pre‑owned programmes and digital platforms make premium vehicles accessible and promote circular economy models . ADVERTISEMENT Industry participants are racing to adapt. Six major dealers—including Al Futtaim Motors and Al Habtoor—control more than 62 per cent of the auto market by offering hybrid and electric models, digital sales funnels, and after‑sales personalisation services . Additionally, more than 80 per cent of UAE and KSA consumers now value in‑car digital services and are willing to share data for personalised experiences . Strategic foreign investment continues to flow. In 2024, DP World handled a record 1.3 million vehicles, up 53 per cent year‑on‑year. China led automotive investments region‑wide, with 27 projects worth US $8 billion, generating 20,000 jobs . The UAE attracted 145 automotive projects valued at US $22 billion, solidifying its regional industry leadership . Air mobility is emerging as a bold frontier. Authorities, including the General Civil Aviation Authority and Technology Innovation Institute, are mapping aerial corridors for air taxis and drones with a view to commercial roll‑out by 2026. Vertiports are under construction as Dubai aims to launch urban air taxi operations in early 2026 . Collaborations with global developers such as Volocopter and Joby Aviation underscore UAE's intent to lead advanced mobility innovation. Demographic and behavioural trends are shifting expectations. UAE's younger, tech‑savvy population demands multimodal transport, sustainable choices, and flexible ownership. European research shows Gen Z and millennials prefer compact, shared, and electric vehicles, and lease options tied to services—mirroring emerging patterns in the Emirates . The convergence of digital retail, in‑car connectivity, autonomous capabilities and lifestyle choices is now the defining feature of the market. That convergence gives rise to dynamic policy alignment and infrastructure development. Dubai's Autonomous Transportation Strategy ambitions to ease congestion and strengthen economic diversification, while public‑private partnerships are building the ecosystem for AI‑enabled transport . The transformation is clear: the UAE auto sector is evolving from a conventional showroom‑focused industry to an experiential mobility ecosystem. Consumers expect seamless digital transactions, autonomous options, flexible subscriptions, and elevated experiences. Governments and businesses are aligning investment and strategy to meet these expectations, fusing luxury with sustainability, and individual desire with urban resilience. As the 2030 horizon approaches, next‑generation mobility is no longer an aspiration but a reality rolling on UAE roads, in the air, and on digital platforms—heralding a new age for the Gulf's automotive narrative.
