Dubai motorists have a smoother commute ahead as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has opened two new bridges connecting Al Asayel Street with Al Khail Road via Al Wasl Club Street.

The bridges are part of the Oud Maitha and Al Asayel Streets Development Project, which falls under the wider Sheikh Rashid Corridor Development Project aimed at easing traffic and supporting Dubai’s growing population.

What the new bridges do

The newly opened bridges improve traffic flow at key junctions in the Oud Maitha area:

• Bridge 1: Carries traffic from Al Asayel Street towards Al Wasl Club Street
• Bridge 2: Connects Al Asayel Street to Al Khail Road heading towards Business Bay Crossing

According to RTA, the first bridge features two lanes with a capacity of about 2,400 vehicles per hour, helping ease traffic at the intersection with Oud Maitha Street and Al Wasl Club Street.

The second bridge, also with two lanes, can handle around 3,000 vehicles per hour, improving connectivity between Al Asayel Street and Al Khail Road.

Major road project nearing completion

The authority said 72% of the overall development project has now been completed, while 70% of tunnel construction work is also finished.

The upcoming tunnel will serve vehicles travelling from Dubai–Al Ain Road towards the Oud Maitha service road.

Additional road expansions and bridge structures are currently under construction and are expected to open in the third quarter of 2026.

Faster journeys for drivers

Once completed, the project is expected to significantly improve traffic movement in the area.

• Road capacity on Oud Maitha Street will increase from 10,400 vehicles per hour to 15,600 vehicles per hour
• This represents a 50% increase in traffic capacity
• Average travel time will drop from 20 minutes to just 5 minutes, a 75% improvement

The improvements aim to make daily commuting faster and support Dubai’s long-term infrastructure growth.

The Sharjah Private Education Authority (SPEA) has announced that the start of the 2026–2027 academic year for private schools following Indian and Pakistani curricula in Sharjah has been postponed.

According to a circular issued to schools on Thursday, students will now begin classes on March 30, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled March 23.

Remote exams scheduled

SPEA said students may sit for examinations remotely between March 9 and March 12.

The authority explained that the decision came after requests from schools submitted through the Council of School Principals, and after reviewing the justifications provided by school administrations.

Temporary guidelines for schools

The authority also issued new instructions regarding school access for staff and parents.

Some administrative and teaching staff may be present on campus, but their number must not exceed 15 employees and should be limited to operational needs.

Parents will also be allowed to visit schools to collect uniforms and books, but only according to numbers and schedules set by the school administrations.

Schools asked to update parents

SPEA has asked school administrations to make the necessary internal arrangements and inform students and parents about the revised schedule.

The move aims to ensure smooth preparations before the start of the new academic year.

Authorities in the UAE have reminded residents to follow safety instructions when emergency alert sirens are activated across the country. Officials say some people stop to film videos during alerts, which can put lives at risk.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) has urged residents to prioritise safety and follow official instructions they receive on their mobiles, warning that ignoring alerts or failing to comply with guidance may lead to legal accountability.

Here is a simple guide for residents on what UAE warning signals mean and what to do if you hear them.

1. Warning signal (Danger alert)

When this signal is activated, it means there may be a potential danger at a national or local level.

What residents should do

• Move immediately to the nearest safe place or shelter
• Stay indoors and avoid going outside
• Follow instructions from official authorities
• Do not stop to film or share videos

Authorities say the alert is issued to protect lives, so residents should act quickly and calmly.

2. Out of danger signal

This signal is issued when the threat has passed or the situation has been brought under control.

What residents should do

• They can return to their homes or normal activities
• Continue to follow updates from official sources if needed

3. Important announcement signal

This alert indicates that authorities will share important information or instructions with the public.

What residents should do

• Immediately listen to local radio or official media channels
• Check government announcements for updates
• Follow any instructions issued by authorities

If you are driving during an alert

Authorities advise motorists to:

• Continue driving to their destination
• Once you arrive, go to the nearest safe place or shelter
• Avoid stopping your vehicle to film the alert

Why authorities issue reminder

The UAE’s public warning system, operated by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and Civil Defence, uses sirens placed across the country and mobile alerts to warn residents of potential threats. Officials stressed that public cooperation is essential to ensure safety during emergencies.

Residents are encouraged to stay calm, follow instructions, and prioritise personal safety when an alert is issued.