In a major move to ease traffic and support urban growth, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a comprehensive Al Safa Street Improvement Project, part of the city’s ongoing infrastructure expansion plan.

Stretching 1.5 km, the upgrade covers the stretch from the Al Safa Street–Sheikh Zayed Road junction to Al Wasl Street, a vital corridor in one of Dubai’s busiest urban areas. The goal? To cut travel time from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes and double road capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour.

What’s coming:

• 2 new bridges and 2 tunnels, totalling 3,120 metres in length
• Wider roads, revamped intersections, and smarter traffic signals
• Dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks
• Green urban spaces, landscaped areas, and enhanced public realm

Bridge details:

• Bridge 1: From Al Wasl Street to Sheikh Zayed Road & Financial Centre Street
  • 4 lanes, 1,005 metres, capacity: 6,400 vehicles/hr
• Bridge 2: From Al Satwa Road to Sheikh Zayed Road & Financial Centre Street
  • 2 lanes, 360 metres, capacity: 2,800 vehicles/hr

Tunnel details:

• Tunnel 1: From Sheikh Zayed Road/Financial Centre Street to Al Wasl Street
  • 2 lanes, 1,005 metres, capacity: 3,200 vehicles/hr
• Tunnel 2: At Al Wasl–Al Safa Street intersection
  • 2 lanes each way, 750 metres, capacity: 6,400 vehicles/hr

RTA Director-General Mattar Al Tayer highlighted that the project will serve a key district home to City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena, hotels, schools, and major attractions, enhancing connections to Downtown Dubai, Financial Centre Street, and surrounding communities.

“The project also aims to create vibrant spaces for walking and cycling, encouraging community interaction while improving traffic safety and mobility,” said Al Tayer.

Part of a bigger plan

The Al Safa project is part of a wider network upgrade, which includes:

• Al Wasl Street improvements from Umm Suqeim Street to 2nd December Street (15 km)
• Umm Suqeim Street development from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road (6 km)

Once complete, these upgrades will significantly enhance connectivity, safety, and quality of life across some of Dubai’s busiest and most vibrant districts.

Dubai government employees are set to enjoy more flexibility at work this summer, with the return of the “Our Summer is Flexible” programme starting Tuesday, July 2, and running until September 12.

Announced by the Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR), the initiative gives public sector entities the option to implement one of two flexible workweek models:

• Option 1: Staff work eight hours daily from Monday to Thursday, with Friday off.
• Option 2: Employees work seven hours Monday to Thursday and 4.5 hours on Friday.

Each government entity can choose the model that best suits its operations.

The DGHR says the move aims to boost work-life balance, especially during the summer months. The decision follows the successful pilot run in 2024, which involved 21 government bodies. That trial showed increased productivity, better work environments, and employee satisfaction levels nearing 98%.

This initiative aligns with Dubai’s broader efforts to foster a supportive and productive workplace, especially during the hotter months when flexible hours can make a big difference.

The UAE’s fuel price committee has announced the petrol and diesel prices for July, and motorists will see a noticeable hike at petrol stations starting July 1.

After remaining unchanged in June, fuel prices are going up across the board. The increase comes amid global oil market tensions following conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as reported US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities earlier this month, events that have pushed crude oil prices higher.

Here’s how much you’ll be paying for fuel in July:

• Super 98: Dh2.70 per litre (up from Dh2.58 in June)
• Special 95: Dh2.58 per litre (up from Dh2.47)
• E-Plus 91: Dh2.51 per litre (up from Dh2.39)
• Diesel: Dh2.63 per litre (up from Dh2.45)

The revised rates will take effect on Tuesday, July 1.