UAE

Could this be Dubai’s biggest traffic fix? Here’s what residents need to know

Published

3 months ago

July 13, 2026

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Dubai is investing Dh2 billion in one of its biggest road infrastructure projects to improve connectivity and reduce congestion across the city. The Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor Development Project, announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), will create a new 12-kilometre transport corridor linking several of Dubai’s busiest highways.

Scheduled for completion by the end of 2028, the project is expected to make daily commutes faster, improve access between key neighbourhoods, and support the city’s future growth.

Here’s what it means for residents.

A look at the Latifa bint Hamdan corridor?

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority awards the contract for the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor Development Project. Extending 12 km at a cost of AED 2 billion, the project will form a new strategic corridor that strengthens connectivity between Dubai’s key road corridors. The… pic.twitter.com/7Nnui6r9Sa
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 12, 2026

The project involves building a 12km road corridor that will connect six major roads across Dubai:

Sheikh Zayed Road
Al Khail Road
Al Meydan Street
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street
Emirates Road

By linking these major routes, the corridor will provide motorists with more direct travel options and reduce pressure on existing roads.

How will it reduce traffic?

One of the biggest advantages of the new corridor is its ability to ease congestion.

The road will have the capacity to handle up to 16,000 vehicles per hour in both directions, helping distribute traffic more efficiently across Dubai’s road network.

The project also includes:

Seven new bridges spanning 2.3 kilometres.
Eight tunnels with a combined length of 900 metres.

These additions will reduce bottlenecks at busy intersections and improve traffic flow during peak hours.

Faster daily commutes

For thousands of residents, the project could significantly shorten travel times.

According to the RTA, the journey between Umm Al Sheif Street and Emirates Road will drop from 33 minutes to just 15 minutes once the project is completed, a reduction of 54%.

Shorter commutes mean less time spent in traffic and more time for work, family, or leisure.

Which areas will benefit?

The new corridor will improve connectivity for several fast-growing communities, including:

Nad Al Sheba
Al Barari
Dubai Hills
Dubai District One
Mohammed Bin Rashid Gardens
Living Legends
Majan
Global Village

It will also benefit people travelling through residential, commercial and industrial areas located along Latifa bint Hamdan Street and Al Meydan Street, as well as areas between Al Khail Road and Emirates Road.

Better connections across the city

Instead of relying on a limited number of major highways, drivers will have another direct route connecting the city’s east-west and north-south road network.

This should make it easier to:

Reach workplaces more quickly.
Access schools and universities.
Travel to shopping centres and entertainment destinations.
Move between residential communities with fewer delays.

More options for cyclists

The project isn’t just for motorists.

The RTA will also build 12.5 kilometres of dedicated cycling tracks, linking the new corridor with Dubai’s existing cycling network.

Once completed, cyclists will be able to travel more easily between Al Qudra and Jumeirah, supporting healthier lifestyles and encouraging sustainable transport.

Supporting growing population

Dubai continues to welcome new residents and businesses every year, increasing demand on its transport infrastructure.

Projects like the Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor are designed to accommodate future growth by expanding road capacity and improving connectivity before congestion becomes a bigger challenge.

The Latifa bint Hamdan Corridor is more than just a new road. It is designed to improve everyday life by making travel faster, reducing traffic congestion, expanding cycling infrastructure, and creating better links between some of Dubai’s fastest-growing communities.

For residents, this means shorter journeys, smoother traffic, and a more connected city as Dubai continues to grow.

Related Topics:cycling Dubai dubainews dubairoads infrastructure RTA smartmobility TrafficUpdate transport uae

Michael Gomes

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

Announcements

UAE petrol prices rise again: New fuel rates for October revealed

Published

2 days ago

September 30, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Filling up in the UAE is about to get more expensive, with petrol and diesel prices rising across all categories from October 1.

UAE motorists are set to feel another pinch at the pump this month after the UAE Fuel Price Committee announced higher petrol and diesel rates for October 2026.

The increase means drivers will pay more per litre across every petrol category, while diesel prices have also moved higher.

Fuel prices for October

The new rates will take effect from Thursday, October 1. Here’s what motorists will pay:

Super 98: Dh4.40 per litre
Special 95: Dh4.28 per litre
E-Plus 91: Dh4.21 per litre
Diesel: Dh4.80 per litre

That means Super 98 rises by 60 fils per litre, while Special 95 and E-Plus 91 increase by 59 and 60 fils respectively. Diesel is up by 50 fils per litre.

How much more will a full tank cost?

For motorists, the increase could quickly add up over the course of a month.

For example, filling a 50-litre tank with Super 98 will cost Dh220 in October, compared with Dh190 in September, a difference of Dh30 per fill-up.

A 50-litre tank of Special 95 will cost Dh214, compared with Dh184.50 previously.

For E-Plus 91, the same tank will cost Dh210.50, up from Dh180.50.

Diesel drivers filling 50 litres will pay Dh240, compared with Dh215 in September.

Why are fuel prices changing?

The UAE Fuel Price Committee reviews retail fuel rates at the end of each month, with prices linked to movements in global energy markets.

UAE fuel prices have experienced notable fluctuations this year. Rates fell in July after several consecutive monthly increases, before moving higher again in August and September.

The latest increase comes amid continued volatility in global and regional energy markets.

What does this increase mean for household budgets?

For people who drive every day, higher fuel prices can have an effect beyond the cost of a single trip to the petrol station.

Commuters, families and businesses that rely heavily on road travel may see their monthly transport expenses rise, particularly if they fill up frequently.

Even a relatively small increase per litre can become more noticeable when multiplied across several refuelling trips over the month.

Announcements

Flying-car trials planned in Ras Al Khaimah under new UAE-China agreement

Published

2 weeks ago

September 18, 2026

Staff Reporter

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Flying cars could soon be tested in the deserts of Ras Al Khaimah, under a new agreement between the emirate and Chinese aircraft manufacturer Aridge.

The partnership also includes plans for a demonstration flight route connecting Ras Al Khaimah with Abu Dhabi, as authorities explore the potential of low-altitude air transport between the UAE’s emirates.

Signed on Friday under the oversight of the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority, the agreement will establish a regulatory sandbox in Ras Al Khaimah. Such sandboxes allow new technologies to be tested in controlled conditions while regulators develop safety requirements and operating procedures.

The trials will be conducted through the Ras Al Khaimah Transport Authority (RAKTA), with Aridge expected to assess its aircraft in desert environments and across a range of operational scenarios.

The programme will also examine how flying-car services could be integrated into existing transport systems, including flight planning, airspace coordination, ground operations, passenger handling and emergency procedures.

A possible Abu Dhabi–Ras Al Khaimah route

The proposed demonstration route between Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah is intended to explore what would be required for future inter-emirate air mobility services.

The two emirates are currently around a 90-minute drive apart. However, the planned flight would initially be a demonstration rather than a commercial passenger service. Any future operation would depend on the outcome of testing, regulatory approval and the development of supporting infrastructure.

Aridge’s involvement follows a demonstration of its modular flying car, known as the Land Aircraft Carrier, at a reception held at Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The event was hosted by the Chinese Embassy and attended by Chinese Ambassador Zeng Jixin, along with UAE government officials and business representatives.

The company has described the agreement as a significant step in its regional expansion. It is also being presented as the first entry by a Chinese flying-car company into a national-level regulatory sandbox in the Middle East.

Ras Al Khaimah’s Ruler, Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, said the partnership reflected the emirate’s efforts to use technology to support economic development and improve quality of life.

For now, the project remains focused on testing. But if the trials progress, the initiative could offer an early look at how flying cars might become part of the UAE’s future transport network.

Announcements

Meta launches all-in-one subscription with AI tools across Instagram, WhatsApp and Facebook

Published

2 weeks ago

September 15, 2026

Staff Reporter

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Meta has launched Meta One, a subscription service bringing premium features across Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and Meta AI, with plans in the UAE starting at Dh22.99 a month.

The service is part of the technology company’s wider push into paid products, combining enhanced artificial intelligence tools, creative features and professional services for creators and businesses.

Meta said the core versions of its apps and Meta AI would remain free, while subscribers would receive higher usage limits and access to additional features.

The company said Meta One launches with more than 50 features. It follows the introduction of individual subscriptions for Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, which Meta said have attracted more than 15 million subscriptions and trials.

More AI tools and creative features

Meta One’s individual plans, Core and Premium, offer greater access to AI-powered image generation, video creation using Meta’s Muse models, image editing, Instagram’s Restyle tools and voice effects.

Meta said its AI assistant would continue to be available for everyday use without a subscription. The paid plans are aimed at users who want more intensive access to AI-powered creative tools.

Early testing found that more than half of bundle subscribers used both AI and creative-expression features, according to Meta. Instagram Restyle and voice effects were among the features most frequently cited as reasons for subscribing.

The new bundles also include features available through the company’s individual app subscriptions.

Instagram Plus has added custom fonts for direct messages and Stories, notifications for specific Story viewers and DM previews. Facebook Plus includes Messenger customisation, expanded Reels insights and super reactions across Reels and Feed posts.

WhatsApp Plus is expected to test chat and media backup storage, as well as Focus Schedules, which allow users to mute or hide chats at set times.

Business and creator plans

Meta One also includes subscription tiers aimed at creators and businesses, offering professional profile tools, AI-powered customer engagement and expanded analytics.

Business subscribers can access enhanced profiles displaying details such as websites, locations and customer reviews. Other features include a prominent follow button on Reels and automated follow invitations for users who interact with content.

Businesses will also receive expanded access to Meta Business Agent, Meta’s AI-powered tool for handling customer queries around the clock on WhatsApp.

Higher-tier plans add features such as Story scheduling, exportable analytics, deeper audience insights, collaborative account management and expanded business messaging capabilities.

Meta said it plans to introduce further benefits over time, including Edits Plus, which is expected to offer additional cloud storage for syncing projects across devices and greater access to an upcoming assistant that can analyse Instagram insights and generate content ideas.

The company also plans to extend Meta One benefits to other products, including its Edits video-editing app and AI-powered smart glasses.

Meta One UAE pricing

Meta said Meta One plans are available globally, although features, pricing and availability may vary by region, app and account.

The UAE pricing announced for the service is:

Individual app subscriptions

Instagram Plus: Dh7.99 a month
WhatsApp Plus: Dh5.99 a month
Facebook Plus: Dh7.99 a month

Meta One individual bundles

Core: Dh22.99 a month
Premium: Dh76.99 a month

Creator and business bundles

Essential: From Dh46.99 a month
Advanced: From Dh119 a month
Expert: From Dh359 a month
Max: Up to Dh1,199 a month

The company said the subscription options are designed to give users more choice, while keeping its main social media services accessible without payment.