Dubai motorists can expect smoother journeys this month as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) rolls out a series of traffic improvement projects across the city.

The upgrades, scheduled throughout June, include new lanes, road connections and intersection enhancements aimed at easing congestion and improving traffic flow on some of Dubai’s busiest routes.

New lane on Sheikh Zayed Rd

One of the most significant improvements will see an additional lane added on Sheikh Zayed Road for vehicles joining from Hessa Street towards Abu Dhabi.

The upgrade is designed to increase road capacity along one of Dubai’s busiest commuting corridors and reduce bottlenecks during peak travel times.

More improvements across city

On June 12, the RTA will introduce traffic enhancements at the intersection of Trade Centre Street and Marasi Drive, alongside upgrades to the service road connecting Airport Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Later in the month, on June 28, two new road links are set to open:

• A new connection between Emirates Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, improving access to Villanova and Arabian Ranches III.
• A new road linking Al Qudra Road and Hessa Street between Dubai Studio City and Motor City.

Latifa bint Hamdan Street upgrade

The final phase of the June programme will take place on June 30, when the RTA introduces additional traffic improvements on Latifa bint Hamdan Street.

The project includes a new traffic lane and additional U-turn facilities in both directions to improve traffic movement and accessibility.

Traffic improvement plan

According to the RTA, the projects form part of its ongoing efforts to enhance mobility, improve road safety and support Dubai’s growing transportation network.

The authority said the upgrades are expected to reduce congestion, improve connectivity between residential communities and major roads, and provide a smoother driving experience for commuters across the emirate.

The UAE is preparing to make work permit applications even faster and simpler as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) launches a new phase of labour market reforms.

As part of the initiative, MoHRE has opened a public consultation period until July 30, inviting employers, employees and members of the public to share feedback on existing work permit services and suggest improvements.

The ministry said the latest reforms will focus on simplifying procedures, reducing administrative requirements and expanding digital services to improve customer experience and speed up transaction processing.

Faster, simpler work permit services

According to MoHRE, the planned upgrades are designed to support the UAE’s wider Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme by making work permit services more efficient and user-friendly.

The ministry recently removed the requirement for supporting documents across several permit categories and reduced mandatory application fields by up to 97 per cent, significantly cutting processing times.

Officials say the next phase will build on those changes by redesigning permit procedures and increasing the use of digital channels.

13 types of work permits

MoHRE currently issues 13 different work permits tailored to various employment arrangements, including:

• Recruitment permits for workers hired from outside the UAE
• Transfer work permits
• Family-sponsored resident work permits
• Part-time work permits
• Temporary and mission work permits
• Freelance work permits
• Golden Visa holder work permits
• Student training and employment permits
• Juvenile work permits for individuals aged 15 to 18
• UAE and GCC national work permits

The ministry said the reforms are aimed at supporting private-sector growth, protecting workers’ rights and strengthening the UAE’s position as a competitive global labour market.

Public feedback open until July 30

Residents, employers and businesses can submit suggestions through MoHRE’s electronic consultation platform before July 30.

The ministry said public feedback will help shape future enhancements and support the development of faster, more flexible and fully digital government services aligned with the UAE’s long-term economic vision.

Indian chess star Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu produced a brilliant final-round victory to win Norway Chess 2026, capping a dramatic finish to one of the year’s most prestigious tournaments.

Entering the final day half a point behind leader Wesley So, Praggnanandhaa knew only a win would give him a realistic chance of claiming the title. The 19-year-old delivered under pressure, defeating Vincent Keymer with the white pieces to secure the full three points and surge to first place.

The victory lifted Praggnanandhaa to 18 points, enough to overtake Wesley So and clinch the Norway Chess crown in Oslo.

So, who had led the standings heading into the final round, drew his classical game against Alireza Firouzja before winning the Armageddon tiebreak. However, the extra points were not enough to keep him ahead of the charging Indian grandmaster.

Firouzja completed a strong campaign to finish third overall.

Elsewhere, world No. 1 Magnus Carlsen signed off in style with a classical victory over reigning world champion Gukesh Dommaraju, delighting home fans with a final-round win.

Final Standings

• Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu – 18 points
• Wesley So – 17 points
• Alireza Firouzja – 15.5 points

Assaubayeva dominates women’s event

In the Norway Chess Women’s tournament, Bibisara Assaubayeva completed a dominant campaign to secure the title after having already wrapped up first place with a round to spare.

The final day featured three decisive classical games, eliminating the need for Armageddon tiebreaks.

Women’s world champion Ju Wenjun handed Assaubayeva her first classical defeat of the tournament, while Zhu Jiner defeated Humpy Koneru to secure second place overall. Anna Muzychuk also ended her campaign on a high note with a victory over Divya Deshmukh to finish third.

Norway Chess women’s final standings

• Bibisara Assaubayeva – 16.5 points
• Zhu Jiner – 16 points
• Anna Muzychuk – 15 points

Praggnanandhaa’s triumph marks another major milestone in the young Indian grandmaster’s rapidly rising career and further strengthens India’s growing influence at the highest level of world chess.