Authorities in Dubai have unveiled an extensive road development project aimed at easing congestion and significantly reducing travel times across some of the city’s busiest corridors.

The initiative, led by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), will focus on upgrading key routes, including Umm Suqeim Street, Al Wasl Road, and Al Safa Street, as well as improvements to seven major intersections along Jumeirah Street.

The project will feature a network of bridges and tunnels spanning approximately 11km, in addition to road widening works designed to increase traffic capacity and improve flow across the city.

Faster journeys on key routes

Upgrades to Al Wasl Road will extend 15km and include the construction of five tunnels, with travel times expected to drop by up to 50 per cent. Capacity along the route will increase from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Meanwhile, improvements on Al Safa Street are set to dramatically cut journey times from 12 minutes to just three minutes. The plan includes two bridges and two tunnels, doubling road capacity to 12,000 vehicles per hour.

Expansion on Umm Suqeim Street

Six major intersections along Umm Suqeim Street will also be redeveloped, including links to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The upgrades will include four bridges and two tunnels, alongside additional lanes and improved connections to surrounding areas.

Wider network improvements

The project also covers key junctions along Jumeirah Street, including intersections at Al Thanya Street, Al Manara Street, Umm Al Sheif Street, Al Urouba Street, 39B Street, Al Hudaiba Street and 2nd December Street.

Officials say the development is part of ongoing efforts to future-proof Dubai’s infrastructure, improve mobility and accommodate continued urban growth.

Authorities in Dubai are stepping up efforts to improve road safety with the launch of a dedicated patrol unit to monitor the use of e-scooters, e-bikes and bicycles across the city.

The new Personal Mobility Monitoring Unit, introduced by Dubai Police in collaboration with the Roads and Transport Authority, will begin operations on May 1.

Major roads, neighbourhoods to be patrolled

Officers will patrol key cycling tracks, major roads and soft mobility zones, including Jumeirah Beach Track, Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai Water Canal, Business Bay and Dubai Marina. Monitoring will also extend to residential areas such as Al Mankhool, Al Karama, Al Hamriya, Al Raffa and Al Muraqqabat.

Fine for violations

The unit will ensure that riders follow safety regulations, including using designated tracks, wearing helmets and protective gear, and adhering to speed limits. Violators may face fines, while those caught riding recklessly or carrying passengers on e-scooters could have their vehicles impounded.

Officials say the initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance safety as the use of personal mobility devices continues to grow across the emirate.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei said the unit will support the goal of achieving the highest levels of traffic safety in the city.

The UAE has announced a new Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund as part of a broader push to strengthen local manufacturing and reduce reliance on imports.

The initiative, revealed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aims to boost domestic production across key sectors, enhance supply chain resilience, and accelerate the adoption of artificial intelligence in industrial operations.

The move forms part of a wider strategy to reinforce the country’s industrial base while supporting long-term economic diversification.

Everyday consumer staples

A central goal of the plan is to localise the production of more than 5,000 essential goods. The first phase will focus on everyday consumer staples that can be scaled locally, including bottled water, dairy products, eggs, poultry, bread, flour, vegetable oils, and seasonal produce.

Authorities say implementation will involve close coordination between government entities, private sector partners, retailers, and digital platforms. Dedicated retail space will also be allocated to UAE-made products to improve visibility and consumer access.

Encouraging investment

In parallel, the government has approved an expansion of the National In-Country Value Programme, making it mandatory across federal entities and national companies. The policy is designed to increase demand for locally produced goods and services, while encouraging businesses to invest within the country.

Retailers and e-commerce platforms will also be encouraged to prioritise Emirati products, further supporting domestic manufacturers.

The UAE continues to position itself as a global hub for industry and innovation, with a growing focus on advanced manufacturing, food security, and technology-driven production.