Good news for commuters, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is rolling out a new road improvement designed to ease congestion and reduce travel time near the busy Bu Kadra Interchange.
Set to open in early August 2025, the new exit will connect vehicles travelling from Financial Centre Street to Ras Al Khor Road, as part of the Financial Centre Street
road upRTA’s Rapid Traffic Solutions Plan. The initiative focuses on enhancing traffic flow and boosting road network efficiency, especially in Ras Al Khor, a growing hub for commercial and industrial activity.
According to RTA, the new exit will significantly reduce congestion at Bu Kadra Interchange. Vehicles using the collector road from Financial Centre Street towards Ras Al Khor Road will now experience shorter travel times, especially during peak hours. Journey times are expected to drop by 54%, from 13 minutes to just 6 minutes.
The new development builds on recent traffic upgrades in the area. One key improvement included the widening of Exit 25 on Ras Al Khor Road leading to Al Khail Road and Al Meydan Street. This stretch was expanded from one lane to two lanes over 500 metres, doubling the capacity to accommodate 3,000 vehicles per hour. The result: peak travel time was cut from 7 minutes to 4 minutes, easing traffic flow at a critical intersection.
RTA reaffirmed its commitment to delivering road and transport solutions in step with Dubai’s rapid urban growth, saying these enhancements are crucial to keeping the city moving efficiently.
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.
UAE motorists won’t have long to wait to find out whether fuel prices will increase in August, with the Fuel Price Committee set to announce the new rates on Thursday, July 31.
The revised petrol and diesel prices will take effect from August 1.
Will fuel prices go up?
After a welcome price cut in July, the outlook for August is less certain.
Global oil prices initially fell below $70 a barrel earlier this month, raising hopes of another reduction. However, prices have since rebounded sharply, clouding the picture for motorists.
Brent crude briefly climbed above $100 a barrel, while US benchmark WTI rose to nearly us$92. Abu Dhabi’s Murban crude also surged past us$105, reflecting renewed strength in global energy markets.
Because UAE fuel prices are based on average international oil prices over the month, the late-July rally could limit or even reverse last month’s cuts.
Current UAE fuel prices
Motorists are currently paying:
Super 98: Dh3.40 per litre
Special 95: Dh3.29 per litre
E-Plus 91: Dh3.21 per litre
Diesel: Dh3.60 per litre
These rates were introduced in July after global oil prices eased earlier in the summer.
How UAE fuel prices are set
The UAE reviews petrol and diesel prices every month based on average global crude oil and refined fuel prices.
The August rates will be announced on July 31 through official government channels and will come into effect the following day.
Abu Dhabi Police are urging motorists to switch off their engines and take their keys whenever leaving their vehicles, warning that even brief stops can increase the risk of theft, fires and other safety hazards.
The advisory applies to drivers stopping at shops, petrol stations, ATMs or mosques, where some motorists continue to leave vehicles unattended with the engine running.
Police said leaving a running vehicle unattended creates an opportunity for theft and could also lead to mechanical problems or fire-related incidents.
Motorists were also reminded never to leave children, especially infants, inside a running vehicle, describing the practice as a serious threat to their safety.
Traffic laws
Abu Dhabi Police also highlighted that UAE traffic laws prohibit leaving an unattended vehicle with its engine running.
Drivers who fail to comply with traffic rules and official instructions can face a Dh500fine under the Federal Traffic Law.
Authorities urged motorists to adopt safe habits by turning off the engine, removing the key and locking the vehicle every time they step away, no matter how briefly.
Passengers travelling through Dubai International Airport (DXB) can now check if they’re eligible to use Smart Gates before reaching passport control.
Dubai Airports has introduced the new Smart Gates Pre-Eligibility Verification service in partnership with the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to make immigration faster and reduce waiting times.
How it works
Every improvement at @DXB is designed around the objective of making the journey through the #airport more seamless for our guests.
Developed in collaboration with @GDRFADUBAI, the new Smart Gates Eligibility Pre-Check gives travellers instant confirmation of their Smart Gates… pic.twitter.com/cg8irvnbfY
Travellers can instantly verify their Smart Gate eligibility through the Pocket Flights platform or by scanning QR codes placed across airport terminals and boarding gates.
The service lets passengers know in advance whether they can use the automated passport gates, helping them avoid uncertainty at immigration.
Faster airport experience
Dubai Airports says the new feature is part of its ongoing efforts to streamline passenger journeys and improve the overall airport experience.
By allowing travellers to confirm eligibility before reaching passport control, the airport aims to speed up immigration processing and make travel through DXB more seamless for millions of passengers each year.