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Hamdan bin Mohammed opens Dubai-Al Ain Road Improvement Project

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DUBAI, 29th May, 2022 (WAM) — H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince o

Published

4 years ago

May 29, 2022

Abhishek Sengupta

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WAM

DUBAI, May 29: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, has officially opened the Dubai-Al Ain Road Improvement Project built at a cost of AED2 billion.

Undertaken as part of Dubai’s master transport plan, the project affirms Dubai’s efforts to accelerate its economic development with major projects.

Speaking on the occasion of the opening, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said: “Dubai continues to advance the implementation of infrastructure development plans aimed at enhancing human welfare and catalysing sustainable economic growth. It is also part of our broader strategy to transform Dubai into the world’s best place to live, work and visit as well as strengthen our readiness to meet future needs in one of the fastest growing cities worldwide.”

Sheikh Hamdan further said that the government has always placed the highest priority on constantly improving Dubai’s road infrastructure, since it plays an important role in raising the emirate’s competitiveness in addition to creating an attractive business and investment environment and providing a high quality of life for the community.

The scope of the Dubai-Al Ain Road Improvement Project spans 17 km from the intersection of Emirates Road to the intersection of Ras Al Khor Road along the Dubai-Al Ain Road. Construction works included widening the road from three to six lanes in each direction, and constructing six main interchanges along with bridges and ramps stretching 11.5 km.

Upon arrival at the project site, Sheikh Hamdan was received by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

Benefits to the community

The project will ease traffic flow and improve links with the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Road, and Emirates Road, besides serving the current and future communities such as Dubailand Residence Complex, Liwan and Silicon Oasis on either side of the Dubai-Al Ain Road.

This stretch of Dubai Al-Ain road connects the Mohamed bin Zayed and Emirates roads. Courtesy WAM

It will benefit a population of 1.5 million living or working in the neighbourhood on both sides of the road. It also serves 25 universities and colleges where a total of 27,500 students are enrolled. The improvements will double the intake of the road from 12,000 to 24,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

It will also slash the travel time on the Dubai-Al Ain Road from the intersection of Ras Al Khor Road to the intersection of the Emirates Road by 50% from 16 minutes to eight minutes during peak time. Furthermore, it will solve traffic snarls that used to extend about two kilometres.

Connectivity

Sheikh Hamdan was also briefed on two projects under construction. The first is the Al Manama Street Improvement Project where the existing roundabouts will be transformed into signalised junctions. Construction for the project is expected to be completed in September.

The other is the improvement of the junction of the Academic City on Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street Project, which is scheduled for completion in December this year. In future, the sector of Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street from the Academic City to the junction of Al Awir Road will be further improved.

Ramping it up

Outlining the project’s highlights, Al Tayer said, “The improvement of the Dubai-Al Ain Project included the construction of four two-lane ramps at the junction of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road extending 2,600 metres to ensure free and smooth traffic movement in all directions at the junction.

Dubai-AlAin1

The previous bridge on Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road had been improved to allow for the widening of the Dubai-Al Ain Road from three to six lanes in each direction in addition to the construction of service roads on both sides of the road. The total capacity of bridges at the junction will jump to 36,000 vehicles per hour in all directions, which will ensure smooth traffic flow on the Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road from Al Qusais in the direction of Al Ain.”

Works included widening the road from three to six lanes in each direction and constructing service roads on both sides to enhance traffic safety levels. Overall, the project covered the improvement of six key junctions with the Emirates Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Nad Al Sheba Road, Al Meydan Road and Ras Al Khor Road.

These junctions facilitate smooth traffic flow and serve the residential communities on both sides of the road such as the Academic City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubailand Residential Complex, Liwan, and the Dubai Design District. The bridges at the six junctions stretch 6,600 metres in length and their ramps span 4,900 metres in total.

Six junctions

The improvement of Dubai-Al Ain Road junctions included the construction of a ramp at the intersection with the Emirates Road and a 220-metre bridge to link Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street with it.

The works will ease congestion seen in recent times from inbound traffic from the Dubailand Residential Complex as well as ease commute for those heading into Academic City and Silicon Oasis from nearby areas. Service roads have been constructed on both sides of the road along with turns to serve other traffic movements and development projects.

Other project works included the improvement of the Nad Al Sheba intersection to serve traffic from the Dubai-Al Ain Road to Nad Al Sheba and vice versa along with improvements of the inward and outwards surface roads of the Nad Al Sheba district.

Improvements covered the junction of Al Meydan Road with the Dubai-Al Ain Road, which has been linked with Al Manama Street by a four-lane bridge in each direction to link Al Meydan Road with Al Manama Road. Moreover, the previous bridge connecting Al Meydan Road and the Dubai-Al Ain Road has been improved to serve the residential projects of Meydan.

This stretch of Dubai Al-Ain road connects the Mohamed bin Zayed and Emirates roads. Courtesy WAM

Abhishek Sengupta

Chief Storyteller – Abhishek Sengupta Storytelling has been at the heart of everything I’ve done for nearly two decades, whether it’s captivating audiences with breaking news, crafting compelling video narratives, or writing columns with just the right amount of sarcasm and spice. I’ve been an award-winning investigative journalist, content creator, media strategist, and accidental commentator on everything from falafels to foldable laptops. My career has taken me across 60 countries, four World Cups between two sports, and one unforgettable ‘journalistic’ saga. Along the way, I’ve produced over 1,000 minutes of multimedia content, interviewed corporate top bosses, grilled ministers, while helping UAE’s longest-running English daily Khaleej Times ride the digital wave. All along, I’ve only tried (and occasionally succeeded) in making audiences laugh, think, and occasionally say, “Wait, that was actually interesting” —proving that even in today’s world, storytelling isn’t just alive; it’s thriving, quirky, and kicking up a storm.

News

Parkonic introduces new paid parking areas in Dubai Silicon Oasis

Published

6 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Motorists visiting Dubai Silicon Oasis will notice a major change in parking operations as new Parkonic-managed on-street parking zones officially come into effect from June 1.

The latest expansion covers several areas surrounding Dubai Silicon Oasis, including locations near University Residence buildings, and forms part of Dubai’s broader transition towards a fully digital parking ecosystem.

Unlike traditional parking systems that rely on tickets, parking meters or pay-and-display machines, the new setup uses automatic number plate recognition technology to identify vehicles and process payments seamlessly. The system is designed to offer a faster and more convenient experience for drivers while supporting Dubai’s smart city ambitions.

Under the Parkonic model, parking charges can be automatically deducted through a vehicle owner’s Salik account, eliminating the need for manual payments. Drivers who prefer an alternative method can also pay via SMS by following the instructions displayed on parking signs within the designated zones.

As part of the rollout, authorities have confirmed that cash payments, parking meters and QR code transactions will no longer be accepted in the newly activated areas.

Parking fees will vary depending on the time of day. Motorists will be charged Dh4 per hour from midnight until 4pm, while peak-hour rates will increase to Dh6 per hour between 4pm and 8pm. Charges will then return to Dh4 per hour from 8pm until midnight.

The expansion reflects Dubai’s ongoing investment in smart mobility solutions aimed at simplifying everyday services for residents and visitors. By integrating parking payments with existing digital infrastructure such as Salik, authorities hope to reduce congestion, improve operational efficiency and create a more seamless urban mobility experience.

Drivers using the new zones are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the updated payment process and ensure their Salik account details are active and up to date to avoid potential penalties.

For motorists requiring assistance, Parkonic has made customer support available through its dedicated helpline and online support channels.

The latest rollout marks another step in Dubai’s journey towards a smarter, more connected transport network, where technology continues to replace traditional systems and enhance convenience for road users across the emirate.

News

Dubai exit to Maliha Road closed nightly for 10 days: What drivers need to know

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10 hours ago

June 1, 2026

Michael Gomes

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Drivers travelling through Dubai during late-night hours are advised to plan after authorities announced a temporary closure of the exit leading to Maliha Road as part of ongoing Etihad Rail infrastructure development works.

The closure will be in effect daily from midnight until 6am, beginning on June 1 and continuing through June 10. During this period, the affected exit will remain inaccessible for 6 hours each night while construction work is underway.

Officials said the temporary measure is necessary to support progress on the Etihad Rail project, one of the UAE’s most significant transport infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing connectivity across the country.

Motorists who regularly use the route are encouraged to identify alternative roads and allow extra travel time, particularly during the overnight closure window. Traffic diversions and alternative access routes are expected to help minimise disruption for road users.

Authorities have urged drivers to follow road signs, adhere to traffic guidance and remain updated on any changes related to the works.

The temporary closure forms part of broader efforts to advance the UAE’s transport network and support future mobility projects that will improve travel efficiency and connectivity nationwide.

Officials also thanked motorists for their patience and cooperation during the construction period, while apologising for any inconvenience caused as work continues on the major infrastructure project.

Announcements

UAE fuel prices for June announced: Petrol edges closer to Dh4 a litre

Published

2 days ago

May 31, 2026

Michael Gomes

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The UAE announced revised fuel prices for June 2026, with motorists set to pay significantly more for petrol while diesel costs decline compared to the previous month.

The latest adjustment is particularly notable as it marks the country’s first monthly fuel pricing update since formally leaving both OPEC and OPEC+ earlier this year.

Beginning June 1, Super 98 petrol will be priced at Dh3.95 per litre, up from Dh3.66 in May. Special 95 will rise to Dh3.83 per litre from Dh3.55, while E-Plus 91 will increase from Dh3.48 to Dh3.76 per litre.

In contrast, diesel users will benefit from a reduction, with prices falling from Dh4.69 per litre in May to Dh4.33 in June.

The latest increase extends a three-month upward trend in petrol prices, reflecting ongoing volatility in global energy markets and fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Impact on residents

For households across the UAE, fuel price movements remain a key economic indicator, influencing transportation costs, daily commuting expenses and overall household budgets. Rising petrol prices can have a noticeable impact on monthly spending, particularly for residents who rely heavily on private vehicles.

The June pricing announcement comes just weeks after the UAE officially ended its six-decade membership in OPEC and OPEC+, a move that took effect on May 1, 2026.

The revised prices will come into effect from June1, 2026.