Commuters using one of Dubai’s busiest corridors just got a major upgrade.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has officially opened a new 1,000-metre bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, slashing journey times from six minutes to just one minute.
And this is only part of a much bigger transformation.
What’s the new bridge?
It spans 1,000 metres
Has two lanes
Handles up to 3,000 vehicles per hour
Connects traffic from Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Karama and Deira
It’s the third bridge completed under the wider World Trade Centre Roundabout Development Project.
Two earlier bridges opened in February 2026, improving traffic from 2nd December Street towards Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street.
Why this intersection matters
The World Trade Centre Roundabout is one of Dubai’s most critical traffic nodes. It connects five major roads:
Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street
Sheikh Rashid Street
2nd December Street
Zabeel Palace Street
Al Majlis Street
It also serves key destinations like:
Dubai World Trade Centre
Dubai International Financial Centre
More than half a million residents and visitors rely on this corridor daily.
From 12 Minutes to 90 Seconds
When the full five-bridge project is completed:
Average delays will drop from 12 minutes to 90 seconds
That’s a 92% reduction
Free-flow traffic will operate in multiple directions
The existing roundabout will become a signalised junction
Two additional bridges, connecting traffic from Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street, are set to open in October.
Who benefits most?
Daily commuters heading to Deira and Karama
Residents in Zabeel, Al Satwa, Al Jafiliya and Al Mankhool
Businesses in DIFC
Event attendees at Dubai World Trade Centre
For drivers, the impact is immediate. For central Dubai’s traffic grid, the biggest gains are still coming later this year.
If you drive this stretch daily, you’ll likely feel the difference from your very next commute.
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.
Dubai Police have issued a renewed and stern warning to motorists regarding the dangers of sudden swerving, labelling the manoeuvre as a primary catalyst for fatalities and severe collisions on the emirate’s high-speed roads.
Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, highlighted that while missing an exit or attempting a quick overtake may seem minor, the resulting “side-impact collisions, loss of vehicle control, and rollovers” are often life-altering.
The split-second danger
Recent monitoring by Dubai Police has recorded a surge in incidents where drivers changed lanes without indicators or ensured the road was clear. On high-speed corridors, these actions leave zero reaction time for surrounding motorists.
“Arriving late is far better than not arriving at all,” said Major General Al Mazrouei. “Missing an exit never justifies putting lives at risk. We urge the public to remain calm, use indicators correctly, and avoid impulsive decisions behind the wheel.”
The cost of a sudden turn
To deter risky behaviour, Dubai Police reminded the public of the strict penalties under Article 29 of the Federal Traffic Law. Motorists caught swerving suddenly face:
A Dh1,000 fine.
Four black points added to their traffic file.
Community vigilance: We are all police
Road safety is a shared responsibility. The public is encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviour via the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app or by using the “We Are All Police” service by calling 901.
As a 14-day ceasefire brings a temporary lull to regional conflict, the Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines has issued a major reassurance to its 540,000+ active paying OFW members across the Middle East. SSS President Robert Joseph de Claro confirmed today that digital infrastructure remains fully operational, ensuring that displaced workers can access critical “Unemployment Benefits” and pension services regardless of the security situation on the ground.
Who qualifies?
With over 4,300 Filipinos already repatriated as of April 6, the SSS “Unemployment Benefit” serves as a vital bridge for those involuntarily separated from their jobs. To qualify, OFW members must meet the following:
Age: 60 years old or below.
Contributions: At least 36 monthly contributions, with 12 months paid within the 18 months immediately preceding the job loss.
Certification: Involuntary separation must be certified by the DMW (formerly POEA).
Timeline: Applications must be submitted via the My.SSS portal within one year of separation.
Recognising the difficulty of physical travel during the current conflict, SSS has launched a breakthrough Facial Authentication with Liveness Check for its pensioners. This allows retirees in the Middle East to complete their Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) via smartphone, eliminating the need to visit embassies or consulates.
Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a series of temporary traffic modifications and partial road closures affecting major arteries in the capital starting today, Friday, April 10, through Monday, April 13, 2026.
The scheduled works will impact Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20), key routes connecting Khalifa City and Zayed City. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and plan for potential delays.
The closure schedule:
To minimise weekday disruption, the closures are concentrated over the weekend:
Friday, April 10 (2pm – Monday, April 13 (5am): The right lane on Al Fursan Street heading towards Abu Dhabi will be closed. Traffic flow will be maintained on the remaining open lanes.
Saturday, April 11 (12am) – Sunday, April 12 (11pm): A full closure of entry and exit points on Al Fursan Street will be in effect.
Guidance for motorists
Abu Dhabi Mobility has implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan. While diversions will be clearly marked with directional signage, authorities recommend the following:
Plan in advance: Use navigation apps to check for real-time congestion before departing.
Alternative routes: Utilise surrounding roads, including the main Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20) corridor, to bypass the affected zones.
Safety first: Adhere to posted speed limits within diversion zones to ensure the safety of road crews and fellow drivers.
These measures are part of ongoing scheduled works designed to improve the capital’s infrastructure and long-term traffic efficiency.