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Huge relief for drivers: New Dubai bridge cuts travel time to 1 minute
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.
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.
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