Motorists in Business Bay can now enjoy shorter commutes and less time spent in traffic, thanks to a series of road improvements rolled out by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

A key change involved converting a two-lane, two-way street parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road into a one-way, dual-carriageway. With upgraded signage and fresh road markings, this move has doubled the road’s capacity, a game-changer for drivers who previously faced long delays during peak hours.

The upgraded street connects directly to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road, two of Dubai’s busiest arteries. The enhancements are already making it easier and faster to get in and out of Business Bay, cutting down on congestion and helping drivers avoid frustrating bottlenecks.

Previously, residents and office-goers in the area reported waiting over 30 minutes just to exit parking lots during rush hour. Now, smoother traffic flow and improved road safety mean less time spent stuck behind the wheel.

Quick wins for quicker commutes

Several strategic upgrades were introduced to cut down travel delays:

• A new 100-metre storage lane was added at the Al Mustaqbal Street and Al Khaleej Al Tejari 1 Street intersection, increasing right-turn capacity by 50% and helping drivers move through the junction faster.
• The service road parallel to Al Mustaqbal Street was reorganised, with an extra lane added to handle more vehicles. This increased road capacity by about 50 per cent and reduced traffic congestion, making for a smoother ride.
• The bridge entry on Al Mustaqbal Street heading toward First Al Khail Street was widened from one lane to two, effectively doubling its capacity. This key update now helps ease pressure during peak hours, cutting down delays in one of Business Bay’s busiest zones.

With Business Bay serving as a hub for homes, offices, and tourism, these improvements are a welcome relief for anyone trying to save time on the road.

Abu Dhabi is welcoming the Hijri year 1447 in spectacular style, with illuminated decorations and vibrant art installations now adorning the city’s Corniche and bridges.

The initiative, led by the Department of Municipalities and Transport through Abu Dhabi City Municipality, is designed to reflect the spiritual essence and cultural beauty of the Islamic New Year, while adding to the emirate’s urban charm.

A Blend of Faith, Heritage and Art

The glowing displays feature intricate designs inspired by Islamic architecture, nature, and Emirati heritage, with the phrase “Hijri Year 1447” etched across many pieces. Using a stunning mix of golden yellow, white, pistachio, and sky blue hues, the decorations bring a festive and spiritual energy to the cityscape.

At the Abu Dhabi Corniche, visitors will find illuminated curtains suspended between lampposts, blending Eid Al Adha and Hijri New Year motifs in a celebration of light, colour, and joy.

Designed with Safety & Sustainability in Mind

All installations use energy-efficient LED lights and weather-resistant materials to ensure both durability and safety. Each piece has been strategically placed to match the layout of streets and walkways, making the city’s celebration beautiful and secure for pedestrians and drivers alike.

So whether you’re strolling the Corniche or driving through the city, take a moment to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s glowing tribute to the start of the Islamic calendar year, a celebration of faith, tradition, and forward-looking beauty.

Heads up, Dubai residents. In celebration of the Hijri New Year, all public parking in Dubai will be free on Friday, June 27, except for multi-level parking terminals. Regular parking fees will resume on Saturday, June 28, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced.

Public Transport Hours – Friday, June 27

• Dubai Metro: 5am (June 27) to 1am (June 28)
• Dubai Tram: 6am (June 27) to 1am (June 28)

RTA Service Centres

• Closed: All RTA Customer Happiness Centres and service provider centres
• Open: Smart Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Deira, Al Barsha, and RTA Head Office (available 24/7)

Vehicle Testing

• No technical testing on Friday, services resume Saturday, June 28.

For the latest updates on bus and marine transport schedules, commuters are encouraged to check the RTA or S’hail app.