Dubai motorists can expect faster access to Dubai Harbour this summer as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) prepares to open a major new bridge that will dramatically cut travel times in the area.

The new bridge is expected to significantly ease congestion around Dubai Harbour and nearby communities.

RTA says the project will reduce travel times from around 12 minutes to just three minutes, while accommodating up to 6,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Now, nearly 90 per cent complete, the 1.5-km bridge features two lanes in each direction, providing direct entry and exit between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour.

First phase to open this month

The first phase of the bridge will open later this month, allowing traffic travelling from Sheikh Zayed Road, from both Deira and Jebel Ali directions, to access Dubai Harbour directly.

The second phase, scheduled for July, will open routes from Dubai Harbour towards Al Naseem Street, as well as connections to the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and Al Naseem Street.

Connecting key areas

The bridge starts at Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road near the American University in Dubai and extends to Dubai Harbour Street.

The route passes through key intersections, including Al Naseem Street, Al Falak Street and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, improving connectivity across one of Dubai’s busiest coastal districts.

Once fully operational, the bridge is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion and support growing demand in Dubai Harbour and surrounding residential and tourism areas.

Dubai government employees will enjoy a public holiday on Monday, June 15, to mark the Islamic New Year (Hijri 1448 AH), authorities have confirmed.

The Dubai Government Human Resources Department (DGHR) announced that all government departments, entities and institutions will observe the holiday, with normal working hours resuming on Tuesday, June 16.

Three-Day weekend

As the holiday falls on a Monday, most Dubai government employees who follow a Saturday-Sunday weekend will benefit from a three-day break.

However, departments operating essential services or shift-based systems may adjust work schedules to ensure uninterrupted public services during the holiday period.

UAE-wide public holiday

The announcement follows confirmation from the UAE’s Federal Authority for Government Human Resources and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, which declared June 15 an official holiday for both public and private sector employees across the country.

Sharjah residents get a 4-day break

For government employees and students in Sharjah, where the official weekend runs from Friday to Sunday, the holiday creates a four-day weekend.

DGHR extended its congratulations to the UAE leadership, citizens, residents and the wider Arab and Islamic world, wishing continued prosperity, progress and stability.

Parents and teachers in Dubai will soon have a direct role in shaping the future of education, following the launch of two new advisory councils by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA).

Building on the success of the Dubai Students Council, KHDA has announced the creation of the Dubai Parents Council and Dubai Educators Council, both set to begin work at the start of the 2026-27 academic year.

Giving parents and teachers a voice

Each council will consist of 15 members selected through a transparent process and will serve as a formal platform for dialogue between the education community and regulators.

The initiative attracted strong interest, with KHDA receiving 152 applications for the Parents Council and 160 applications for the Educators Council, including submissions from Emirati parents and teachers across Dubai.

Supporting Dubai’s education vision

The new councils are designed to strengthen community participation in education and support the goals of Dubai’s Education 33 Strategy.

Members will have the opportunity to share ideas, highlight challenges and contribute recommendations on key issues affecting schools and early childhood centres across the emirate.

Focus on student success

The councils are expected to discuss a range of topics, including student wellbeing, inclusion, teaching quality, parental engagement and school-community partnerships.

KHDA said the move reflects its commitment to collaborative decision-making and aims to strengthen trust between families, educators and education authorities.

By formally including parents and teachers in the conversation, Dubai is taking another step towards creating a more inclusive and responsive education system that reflects the needs of its diverse school community.