Authorities in Abu Dhabi are reminding motorists to exercise extra caution when driving near schools, highlighting the risks posed by distractions and heavy traffic during peak hours.

Abu Dhabi Police stressed the importance of staying fully focused on the road, particularly during morning drop-offs and afternoon pick-ups, when congestion and pedestrian activity increase significantly.

Drivers have been advised to reduce speed, respect pedestrian crossings and come to a complete stop when school bus stop signs are displayed. Officials warned that using mobile phones or engaging in other distractions while driving can pose serious dangers to students and other road users.

Police also emphasised that road safety is a shared responsibility, calling on parents and the wider community to support safe driving practices and help create a secure environment around schools.

Authorities added that awareness and enforcement campaigns will continue as part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and community wellbeing across the emirate.

Authorities in Dubai have unveiled an extensive road development project aimed at easing congestion and significantly reducing travel times across some of the city’s busiest corridors.

The initiative, led by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), will focus on upgrading key routes, including Umm Suqeim Street, Al Wasl Road, and Al Safa Street, as well as improvements to seven major intersections along Jumeirah Street.

The project will feature a network of bridges and tunnels spanning approximately 11km, in addition to road widening works designed to increase traffic capacity and improve flow across the city.

Faster journeys on key routes

Upgrades to Al Wasl Road will extend 15km and include the construction of five tunnels, with travel times expected to drop by up to 50 per cent. Capacity along the route will increase from 8,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

Meanwhile, improvements on Al Safa Street are set to dramatically cut journey times from 12 minutes to just three minutes. The plan includes two bridges and two tunnels, doubling road capacity to 12,000 vehicles per hour.

Expansion on Umm Suqeim Street

Six major intersections along Umm Suqeim Street will also be redeveloped, including links to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The upgrades will include four bridges and two tunnels, alongside additional lanes and improved connections to surrounding areas.

Wider network improvements

The project also covers key junctions along Jumeirah Street, including intersections at Al Thanya Street, Al Manara Street, Umm Al Sheif Street, Al Urouba Street, 39B Street, Al Hudaiba Street and 2nd December Street.

Officials say the development is part of ongoing efforts to future-proof Dubai’s infrastructure, improve mobility and accommodate continued urban growth.

‘Shop Local’, a new initiative aimed at helping consumers across the UAE discover and support homegrown businesses, while giving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) greater visibility, has been launched by a local platform Quiqup.

It will bring together UAE-based brands in one place, allowing users to easily browse, discover and purchase from local businesses that often face challenges standing out in crowded digital spaces.

Open to small and local businesses nationwide, ‘Shop Local’ is designed to address one of the most common hurdles SMEs encounter, reaching the right audience. By offering a dedicated channel, the initiative aims to help businesses build awareness, drive sales and support long-term growth.

The launch coincides with the announcement of the establishment of the Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund to boost localisation within key industries by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Strengthening local businesses

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Finance and representative at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, highlighted the importance of enabling high-potential businesses to scale.

She noted that supporting companies at the right stage allows them to contribute more effectively to the economy, particularly in the UAE, where innovation and entrepreneurship play a key role in driving growth and creating new opportunities.

Bassel El Koussa, CEO of Quiqup, said the initiative reflects the company’s belief in strengthening connections between businesses and communities.

He added that ‘Shop Local’ is intended to create opportunities for local brands to grow, deepen customer engagement and build a stronger market presence, while encouraging consumers to play a more active role in supporting the local economy.

The platform has already received 190 brand submissions, with Quiqup aiming to onboard at least 250 businesses in the coming weeks.