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.

The crescent moon marking the start of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic Hijri calendar, was sighted on Wednesday evening, June 25, in Saudi Arabia. This means Hijri year 1447 AH officially begins on Friday, June 27.

To mark the occasion, private sector employees in the UAE will enjoy a paid public holiday on Friday, giving many residents a three-day weekend, especially those who already have Saturday and Sunday off.

The UAE’s International Astronomy Centre also confirmed the sighting, sharing an image of the crescent captured during daylight hours on Thursday morning from Al-Khatm Astronomical Observatory in Abu Dhabi. The photo was taken at 8:45am (UAE time), showing the moon 12 degrees from the sun and 17 hours old.

What This Means for UAE Residents:

• Friday, June 27, is a public holiday for the Islamic New Year (Muharram 1).
• Regular work resumes on Monday, June 30.
• Many residents will enjoy a long weekend from June 27 to 29, making it perfect for a short getaway or quality time with family.

Hijri New Year is a reflective and spiritual time for many in the Muslim world, marking the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) migration from Makkah to Madinah. While it is not widely celebrated with festivals, it is a day for reflection, prayer, and peace.

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.