Heading to Dubai International Airport (DXB) just got a whole lot smoother.

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), working with Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects (DAEP), has officially opened an expanded bridge leading to Terminal 1 at DXB, and it’s a big relief for travellers.

The upgrade increases traffic lanes from three to four, boosting capacity by 33 per cent. That means the bridge can now handle up to 5,600 vehicles per hour, easing congestion, cutting journey times and making airport drop-offs far less stressful.

The project is part of a wider push to keep Dubai’s road network in step with the city’s rapid growth, especially around Dubai International Airport, the world’s busiest airport for international passengers.

What’s impressive is how it was built. Engineers used an innovative steel-and-concrete design that allowed construction to move fast without closing lanes or disrupting traffic on Airport Street. 

Beyond the extra lane, the project also included road resurfacing, upgraded utilities, new street lighting and landscaping to seamlessly connect the bridge with surrounding roads, improving safety and visibility for drivers.

For anyone heading to catch a flight, your ride to DXB just got quicker.

Dubai motorists are being urged to stay alert after Parkin warned customers about fraudsters posing as the company.

In a message shared on social media, Parkin said official communications are only sent from the short code 7275, and any messages or links claiming to be from the company outside of this should be treated with caution.

The parking operator advised customers not to engage with suspicious messages or click on unverified links, stressing that confirmation should always be done through the official Parkin app or parkin.ae.

Parkin manages around 207,000 paid parking spaces across Dubai, offering a fully digitised parking experience with multiple digital payment options and smart parking systems. The company recently upgraded its app to integrate multiple permit services into one platform, making it easier for users to manage parking access.

Looking ahead, Parkin is set to introduce paid parking in International City next month, further expanding its services across the emirate.

The company also reminded motorists that certain groups remain exempt from parking fees, including Emirati residents, senior Emiratis, and People of Determination.

Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has called on everyone across the UAE to come together on Saturday, January 17, by tuning in to the national media channels for a broadcast of the UAE national anthem at 11am.

Taking to social media ahead of the Day of Resolve, Sheikh Hamdan urged residents to reflect on the values that continue to unite the nation. “On January 17 each year, we reflect on the resolve, unity and solidarity shown by the people of the UAE, standing proudly behind their national flag to safeguard the country’s achievements and uphold its global standing,” he said.

adding that the anthem broadcast is an invitation for everyone in the country to renew their commitment to the UAE’s continued progress.

“We invite everyone across the UAE to follow our national media channels, which will broadcast the national anthem at 11am tomorrow, Saturday, as we renew our pledge and determination to continue advancing and elevating our beloved country.”

January 17 holds deep national significance for the UAE, marking a moment of collective strength, resilience and unity. The day commemorates the country’s steadfast response to the January 17, 2022, attacks on civilian infrastructure in Abu Dhabi, which claimed innocent lives and underscored the nation’s solidarity in the face of adversity.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has previously described January 17 as a day that reflects the UAE’s strength, resilience and unity, values that continue to define the nation today.

Residents are encouraged to pause at 11am on Saturday, wherever they are, to join in this nationwide moment of remembrance, pride and unity.