Dubai's Al Khail Road Set for a Massive AED 700M Redevelopment

To reduce traffic congestion on one of the busiest highways in the city, the Dubai government has announced a 700 million dirham project. The Al Khail Road Improvement Initiative will see five bridges constructed in multiple locations on the road, slashing travel time by 30 percent. Stretching from Business Bay crossing to its Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road intersection, Al Khail Road is a vital traffic artery in Dubai, featuring six lanes in each direction. Let’s dig deep and learn about RTA’s new road enhancement plan.

Al Khail Road Improvement Project

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently been awarded a contract worth AED 700 million to expand the road network infrastructure. The project is part of a comprehensive road development plan aligned with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai.

The Al Khail Road (E44) expansion project aims to expand the intersections and bridges to increase the capacity by approximately 19,600 vehicles per hour. The project will result in a 30% reduction in travel time. It will involve constructing bridges spanning 3,300 meters and road improvement works covering 6,820 meters along E44.

Construction Plan

The RTA has outlined plans to enhance seven locations along Al Khail Road: Zabeel, Meydan, Al Quoz 1, Ghadeer Al Tair, Jumeirah Village Circle, Al Jaddaf and Business Bay. Here are the specifications of the construction plan.

1. Zabeel: The first site will see the construction of a three-lane bridge spanning 700 meters, accommodating around 4,800 vehicles per hour. This bridge will connect traffic from Zabeel Palace Street and Oud Metha Road to Al Khail Road in the direction of Abu Dhabi. Moreover, improvements will be made to roads connecting inbound traffic from Al Khail Road, directing towards Financial Centre Street.
2. Meydan: A two-lane bridge will be constructed to link traffic from Al Meydan Road to Al Khail Road in the direction of Deira. It will modify the roads connecting traffic from Al Khail Road to Ras Al Khor Road.
3. Al Quoz 1: Another two-lane bridge will be built to link traffic from Al Meydan Road to Al Khail Road in the direction of Abu Dhabi. This will help ease traffic on roads connecting Al Khail Road to Al Waha Street and Latifa bint Hamdan Street.
4. Ghadeer Al Tair: A bridge will link traffic from Latifa Bint Hamdan Street to Al Khail Road in the direction of Deira, improving traffic connectivity from Al Khail Road to Al Meydan Road.
5. Jumeirah Village Circle: The new JVC bridge will link traffic from Al Khail Road to Hessa Street. The upgrades will enhance traffic connectivity from Jumeirah Village Circle to Al Khail Road in the direction of Deira.
6. Al Jaddaf: A new lane will be developed to enhance traffic flow in the direction of Deira, increasing the road's capacity by approximately 2,000 vehicles per hour.
7. Business Bay: The road entrance will be widened by adding an extra lane ensuring a smooth flow to the Business Bay area from Al Khail Road.
    

When will the Al Khail Road Improvement Project begin?

RTA has not yet announced a specific start date or estimated completion time for the expansion project.  However, the development is expected to commence at the earliest. It is worth noting that the last road improvement efforts took place on Al Khail Road in 2012, transforming existing roundabouts into flyovers and widening the road to six lanes in each direction.

Infrastructure Upgrade Near Al Khail Road

In addition to the Al Khail Road expansion project, the RTA announced a project worth AED 332 million to enhance traffic flow on Umm Suqeim Road earlier in 2024. The Umm Suqeim Street Development Project aims to decrease travel time for motorists and increase capacity to accommodate Dubai's growing population. 

It involves upgrading the intersection with Al Barsha South Street, near Kings School, by constructing an 800-meter tunnel with four lanes in each direction on Umm Suqeim Street. Furthermore, a signalized junction is planned as part of the overall upgrade. The aim is to enable up to 16,000 vehicles to travel in both directions per hour, reducing the travel time between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road from 9.7 to 3.8 minutes.