Collectively, these initiatives are aimed at accommodating a burgeoning population expected to reach 8 million by 2040.
Dubai Accelerates Major Road Projects to Support 8 Million Residents by 2040
Dubai is fast-tracking its strategic infrastructure development to support a projected population of 8 million by 2040. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently reviewed the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) 2025–2027 infrastructure plan, which includes 57 projects across 11 major corridors and aims to revolutionize mobility and sustainability in the emirate.
Massive Expansion: 226 km of Roads and 115 Bridges by 2027
The RTA’s plan features the construction of 226 km of roads and 115 bridges and tunnels, targeting improved traffic flow and reduced congestion across key urban and residential areas. Eight vertical and three new horizontal road corridors are being developed, ensuring optimal coverage across the emirate.
Key Road Projects Underway
- Umm Suqeim–Al Qudra Corridor: A vital 16 km stretch serving over one million residents. The project includes four upgraded junctions, 7,000 meters of bridges and tunnels, and aims to cut travel time from 46 to 11 minutes. Phase one has reached 50% completion.
- Hessa Street Upgrade: Now 60% complete, this project enhances four intersections with 9,000 meters of bridges. Road capacity will double from 4,000 to 8,000 vehicles per hour, reducing travel time from 30 to 7 minutes. It benefits 640,000 residents.
- Al Fay Street Corridor: This 12.9 km project connects Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Emirates Road via Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Street. With 13,500 meters of bridges and five intersections, the corridor will support 64,400 vehicles per hour and benefit 600,000 residents.
Integrated Cycling and E-Scooter Infrastructure
A 13.5 km cycling and e-scooter track is being added to Hessa Street, linking Al Sufouh to Dubai Hills. The route includes two architecturally iconic bridges over Sheikh Zayed and Al Khail Roads. Each bridge is five meters wide—three for micro-mobility and two for pedestrians.
Dubai now has 557 km of dedicated cycling tracks, with 100 km under construction and 185 km planned. In 2024, Dubai recorded 47 million cycling trips. A new naming initiative will enhance each route’s identity and user experience while promoting private sector engagement.
Sheikh Zayed Road and Smart Traffic Solutions
Sheikh Zayed Road serves 2.5 million people and is seeing targeted improvements. Between January and April 2025, seven rapid-implementation traffic solutions led to a 5–10% drop in congestion. A dynamic road toll policy contributed to a 9% reduction in traffic volumes and a 4% increase in public transport usage. A smart parking tariff system reduced volumes by 2.3% and increased public transport use by 1%.
AI & Drone Technology in Infrastructure Monitoring
Dubai is deploying smart technologies to track infrastructure progress. Drones and AI are now used to collect real-time data, enhancing operational efficiency and accelerating decision-making. These tools have:
- Doubled on-site supervision
- Cut survey time by 60%
- Improved project oversight by 40%
- Reduced project delays by 20% through early issue detection
Autonomous Taxis Coming to Dubai by 2026
Dubai’s roadmap for self-driving taxis is also progressing. Agreements with three global autonomous tech firms have been signed. Phase one will involve over 60 vehicles collecting mapping data. In phase two, pilot operations will launch in up to 65 designated zones, with an official rollout expected in Q1 2026. This supports Dubai’s goal to automate 25% of mobility trips by 2030.
Model District & 20-Minute City Concept
The Model District Project in Al Barsha 2 supports Dubai’s “20-minute city” concept, aiming to provide residents with walkable access to key services within 20 minutes. Features include:
- 17 km of integrated walking and cycling tracks
- Links to Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Hills, and Al Quoz Creative Zone
- Three community spaces and rest stops
- Smart shaded seating, rental stations, and 590+ newly planted trees
Sustainable Urban Mobility in Focus
This district supports Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan goals, focusing on sustainability, health, and quality of life by reducing dependency on private vehicles and encouraging eco-friendly modes of transport.
Conclusion
With its ambitious 2025–2027 infrastructure plan, Dubai is cementing its status as a global smart city. The city is not only preparing for demographic growth but also reshaping urban mobility through technology, sustainability, and innovation. Whether through AI-driven construction monitoring, cycling infrastructure, or autonomous taxis, Dubai’s integrated vision aims to create a livable, connected, and future-ready metropolis.
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