New Bridge Slashes Travel Time to Mall of the Emirates from 10 Minutes to 1
Dubai, UAE The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Majid Al Futtaim Properties, has officially opened a new 300-metre bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road, revolutionizing access to the Mall of the Emirates. The single-lane bridge, designed to accommodate up to 900 vehicles per hour, now provides motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali with direct entry to the mall—cutting travel time from ten minutes down to just one.
Improving Mobility Across Sheikh Zayed Road
The newly inaugurated bridge forms part of a wider infrastructure upgrade along Sheikh Zayed Road and Umm Suqeim Street, designed to improve access, enhance traffic flow, and facilitate mobility for both residents and visitors. The initiative also transformed the road adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel from one-way to two-way traffic, significantly improving circulation within the area.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, commented: “This project is part of our continuous efforts to enhance traffic efficiency, streamline mobility, and support Dubai’s vision of sustainable urban development.”
Key Features of the Project
The large-scale upgrade included several components aimed at boosting accessibility and safety in one of Dubai’s busiest retail districts:
- Construction of a new 300-metre bridge directly linking Sheikh Zayed Road to the Mall of the Emirates.
- Expansion of the southbound ramp at Umm Suqeim junction to ease congestion during peak hours.
- Upgrades to six signalised intersections surrounding the mall.
- Development of 2.5 km of new and improved at-grade roads.
- Conversion of the Kempinski Hotel access road into a two-way route.
- Enhanced pedestrian walkways, cycling tracks, and landscaping features.
- Improved lighting, stormwater drainage, and road paving to increase safety and efficiency.
Additionally, the project included modernization of the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, ensuring smoother integration between public and private transport modes for commuters and shoppers alike.
Supporting Mall of the Emirates’ Major Redevelopment
The bridge opening coincides with Mall of the Emirates’ 20th anniversary and comes as part of a wider AED 5 billion redevelopment plan by Majid Al Futtaim. The expansion will add 20,000 square metres of retail space, introducing up to 100 new luxury, fashion, and lifestyle outlets. It will also include a state-of-the-art health club, a cultural hub, and a dedicated dining district—further cementing the mall’s status as one of Dubai’s premier lifestyle destinations.
Open since 2005, Mall of the Emirates welcomes over 40 million visitors annually. The mall is also home to three five-star hotels—Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Novotel Suites Mall Avenue Dubai, and Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel—as well as direct access to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station via a pedestrian bridge, ensuring seamless connectivity for both residents and tourists.
Enhancing Dubai’s Urban Mobility Vision
This project aligns with Dubai’s ongoing transport and infrastructure strategy, which aims to improve citywide mobility, reduce congestion, and encourage sustainable transport modes. By connecting Sheikh Zayed Road directly to Mall of the Emirates, the new bridge not only reduces travel time and fuel consumption but also enhances accessibility to one of Dubai’s most significant commercial and entertainment hubs.
For nearby residential communities such as Al Barsha, Dubai Hills Estate, and Palm Jumeirah, the new bridge promises smoother commutes and improved accessibility, underscoring Dubai’s continued commitment to building world-class infrastructure that supports its fast-growing economy and vibrant urban lifestyle.
