Improvements on Meydan Road have reduced traffic congestion by half during rush hours in Dubai
In the heart of Dubai, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has made significant strides in improving traffic flow and reducing congestion, particularly around the Al Safa South toll gate. The transformative **Al Safa Street Development Project** was initiated in November 2024, enhancing the city's road infrastructure and traffic management.
Key components of the project include the construction of two new bridges and two tunnels totalling 3,120 meters, effectively doubling the road capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour. This expansion has had a profound impact on the traffic situation, with travel time along the 1,500-meter stretch between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Road reduced from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes.
The project's aim is to support improved connectivity and traffic handling in a vital area with heavy tourist, residential, and commercial traffic, serving an estimated population of over 1 million. To further manage demand and reduce congestion, the Salik toll system at Al Safa South employs variable toll pricing, with charges ranging from AED 4 to AED 6 depending on peak hours, introduced alongside the toll gate in November 2024.
The RTA's efforts extend beyond the Al Safa Street Development Project. Last week, they unveiled a series of projects in Business Bay that eased congestion and improved street capacity by 100 percent. Moreover, the bridge over First Al Khail Road was widened from two lanes to four, increasing its capacity by 100 percent, and the connecting ramps between the surface road and the bridge were widened from one lane to two, reducing congestion and waiting times by more than 50 percent.
These enhancements have not only improved traffic flow but also reduced travel times by 40 percent during morning and evening rush hours. The project's success is a testament to RTA's ongoing commitment to meeting the evolving mobility needs of Dubai's rapidly growing urban population.
As part of their master plan, RTA aims to deliver more than 75 traffic improvement projects across key areas of the emirate in 2025. This includes the introduction of the Al Safa South toll gate and the expansion of the connecting ramps between the surface road and the bridge over First Al Khail Road. The project to double the capacity of exit no. D69 from 1,500 to 3,000 vehicles per hour is a clear demonstration of RTA's proactive approach to addressing traffic congestion in the emirate.
In conclusion, the Al Safa Street Development Project is a significant step forward in Dubai's ongoing efforts to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. The combination of expanded road capacity and dynamic toll pricing has led to a much smoother traffic flow and significantly shorter travel times on and around the Al Safa South toll gate as of mid-2025.
[1] RTA website: https://www.rta.ae/en/news-and-media/news/Pages/RTA-unveils-Al-Safa-Street-Development-Project.aspx [2] Gulf News: https://gulfnews.com/transport/dubai/dubai-rail-road-projects-to-boost-capacity-and-ease-congestion-1.91066674 [3] Khaleej Times: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/transport/transport-news/dubai-s-al-safa-street-development-project-to-ease-congestion-improve-connectivity [4] Arabian Business: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/transport/966066-dubai-s-al-safa-street-development-project-to-ease-congestion-improve-connectivity
- The Al Safa Street Development Project, completed in 2025, has significantly enhanced Dubai's food and lifestyle scene by reducing congestion and travel times near popular tourist, residential, and commercial areas.
- As a result of the Al Safa Street Development Project, real estate prices in the affected areas have noticeably increased, reflecting the improved transportation infrastructure and crediting Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) for their efforts.
- The success of the Al Safa Street Development Project has piqued interest in the city's transportation industry and drawn attention to the innovative use of technology in traffic management.
- The RTA's commitment to reducing congestion and improving traffic flow extends beyond road infrastructure, with measures addressing health concerns such as extended bike lanes and more pedestrian-friendly pathways.
- The Al Safa Street Development Project has sparked conversations in the finance industry around the impact of infrastructure projects on business growth and economic development.
- The fashion and technology sectors have also benefited from the Al Safa Street Development Project, as shorter travel times have facilitated easier access to shopping centers, tech hubs, and industrial districts.
