Dubai RTA Awards Mall Of The Emirates Widening Project
Dubai RTA Awards Mall Of The Emirates Widening Project. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced a significant infrastructure project aimed at enhancing the accessibility and efficiency of the Mall of the Emirates. Valued at Dh165m ($44.9m), this initiative focuses on widening and improving the mall’s entrances, ultimately easing traffic flow and reducing congestion around one of Dubai’s most popular shopping destinations.
Project Overview
The centerpiece of this project is the construction of a 300-meter bridge along Sheikh Zayed Road. This bridge will feature a single lane designed to provide direct access to the Mall of the Emirates’ parking areas for drivers coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali. The new infrastructure aims to cut travel time for these commuters from ten minutes to just one minute, significantly improving the driving experience.
Enhancements And Upgrades
The project includes several key enhancements:
- Bridge Construction: A 300-meter bridge along Sheikh Zayed Road for direct mall access.
- Ramp Expansion: The existing ramp at the Umm Suqeim intersection will be expanded southward.
- Intersection Upgrades: Improvements at the Umm Suqeim intersection to facilitate smoother vehicle movement onto the bridge leading to the mall’s parking facilities.
- Pedestrian and Cycling Paths: Enhanced paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
These improvements are expected to halve the travel time for motorists approaching from Umm Suqeim, reducing their journey from 15 minutes to eight minutes. This efficiency boost will enhance the overall safety and functionality of the surrounding road network.
Additional Works
RTA’s director general and board of executive directors chair, Mattar Al Tayer, highlighted further enhancements:
- Surface Roads: Improvements extending 2.5 kilometers around the mall.
- Signalized Intersections: Development of three signalized surface intersections.
- Bus Station Modification: Changes to the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.
- Street Conversion: Converting the street next to Kempinski Hotel from one-way to two-way.
- Paving and Lighting: Enhancements in paving, lighting, traffic signals, rainwater drainage systems, and landscaping.
Impact On Mall Of The Emirates
Opened in 2005, the Mall of the Emirates is a major retail and entertainment hub in Dubai. It houses 96 dining outlets, 454 retail stores, and flagship attractions like Ski Dubai and the Middle East’s largest VOX Cinema. The mall is also surrounded by luxury accommodations, including the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue.
Conclusion
The Mall of the Emirates widening and enhancements project represents a substantial investment in Dubai’s infrastructure. By improving access and reducing congestion, the RTA and Majid Al Futtaim Group are set to enhance the overall experience for visitors and commuters alike. These developments will not only streamline traffic but also promote safer and more efficient travel around one of Dubai’s busiest shopping destinations.
