Dubai RTA To Spend $45 Million On Mall Of The Emirates Road Improvements

Dubai RTA To Spend $45 Million On Mall Of The Emirates Road Improvements. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, in collaboration with the Majid Al Futtaim Group, is set to enhance the infrastructure around the Mall of the Emirates with a significant investment. The project, valued at approximately $45 million (AED 165 million), aims to improve the access roads, intersections, and pedestrian facilities surrounding one of Dubai’s most popular shopping destinations.

Project Overview

The RTA’s ambitious project includes several key upgrades to the roads and traffic systems around the Mall of the Emirates. The enhancements will cover the following areas:

Construction of a New Bridge: A 300-meter single-lane bridge will be built on Sheikh Zayed Road. This bridge will provide direct access to the Mall of the Emirates parking lots for drivers coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali. The new infrastructure is expected to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion in the area.
Widening of Existing Ramp: The ramp at the Umm Suqeim intersection will be widened southward. This modification will improve vehicle movement from Umm Suqeim Street to the existing bridge leading to the mall’s parking areas, facilitating smoother transitions and reducing bottlenecks.
Upgrades to Surrounding Roads: The project includes the resurfacing and improvement of 2.5 kilometers of roads around the mall. This work will involve the development of three signalized intersections, ensuring better traffic management and safety.
Bus Station Modifications: Changes will be made to the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station. These modifications aim to improve the efficiency of public transportation connections to the mall.
Conversion of Street Directions: The street adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel will be converted from a one-way to a two-way street. This change is designed to enhance traffic flow and accessibility in the area.
Enhancements for Pedestrians and Cyclists: The project will also focus on improving pedestrian and cycling lanes. Upgrades will include better paving, improved lighting, new traffic signals, enhanced rainwater drainage systems, and landscaping to create a more welcoming and safer environment for non-motorized users.

Impact On Traffic And Accessibility

According to Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, the project will have a substantial impact on traffic efficiency. The new infrastructure is expected to:

Reduce Travel Time: Motorists traveling from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the Mall of the Emirates will experience a dramatic reduction in travel time, from 10 minutes to just one minute. Similarly, travel time for drivers coming from Umm Suqeim will be reduced from 15 minutes to 8 minutes.
Improve Traffic Flow: The various enhancements will collectively improve traffic flow, reduce congestion, and increase safety on the roads surrounding the mall.

Mall Of The Emirates: A Popular Destination

Since its opening in 2005, Mall of the Emirates has become a key retail and entertainment hub in Dubai. The mall attracts over 40 million visitors annually and features:

454 Stores: A wide range of fashion brands and retail outlets.
96 Restaurants and Cafes: Diverse dining options to cater to various tastes.
Entertainment Venues: Notable attractions such as Ski Dubai and the largest VOX Cinema in the Middle East.
Five-Star Hotels: Including Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue.
Direct Metro Connection: A pedestrian bridge links the mall directly to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, enhancing connectivity for visitors.

Conclusion

The $45 million investment by the RTA in road improvements around the Mall of the Emirates represents a significant step towards enhancing traffic efficiency and safety in the area. By addressing key infrastructure needs and improving access, the project will better accommodate the mall’s high visitor numbers and contribute to a more streamlined urban environment.