Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract worth AED786 million to build direct access routes between Dubai Islands and Bur Dubai. This project supports the emirate’s long-term infrastructure strategy and follows a traffic solutions agreement with Dubai Holding.
The development is designed to ease congestion and enhance access for both residents and tourists. With Dubai’s population and tourism on the rise, the city continues to prioritize smart infrastructure that keeps pace with rapid urban growth.
Key Features of the New Bridge
Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the RTA Board of Executive Directors, confirmed that the bridge will span 1,425 metres over Dubai Creek. It will be located between the Infinity Bridge and the Port Rashid Development area. The structure will feature four lanes in each direction and support up to 16,000 vehicles per hour. Rising 18.5 metres above the creek, it will also ensure smooth navigation for marine traffic through a 75-metre-wide channel.
In addition to road traffic, the project includes a dedicated pedestrian and cycling track. Elevators will be installed to enhance accessibility and safety. Moreover, 2,000 metres of surface roads will be constructed to integrate the bridge with existing networks on both sides.
Phase Two of a Larger Connectivity Plan
This is the second major contract under the Dubai Islands access initiative. The first phase, completed in 2020 in partnership with Dubai Holding, included three bridges totalling 1.6 kilometres. These earlier bridges provided direct routes between Al Khaleej Street and Dubai Islands in both directions.
Part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Development
This latest project is also part of the larger Al Shindagha Corridor Development plan—one of RTA’s most ambitious infrastructure initiatives. Spanning 13 kilometres, the corridor includes 15 intersections and is being developed in five phases. Once completed, it will serve key districts such as Deira, Bur Dubai, Dubai Islands, Deira Waterfront, Dubai Maritime City, and Port Rashid.
Ultimately, the corridor aims to cut travel time from 104 minutes to just 16. This will generate an estimated AED45 billion in savings over the next 20 years and benefit nearly one million people across the city.
