The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has recently awarded a contract for a project that involves widening and improving the entrances to Mall of the Emirates and the surrounding streets and intersections. The project, which is estimated to cost around Dh165 million, will also include enhancements to pedestrian and cycling lanes. A 300-metre bridge will be constructed on Sheikh Zayed Road with a single lane to provide direct access to the Mall of the Emirates parking lots.
Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted that the project will involve the construction of a 300-metre bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road with a single lane to facilitate direct access to the Mall of the Emirates parking lots for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali. Additionally, there will be improvements to the Umm Suqeim intersection ramp and three signalised surface intersections, as well as modifications to the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station. Enhancements to pedestrian and cycling lanes, as well as paving, lighting, traffic signals, drainage systems, and landscaping works, will also be carried out.
The project aims to reduce travel time for traffic coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the Mall of the Emirates from 10 minutes to just one minute. It will also decrease travel time for motorists coming from Umm Suqeim from 15 minutes to 8 minutes, thereby improving traffic efficiency and safety on the roads surrounding the mall. The improvements are expected to have a significant impact on easing traffic congestion and enhancing the overall transportation experience in the area.
Mall of the Emirates, which first opened its doors in 2005, is a popular shopping destination that attracts over 40 million visitors annually. The mall features 454 stores of leading fashion brands, 96 restaurants and cafes, and unique entertainment venues like Ski Dubai and the largest VOX Cinema in the Middle East. It also houses luxury five-star hotels such as Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue. Additionally, it is directly connected to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station via a pedestrian bridge, providing convenient access to public transportation for visitors.
The improvements being made to the entrances and surrounding streets of Mall of the Emirates are part of ongoing efforts by the RTA to enhance the infrastructure and connectivity of the transportation network in Dubai. The project aims to address the growing traffic demands in the area and improve the overall accessibility and convenience for both motorists and pedestrians. By investing in infrastructure upgrades and road improvements, the RTA is working towards creating a more efficient and sustainable transportation system that benefits residents and visitors alike.
Overall, the project to widen and improve the entrances to Mall of the Emirates and the surrounding streets and intersections is a significant initiative that will have a positive impact on traffic flow and safety in the area. With the construction of a new bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road and enhancements to pedestrian and cycling lanes, the project aims to reduce travel times, improve traffic efficiency, and enhance the overall transportation experience for residents and visitors to Dubai. The improvements are expected to further solidify Mall of the Emirates’ position as a premier shopping and entertainment destination in the city.
