Dubai's Al Safa Street to be upgraded

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced, on Saturday the Al Safa Street Improvement Project from the junction of Al Safa Street with Sheikh Zayed Road to the junction with Al Wasl Street, spanning 1,500 metres.

The project involves the construction of two bridges and two tunnels with a combined length of 3,120 metres, along with the widening of surface roads and upgrades to intersections and traffic signal systems.

Once complete, the travel time on Al Safa Street will reduce from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes, and the street’s capacity will double from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour in both directions.

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, stated “Al Safa Street Improvement Project is part of RTA’s master plan to enhance the road network in the area, which also includes the development of Umm Suqeim and Al Wasl Streets.

“The project serves a vital district  renowned for hosting  numerous tourism, cultural, and sporting events, and is home to key landmarks such as City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena, educational institutions, residential and commercial areas, luxury hotels, and high-end restaurants. It also enhances connectivity with Downtown Dubai and nearby developments along Financial Centre Street, an area inhabited by over one million residents.

“The project places strong emphasis on creative and aesthetic elements, including the development of dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks, vibrant urban spaces that encourage community interaction, and the integration of a dynamic public realm enhanced by landscaped areas,” Al Tayer said.

Two Bridges and Two Tunnels

Al Tayer added “The project covers the development of Al Safa Street from its intersection with Sheikh Zayed Road to its intersection with Al Wasl Street and includes the construction of two bridges.

“The first bridge will serve traffic coming from Al Wasl Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street. It will comprise four lanes and span 1,005 metres, with an estimated capacity of 6,400 vehicles per hour.

“The second bridge will accommodate traffic coming from Al Satwa Road towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street. It will feature two lanes and extend 360 metres, with a capacity of 2,800 vehicles per hour.”

He revealed “The project also includes the construction of two tunnels. The first tunnel will serve traffic coming from Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street towards Al Wasl Street. It will span 1,005 metres, comprise two lanes, and offer a capacity of 3,200 vehicles per hour.

“The second tunnel will be located at the intersection of Al Wasl Street and Al Safa Street, extending 750 metres. It will feature two lanes in each direction, with a total capacity of approximately 6,400 vehicles per hour.”

Al Tayer further explained “The project also involves widening Al Safa Street from three signalised lanes in each direction to four lanes—two providing free-flowing movement and two managed by traffic signals.

“It also includes the development of dedicated pedestrian walkways and cycling tracks, the creation of vibrant urban spaces, and landscaped areas. Additional works cover upgrades to lighting systems, directional signage, the rainwater drainage network, and the protection and relocation of existing utility services.

“Upon completion, the project will enhance traffic flow from the Upper Deck of Financial Centre Street and Sheikh Zayed Road towards Al Safa Street and Al Wasl Street, and vice versa. It will also strengthen connectivity across key arterial corridors in the area and elevate overall traffic safety standards.”