Major upgrade planned for access roads to Mall of the Emirates
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has recently announced the awarding of a contract for a major project aimed at widening and improving the entrances to Mall of the Emirates and the surrounding streets and intersections. The project, estimated to cost around AED 165 million, also includes enhancements to pedestrian and cycling lanes in the area.
Mr. Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, highlighted the key aspects of the project. One of the major infrastructural changes will be the construction of a 300-meter bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road with a single lane, providing direct access to the Mall of the Emirates parking lots for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali. This new bridge is expected to streamline traffic flow and improve accessibility to the popular shopping destination.
Moreover, the current ramp at Umm Suqeim intersection will be widened southward to enhance the intersection’s capacity and facilitate smoother vehicle movement from Umm Suqeim Street to the existing bridge leading to the mall’s parking lots. Additional improvements will include upgrading the surface roads extending 2.5 km around the Mall, developing three signalized surface intersections, modifying the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, converting the adjacent street to Kempinski Hotel from one-way to two-way, and enhancing pedestrian and cycling lanes. These enhancements encompass various aspects such as paving, lighting, traffic signals, rainwater drainage systems, and landscaping works.
The implementation of these improvements is expected to bring about significant benefits for commuters and visitors to the Mall of the Emirates. Travel time for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the mall is projected to decrease drastically from 10 minutes to just one minute. Similarly, travel time for motorists from Umm Suqeim is anticipated to reduce from 15 minutes to 8 minutes. These efficiency gains are crucial for enhancing traffic flow and safety on the roads surrounding the Mall of the Emirates, a key commercial and entertainment hub in Dubai.
Since its opening in 2005, Mall of the Emirates has established itself as a premier shopping and leisure destination, attracting over 40 million visitors annually. The mall’s popularity underscores the importance of infrastructure enhancements to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for visitors. With the planned improvements set to enhance accessibility, traffic efficiency, and safety, the RTA’s project is poised to further elevate the status of Mall of the Emirates as a must-visit destination in Dubai.
In conclusion, the RTA’s investment in upgrading the entrances and surrounding streets and intersections of Mall of the Emirates reflects the authority’s commitment to enhancing the city’s infrastructure and improving the overall quality of life for residents and visitors. By addressing key traffic congestion points and improving accessibility, the project is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the efficiency and safety of transportation in the area. As Dubai continues to evolve as a global hub for commerce and tourism, such infrastructure developments play a crucial role in supporting the city’s growth and development.
