RTA in Dubai plans to construct 300-meter bridge linking Mall of the Emirates, deal worth .92 million sealed

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) of Dubai, in collaboration with the Majid Al Futtaim Group, has recently announced a major infrastructure enhancement project aimed at widening and improving the entrance points to the iconic Mall of the Emirates. This project, with an estimated cost of around AED165 million (.92 million), will also include upgrades to the surrounding streets and intersections, as well as improvements to pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the area.

This strategic initiative, headed by Mattar Al Tayer, the director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, will involve the construction of a new 300-meter bridge along Sheikh Zayed Road. This bridge will feature a single lane exclusively dedicated to providing direct access to the parking facilities of the Mall of the Emirates for motorists arriving from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali. Moreover, the existing ramp at the Umm Suqeim intersection will be widened towards the south, along with enhancements to the intersection itself, in order to streamline the flow of vehicles from Umm Suqeim Street onto the existing bridge that leads to the mall’s parking areas.

In addition to these key developments, the project also encompasses several other critical enhancements. This includes improving 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 street adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel from one-way to two-way traffic, and enhancing pedestrian and cycling lanes. These improvements will also cover paving, lighting, traffic signals, rainwater drainage systems, and landscaping works.

One of the most significant benefits of this project is the expected reduction in travel time for motorists. Traffic coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the Mall of the Emirates is projected to see a substantial decrease in travel time, from the current 10 minutes down to just one minute. Similarly, motorists traveling from Umm Suqeim can expect their commute time to be reduced from 15 minutes to 8 minutes. These improvements will not only enhance traffic efficiency but also contribute to a safer and smoother commute for all road users in the vicinity of the Mall.

The Mall of the Emirates, a retail and entertainment powerhouse that first opened its doors in 2005, has since become a beloved destination for locals and tourists alike. Boasting a staggering 454 stores featuring leading fashion brands, as well as 96 restaurants and cafes, the mall offers a truly immersive shopping and dining experience. Unique entertainment offerings such as Ski Dubai and the largest VOX Cinema in the Middle East add to the allure of the mall, making it a must-visit destination for visitors of all ages.

Moreover, the Mall of the Emirates features three luxurious five-star hotels: the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, the Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, and the Novotel Suites Mall Avenue, providing visitors with a range of accommodation options to suit their preferences. With convenient connectivity to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station via a pedestrian bridge, getting to and from the mall is hassle-free and convenient for visitors.

In conclusion, the initiative to widen and enhance the entrance points to the Mall of the Emirates, along with the surrounding streets and intersections, signals a significant step forward in improving the overall accessibility and experience for visitors to this iconic destination. The project’s focus on reducing travel time, enhancing traffic efficiency, and upgrading pedestrian and cycling infrastructure will undoubtedly contribute to a more pleasant and seamless experience for all visitors to the Mall of the Emirates.