The Dubai new bridge Mall of the Emirates has officially opened, transforming how motorists reach one of the city’s busiest shopping and entertainment destinations. The new bridge reduces travel time from ten minutes to just one minute, marking a major improvement in connectivity and traffic flow along Sheikh Zayed Road.
The project, developed by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in collaboration with Majid Al Futtaim, is part of a broader plan to enhance mobility, reduce congestion, and support the growing number of visitors heading to Mall of the Emirates.
A closer look at the new bridge
Structure and capacity
The newly opened bridge is a 300-meter, single-lane structure built to handle approximately 900 vehicles per hour. It connects Sheikh Zayed Road directly to the Mall of the Emirates, offering a faster route for motorists traveling from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.
The project also includes major upgrades to the surrounding road network. The southbound ramp at the Umm Suqeim junction has been widened, and the road adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel has been converted from one-way to two-way traffic. In addition, around 2.5 kilometers of nearby surface roads have been upgraded to support smoother movement.
Six signalized intersections have been added or improved to optimize traffic flow, while the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station bus stop has been modified to improve accessibility. Pedestrian walkways, cycling paths, lighting systems, and landscaping have also been enhanced as part of the project.
Solving congestion challenges
Before this development, motorists heading to Mall of the Emirates from Abu Dhabi or Jebel Ali faced long detours and traffic signals that caused significant delays. The new bridge eliminates these challenges by offering direct access to the mall, cutting travel time from around ten minutes to just one.
This change not only benefits individual drivers but also eases overall congestion on Sheikh Zayed Road and nearby intersections. It is expected to reduce traffic build-up at key entry and exit points, especially during weekends and peak shopping hours.
Traffic and mobility improvements
Reduced travel time and smoother flow
By offering a direct route to the mall, the Dubai new bridge Mall of the Emirates eliminates several bottlenecks. Drivers can now reach the parking areas more efficiently, with less idling and fewer stops. This results in smoother journeys, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced travel-related stress.
Although the bridge features only one lane, its strategic positioning allows it to divert a significant volume of vehicles away from congested feeder roads. As a result, nearby routes experience less strain, improving travel times across the entire network.
Safety and environmental impact
The improved traffic flow has multiple benefits beyond convenience. Fewer stops and smoother acceleration patterns reduce the risk of accidents and lower fuel consumption. This not only saves money for motorists but also supports Dubai’s sustainability goals by reducing emissions.
The redesigned traffic layout and newly added pedestrian and cycling facilities make the area safer for all users, encouraging alternative transport modes and contributing to a more balanced mobility ecosystem.
Mall of the Emirates: redevelopment and future growth
Expansion and modernization
The Mall of the Emirates, which attracts more than 40 million visitors annually, is undergoing a major Dh5 billion redevelopment project as it celebrates its 20th anniversary. The expansion will include an additional 20,000 square meters of retail space, more than 100 new luxury and lifestyle outlets, and new dining and entertainment areas.
The redevelopment also includes a health club, cultural zone, and improved facilities designed to enhance the overall visitor experience. The newly opened bridge supports this transformation by ensuring the mall can handle increased traffic volumes efficiently as it expands.
Integration with public transport
One of the mall’s key strengths is its seamless integration with Dubai’s public transport network. It is directly linked to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station through a pedestrian bridge, making it easy for visitors to switch between driving and public transport.
With the new bridge, enhanced bus routes, and upgraded pedestrian facilities, visitors now have multiple travel options that cater to convenience, comfort, and sustainability. This aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision of encouraging multimodal transport solutions that reduce dependence on private vehicles.
Broader infrastructure plans in the area
Umm Suqeim Street Improvement Project
The bridge opening is part of a larger infrastructure strategy that includes the Umm Suqeim Street Improvement Project. This 6-kilometer development extends from Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road and will involve upgrading six major intersections, building four new bridges, and adding two tunnels to improve capacity.
The project aims to expand the road to four lanes in each direction and includes constructing a new bridge connecting Umm Suqeim Street to Al Khail Road towards Deira. These improvements will ease congestion in Al Barsha and Al Quoz, two areas that have experienced rapid growth in recent years.
Future mobility vision for Dubai
The Dubai new bridge Mall of the Emirates represents another milestone in the city’s long-term mobility strategy. The RTA continues to prioritize projects that cut travel times, encourage public transport, and integrate smart traffic systems.
As Dubai grows into a global economic hub, infrastructure projects like this one ensure the city remains efficient, sustainable, and accessible. The government’s proactive approach to traffic management helps prevent bottlenecks before they become chronic, keeping Dubai ahead of urban transport challenges faced by other global cities.
Benefits for the community and businesses
Easier access for residents and commuters
For residents in areas such as Jumeirah, Al Barsha, and Al Quoz, the new bridge significantly shortens their daily commute. Those traveling from Abu Dhabi or Jebel Ali can now reach the mall more directly without facing long queues or diversions. This reduction in travel time improves daily convenience and enhances overall quality of life.
Boost for local economy and retail sector
The improved accessibility will likely result in increased visitor numbers to the Mall of the Emirates. Easier entry points encourage spontaneous visits and attract more tourists and residents, which directly benefits retailers, restaurants, and service providers within the mall.
In addition, the upgraded infrastructure supports future business development around the area, paving the way for more commercial, residential, and entertainment projects.
Environmental and social benefits
Beyond economic gains, the new bridge supports Dubai’s environmental and social objectives. By cutting idling time and travel distances, it contributes to lower carbon emissions. The inclusion of pedestrian and cycling paths encourages active mobility, promoting a healthier urban lifestyle.
The project also reflects Dubai’s focus on accessibility and inclusivity, providing smoother routes for public transport users and safer paths for pedestrians and cyclists.
Conclusion
The opening of the Dubai new bridge Mall of the Emirates marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s ongoing transformation into a world-class smart city. By reducing travel time from ten minutes to just one, the bridge demonstrates how targeted infrastructure investments can dramatically improve mobility, safety, and convenience.
Supported by the wider redevelopment of Mall of the Emirates and the Umm Suqeim Street improvement works, the project reinforces Dubai’s vision of efficient, sustainable, and connected urban development.
For residents, commuters, and tourists alike, the new bridge represents more than just a shortcut—it’s a sign of Dubai’s continued commitment to innovation, urban excellence, and improving everyday life for everyone in the city.
Do follow UAE Stories on Instagram
Read Next – Fly Wizz Air from Abu Dhabi — Here’s How
