Dubai’s ambitious infrastructure expansion continues to gather momentum as the Roads and Transport Authority announces significant progress on the Dubai Harbour bridge project. With 65 percent of construction works completed, the landmark bridge is steadily taking shape, promising a major leap in connectivity between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour, one of the city’s most high-profile waterfront developments.
Stretching 1,500 metres in length, the bridge is designed to provide direct, seamless access to Dubai Harbour, home to the largest yacht marina in the Middle East. Once operational, the project is expected to ease congestion, cut travel times dramatically, and support the area’s rapid growth as a residential, tourism, and maritime hub.
Major Progress on Construction and Utilities
Alongside the completion of 65 percent of the main bridge structure, the project has achieved substantial progress in supporting works. Approximately 90 percent of utility relocation activities have been finalised, a critical milestone that ensures existing infrastructure such as water, electricity, and telecommunications networks continue to operate smoothly during and after construction.
To minimise disruption, approved traffic diversions have been implemented across the surrounding road network. These measures are aimed at maintaining steady traffic flow while construction continues, reflecting RTA’s emphasis on balancing development with daily mobility needs. The project remains on track for completion in the third quarter, marking a key addition to Dubai’s evolving transport landscape.
Leadership Vision and Integrated Urban Planning
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, highlighted that the bridge project reflects Dubai’s long-term vision for integrated infrastructure development. According to Al Tayer, the emirate’s leadership places strong emphasis on ensuring that road and transport projects move in step with urban expansion and economic growth.
He underscored the importance of collaboration between public and private sector partners, noting that such cooperation is essential to delivering projects that enhance mobility, improve safety, and raise overall quality of life. The Dubai Harbour bridge is positioned as a practical example of this approach, aligning transport solutions with emerging residential and commercial destinations.
Strategic Route and Key Connections
The new bridge follows a carefully planned alignment to maximise efficiency and accessibility. It begins at Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road, near the American University in Dubai, and continues through the Al Naseem Street–Al Falak Street intersection. From there, it crosses King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street before linking directly to Dubai Harbour Street.
This strategic routing ensures that motorists can reach Dubai Harbour without navigating multiple internal roads or traffic signals. By providing a direct corridor from one of Dubai’s busiest highways, the bridge is expected to significantly reduce pressure on surrounding streets and improve overall traffic distribution in the area.
Capacity, Design, and Traffic Impact
Designed with two lanes in each direction, the bridge will accommodate up to 6,000 vehicles per hour. This high capacity is expected to play a crucial role in supporting current demand while also catering to future growth as Dubai Harbour continues to expand.
In addition to the bridge itself, the project includes upgrades at four major intersections along the corridor. These improvements are intended to enhance traffic flow, reduce bottlenecks, and ensure smooth transitions between connecting roads. Once the bridge opens, journey time between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour is set to drop from approximately 12 minutes to just three minutes, delivering a tangible benefit for residents, visitors, and businesses alike.
Boosting Dubai Harbour’s Long-Term Potential
The bridge is more than a transport link; it is a catalyst for the continued development of Dubai Harbour as a fully integrated maritime destination. Shamal Holding, the master developer of Dubai Harbour, has described the project as a major step forward in strengthening the area’s position on the global stage.
Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer of Shamal Holding, noted that improved accessibility is essential to realising the long-term vision for Dubai Harbour. The bridge supports the creation of iconic destinations that enhance Dubai’s urban fabric while offering sustainable, high-quality experiences for residents and visitors.
A Prime Location Between Iconic Landmarks
Dubai Harbour enjoys a strategic coastal location between Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah, placing it within close proximity to some of Dubai’s most recognisable attractions, including the Burj Al Arab. This prime positioning has made the destination highly attractive for residential, hospitality, and leisure investments.
The area offers a diverse mix of waterfront living, retail outlets, dining options, and entertainment facilities. With the new bridge improving access, Dubai Harbour is expected to become even more appealing to both residents and tourists seeking easy connectivity without compromising on exclusivity or lifestyle quality.
Large-Scale Residential Development Underway
A major development programme is currently underway across a 1.5-kilometre stretch within Dubai Harbour. The master plan includes 24 residential towers housing approximately 7,500 apartments, catering to a growing population drawn to waterfront living and proximity to key business and leisure zones.
As these developments progress, the importance of efficient transport links becomes increasingly evident. The Dubai Harbour bridge is positioned to support this growth by ensuring residents and visitors can move in and out of the area quickly and conveniently, even during peak hours.
Supporting Dubai’s Broader Mobility Goals
The completion of 65 percent of the Dubai Harbour bridge project highlights RTA’s broader commitment to enhancing road infrastructure across the emirate. By focusing on strategic links that connect emerging destinations with major highways, Dubai continues to strengthen its reputation for forward-thinking urban planning.
Once completed, the bridge is expected to play a vital role in supporting economic activity, encouraging investment, and improving daily commuting experiences. It stands as another example of how targeted infrastructure projects can deliver lasting benefits, not just in terms of mobility, but also in shaping the city’s future growth.
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