Dubai Opens First Phase of Hessa Street Revamp
Major 4.5 km Upgrade Aims to Double Traffic Capacity and Improve Connectivity
- Publish date: since 10 hours Reading time: two min read
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has inaugurated the first phase of the Hessa Street Development Project, a Dh690 million transformation of one of the emirate’s busiest east-west traffic corridors designed to cut travel times, reduce congestion and improve connectivity for motorists and cyclists alike.
The newly opened 4.5-kilometre stretch runs from Al Khail Road to Sheikh Zayed Road, widening Hessa Street from two lanes to four lanes in each direction. The upgrade in this phase also includes new bridges at key intersections with Al Asayel Street, First Al Khail Street and Sheikh Zayed Road, helping traffic flow more smoothly toward central Dubai. Completion of the overall project is now about 90 per cent finished, with the remaining works, including further road modifications, more bridges, enhanced intersections and cycling tracks, expected by the second quarter of 2026.
Once fully completed, the Hessa Street project will double capacity on the route from 8,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour in each direction, serving a population projected to exceed 640,000 residents by 2030 in surrounding communities such as Al Sufouh 2, Al Barsha and Jumeirah Village Circle.
RTA Director General Mattar Al Tayer highlighted that the initiative supports Dubai’s rapid urban growth and responds to increasing demands on the road network. The revamped route is expected to significantly improve journey times for commuters and strengthen connections across residential and commercial districts.
In addition to vehicle capacity enhancements, the project includes the construction of a 13.5 km cycling and e-scooter track that links Al Sufouh with Dubai Hills, with a 4.5-metre-wide path serving neighborhoods such as Al Barsha and Barsha Heights. The dedicated track will connect directly with the Dubai Internet City Metro Station, supporting first- and last-mile mobility. Two architecturally distinctive bridges, one over Sheikh Zayed Road and another over Al Khail Road, will serve cyclists, e-scooter users and pedestrians.
The project also includes upgrades at four major intersections: Sheikh Zayed Road, First Al Khail Street, Al Asayel Street and Al Khail Road. Works completed so far include directional ramps and improved traffic-flow solutions, such as bridges that span key road and metro lines to streamline movement and enhance safety.
The opening of Phase I represents a significant milestone in Dubai’s broader infrastructure strategy to future-proof its transport network amid continued population and economic growth.