Dubai Awards $172M Contract for Al Mustaqbal Street Upgrade

DUBAI, UAE– July 13, 2025 - Dubai has taken a significant step toward modernizing its inner-city infrastructure with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) awarding a major USD 172 million (AED 633 million) contract for the comprehensive upgrade of Al Mustaqbal Street. This strategic initiative is set to enhance one of the city’s most vital urban corridors that links Za’abeel, DIFC, Business Bay, and surrounding developments.

Boosting Traffic Capacity and Reducing Congestion

The development project includes widening Al Mustaqbal Street from three to four lanes in each direction. Once completed, the corridor’s vehicle capacity will rise from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour, a 33% increase. Travel times are expected to drop by more than 50%, from 13 minutes to just six, significantly easing daily congestion in one of the busiest areas of the city.

Bridges, Tunnels, and Seamless Connectivity

The plan features the construction of a 450-meter-long bridge and three tunnels extending a combined 1.2 kilometers. These structures will provide free-flowing access to key areas such as Dubai World Trade Centre, Za’abeel, and Business Bay. The development will also connect smoothly with Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Asayel Street, optimizing traffic flow around DIFC and Downtown Dubai.

Beyond vehicle traffic, the project integrates pedestrian and cyclist-friendly infrastructure, including new sidewalks, a bicycle track, and a pedestrian bridge across Al Sukook Street. Urban spaces and landscaping will be enhanced, aligning with Dubai’s goal of creating livable, accessible public environments.

Statement from Mattar Al Tayer

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors at RTA, highlighted the project’s broader impact, stating that it will serve over 65,000 residents, bolster economic mobility, and support Dubai’s growth as a global city. He also emphasized the project’s alignment with the emirate’s sustainable urban development goals and its commitment to high standards of engineering and design.

The Al Mustaqbal upgrade complements several parallel initiatives across the city’s road network, including enhancements to key routes like Al Khail, Oud Metha, and Al Asayel Streets. It also supports connectivity to metro stations, aligning with multimodal transit goals as Dubai prepares for population and tourism growth in the coming years.