Major Infrastructure Upgrades at Mall of the Emirates

The Mall of the Emirates is set to undergo significant enhancements aimed at improving traffic flow and accessibility for both residents and visitors. With the capacity to accommodate up to 900 vehicles per hour, a newly constructed bridge will provide direct access to the mall’s car parks for motorists traveling from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.

Comprehensive Infrastructure Improvements

This bridge is just one component of a larger initiative to upgrade the surrounding infrastructure. The project includes expanded entrances, improved intersections, and enhanced pedestrian walkways, along with the introduction of new cycling tracks. These upgrades are designed to facilitate smoother traffic movement and make the area more accessible for everyone.

Commitment to Development

Mattar Al Tayer, the Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), emphasized the importance of this project. He noted that it reflects the RTA’s commitment to collaborating with real estate developers to enhance the infrastructure serving Dubai’s retail and property sectors.

The initiative involves the construction of a 300-meter bridge and upgrades to the Umm Suqeim junction. This includes widening the southbound ramp and improving access from Umm Suqeim Street to the existing bridge leading to the mall’s car parks. Additionally, 2.5 kilometers of at-grade roads around the Mall of the Emirates will be upgraded, along with six signalized intersections.

Enhancements to Public Transport

The bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station is also being modified, and the road adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel is transitioning from one-way to two-way traffic. These changes aim to improve the overall flow of both vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the area.

The project encompasses various improvements, including better pedestrian and cycling tracks, road paving, enhanced lighting, updated traffic signals, stormwater drainage, and landscaping. These enhancements are expected to create a more inviting environment for visitors.

Traffic Benefits for Dubai Residents

According to Al Tayer, the new bridge will significantly reduce travel time for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the Mall of the Emirates—from 10 minutes down to just one minute. This upgrade not only enhances traffic efficiency but also improves road safety in the surrounding areas.

In addition to the bridge, the RTA plans to launch the Umm Suqeim Street Improvement Project this year. This project will extend 6 kilometers from its junction with Jumeirah Street to Al Khail Road, upgrading six major junctions and connecting Umm Suqeim Street with key thoroughfares such as Jumeirah Street, Al Wasl Street, and Sheikh Zayed Road.

Major Junction Improvements

The scope of the Umm Suqeim Street Improvement Project includes the construction of four bridges and two tunnels, totaling 3.45 kilometers in length. One of the key tunnels will be located at the junction of Umm Suqeim Street and Jumeirah Street, featuring two lanes in each direction and a signalized at-grade junction to enhance surface-level traffic flow. Another tunnel will be built at the junction with Al Wasl Street, facilitating two lanes for vehicles traveling from Sheikh Zayed Road toward Jumeirah Street.

Engineers will also construct two bridges at the junction of Umm Suqeim Street and Sheikh Zayed Road to eliminate current traffic overlap, along with at-grade improvements at the First Al Khail Road junction.

Increased Capacity and Connectivity

The project will add an additional lane on Umm Suqeim Street from its junction with First Al Khail Road to Al Asayel Street, increasing capacity to four lanes in each direction. Al Tayer highlighted that this initiative also includes the construction and widening of two bridge crossings—one linking Al Khail Road to the Al Quoz Industrial Area and another connecting Umm Suqeim Street to Al Khail Road toward Deira.

Mall of the Emirates Redevelopment Plans

The Mall of the Emirates, which opened its doors in 2005, attracts over 40 million visitors each year. To celebrate its 20th anniversary, Majid Al Futtaim, the leading developer and operator of shopping malls in the region, has announced a substantial AED 5 billion ($1.36 billion) redevelopment plan for the mall.

This expansion will introduce 20,000 square meters of new retail space, featuring up to 100 new luxury, fashion, and lifestyle outlets, along with a new health club, cultural center, and dining district. The redevelopment will also include significant infrastructure upgrades to enhance accessibility and improve the overall visitor experience.

Currently, three five-star hotels—Kempinski Hotel, Novotel Suites Mall Avenue Dubai, and Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel—operate within the mall, which is conveniently connected to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station via a pedestrian bridge.