Dubai Picks Chinese Contractor to Upgrade Al Safa Street, Slashing Travel Times for 400,000 Residents
- Michael Ghobrial
- Sep 8
- 4 min read
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has appointed a major Chinese infrastructure firm to overhaul Al Safa Street, a 1.5 km stretch linking Sheikh Zayed Road to Al Wasl Street. The project will widen the road, add two bridges and two tunnels, and cut the corridor’s travel time from 12 minutes to just 3 minutes, doubling capacity to 12,000 vehicles per hour. This move highlights Dubai’s push for smarter infrastructure development and offers solid construction opportunities for firms that excel in road, bridge, and tunnel works.
Vision for the Upgrade
The modernisation of Al Safa Street will involve several critical components that leverage advanced engineering and design. Among the most notable aspects of the project are the construction of two bridges and two tunnels, which collectively will span 3,120 metres. The initiative will also include widening surface roads and updating traffic signals and intersections. Such enhancements are not merely cosmetic; they are integral to facilitating smoother traffic flow and improving overall travel experiences.
According to RTA, the goal is to reduce the travel time along this busy route from 12 minutes to an impressive 3 minutes. With an increase in capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour, the upgrade is designed to accommodate the growing vehicle population in Dubai, ensuring that the roads remain efficient and reliable.
Project Snapshot
Length: 1.5 km between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Wasl Street
Scope: Widen from three to four lanes each way, build two bridges and two tunnels (combined length 3,120 m), upgrade intersections, traffic signals, lighting and drainage
Goal: Lift capacity from 6,000 to 12,000 vehicles per hour, cut peak-hour travel to 3 minutes
District served: City Walk, Coca-Cola Arena, schools, hotels, and Downtown Dubai feeder roads
Delivery Partners & Key Stakeholders
Client: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
Main contractor: Leading Chinese state-owned builder (name not yet released)
Engineering consultant: RTA’s traffic and design team, plus local sub-consultants for utilities and landscaping
Supporting agencies: Dubai Municipality for the public realm, Dubai Police for traffic safety, and utility providers (DEWA, Etisalat) for services relocation
In addition to the transport improvements, the upgrade includes better lighting and drainage systems. These enhancements are essential for both safety and comfort, enabling residents and tourists alike to navigate the area more easily, both during the day and at night.
Technical Scope
Two new bridges to streamline turns from Al Satwa Road toward Sheikh Zayed Road and Financial Centre Street
Two cut-and-cover tunnels to channel traffic between Sheikh Zayed Road, Financial Centre Street and Al Wasl Street
Extra lane in each direction to boost flow, with separate free-flow and signal-controlled lanes
Dedicated pedestrian walks, cycling paths, urban plazas and landscaped buffers for sustainable building goals
Smart traffic signals and ITS (intelligent transport systems) for real-time monitoring
Timeline
Site mobilisation: Q3 2025
Major civil works: 2025 – 2026
Fit-out, ITS and landscaping: 2026 – early 2027
Target completion: mid-2027
Supporting Sustainable Urban Growth
As Dubai continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, initiatives like the Al Safa Street upgrade are instrumental in managing urban expansion. The implementation of modern traffic management systems and improved urban landscaping demonstrates a commitment to sustainable development practices. This project will not only address immediate needs but also establish a precedent for future urban planning in the emirate.
The integration of innovative technologies into the upgrade will help to optimise traffic flow and reduce congestion, making the city more navigable. For instance, smart traffic signals that adjust to real-time traffic conditions can significantly improve the efficacy of road usage. This approach aligns with the UAE’s Vision 2021, which aims to enhance community cohesion and ensure a high quality of life for residents.
Embracing Digital Transformation
Digital solutions will play a significant role in the success of this upgrade. The use of smart technologies, such as integrated traffic management systems, will not only make transportation more efficient but also provide real-time data that can be used to improve future infrastructure projects. This technology enables the RTA to monitor traffic patterns effectively and make informed decisions about further developments.
Ensuring that infrastructure evolves alongside population growth means that cities can maintain their identity and services without being overwhelmed. The Al Safa Street upgrade is a prime example of how urban development can be seamlessly integrated with technology to create a better quality of life for all.
Transformative Urban Landscape
In conclusion, the upgrade of Al Safa Street is a transformative initiative that will significantly improve connectivity and quality of life in Dubai. With the RTA's focus on modernisation, sustainability, and community involvement, this project stands as a testament to the emirate's dedication to infrastructure development. As Dubai continues to grow and evolve, infrastructure projects like these will play a crucial role in shaping a dynamic urban landscape.
The investment in Al Safa Street will not only facilitate faster travel but will also contribute to the city’s vibrant culture, enhance its economic outlook, and ultimately, lead to smarter urban living. As residents and tourists alike eagerly await the changes, it is clear that Dubai’s future is being built today.
With this commitment to infrastructure development, Dubai is firmly establishing itself as a global leader in urban planning and sustainable living.
Construction Opportunities
Civil and structural packages for bridges and tunnels
Asphalt paving and lane-marking subcontracting
ITS supply: adaptive signals, cameras, fibre backbone
Hard and soft landscaping around City Walk and residential zones
Project management roles to coordinate utilities, traffic diversions and stakeholder approvals
Strategic Importance
This upgrade is part of a wider RTA master plan that also modernises Umm Suqeim and Al Wasl Streets, preparing Dubai for a population expected to hit 7.8 million by 2040. Faster east-west links will keep the Downtown area competitive for business, tourism and real-estate investment, supporting the emirate’s D33 growth agenda and its commitment to low-carbon, people-friendly transport.
Writer’s Opinion
Al Safa Street’s overhaul is a smart, focused fix that shows how Dubai tackles congestion with bold engineering and global partnerships. By choosing a seasoned Chinese contractor, RTA signals its aim to blend cost-effective delivery with proven mega-project skills. For builders eyeing Middle-East work, this project is a clear sign: Dubai will keep awarding high-profile road and rail jobs to teams that bring speed, tech savvy and a track record of finishing on time. Stay close to Al Safa’s progress, because the lessons learned here, about phased traffic shifts, public-realm upgrades and smart-signal deployment, will shape the next wave of Gulf road schemes.
