Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority on Sunday said it has awarded a Dh332 million ($90.4 million) contract to improve traffic flow on Umm Suqeim Street.
The major upgrade of the D63 that runs from Al Khail Road (E44) to the intersection of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road (311) aims to reduce travel time for motorists and boost capacity as Dubai's population continues to grow.
Mattar Al Tayer, director general of the RTA, said the works will mean up to 16,000 vehicles can travel in both directions per hour and significantly reduce the travel time between Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road and Al Khail Road from 9.7 to 3.8 minutes.
The 4.6km project includes an upgrade of the intersection with Al Barsha South Street, near Kings School, by creating an 800-metre tunnel with four lanes in each direction on Umm Suqeim Street.
A signalised junction is also planned as part of the upgrade.
"This project aims to improve the connectivity of four major traffic corridors in Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Road; Al Khail Road; Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road; and Emirates Road,” said Mr Al Tayer.
“The project will serve various residential and developments areas, including Al Barsha South 1, 2, and 3, and Dubai Hills. These areas have an estimated population of about two million people.”
The Umm Suqeim Street works also aims to boost east-to-west travel across Dubai and enhance connections with south-to-north roads that stretch across the UAE.
The project's completion date has not been revealed but it is the latest step by the RTA to boost connectivity through this crucial transport corridor.
In 2013, the RTA completed the widening of Umm Suqeim Street from the junction of Sheikh Zayed Road to the intersection of Al Khail Road.
This project included the construction of two bridges, with three lanes in each direction, and three pedestrian bridges.
In 2020, the RTA opened a mammoth 500-metre bridge leading to Dubai Hills Mall.
The bridge is at the intersection of Umm Suqeim Street and the entrances of Dubai Hills and Al Barsha areas. It consists of four lanes in each direction and is capable of handling up to 16,000 vehicles per hour.
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW
Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman
Director: Jesse Armstrong
Rating: 3.5/5
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Adele: The Stories Behind The Songs
Caroline Sullivan
Carlton Books
EA Sports FC 26
Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
Traits of Chinese zodiac animals
Tiger:independent, successful, volatile
Rat:witty, creative, charming
Ox:diligent, perseverent, conservative
Rabbit:gracious, considerate, sensitive
Dragon:prosperous, brave, rash
Snake:calm, thoughtful, stubborn
Horse:faithful, energetic, carefree
Sheep:easy-going, peacemaker, curious
Monkey:family-orientated, clever, playful
Rooster:honest, confident, pompous
Dog:loyal, kind, perfectionist
Boar:loving, tolerant, indulgent
UAE finals day
Friday, April 13
Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
3pm, UAE Conference: Dubai Tigers v Sharjah Wanderers
6.30pm, UAE Premiership: Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins
