DUBAI, UAE — Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, has officially endorsed a new architectural identity for the emirate’s road network, a strategy designed to elevate Dubai’s visual urban character and ensure design consistency across all infrastructure elements. Coinciding with this approval, the Crown Prince reviewed significant progress on two vital infrastructure initiatives—the Trade Centre Roundabout and Al Mustaqbal Street improvement projects—which collectively total AED 1.3 billion and are set to drastically reduce travel times for the millions of residents and visitors they serve.
The overarching aim of the newly approved aesthetic framework is to integrate Dubai’s transport infrastructure seamlessly into the city’s broader architectural landscape. This move aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, emphasizing sustainable, high-quality urban development by creating a visual and functional harmony across all infrastructure, including bridges, canopies, lighting, and street furniture. The initiative also includes the Dubai Tunnels project, which will commission local artists to transform urban infrastructure into cultural landmarks through custom murals.
Massive Infrastructure Projects Underway
During a site visit, His Highness was briefed by His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), on the city’s extensive transport network, which spans over 25,000 lane-kilometers and handles more than 3.5 million vehicles daily.
Dubai’s commitment to efficient infrastructure is evident in its pace of development. RTA constructs approximately 829 lane-kilometers of roads annually—more than double the global average of 400 lane-kilometers—while maintaining a capital efficiency two to three times greater than major global cities like Moscow and Milan. The RTA’s expansive infrastructure agenda has a tangible economic impact, contributing to an estimated 6% to 16% increase in surrounding property values.
Trade Centre Roundabout Overhaul
The improvement project at the Trade Centre Roundabout—a crucial interchange linking Sheikh Zayed Road with key arteries—is approximately 40% complete. This complex undertaking involves constructing five new bridges spanning 5,000 meters and converting the existing roundabout into an efficient surface-level intersection. The project, which addresses chronic congestion, will be opened in phases, with initial bridge inaugurations scheduled for January and March of next year.
Upon full completion, the upgrade is expected to double the junction’s capacity. Travel time from Sheikh Zayed Road to Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street will be slashed from six minutes to one, while average travel delays at the interchange are projected to fall dramatically from 12 minutes to just 90 seconds.
Enhancements to Al Mustaqbal Street
The second major initiative is the Al Mustaqbal Street Improvement Project, which runs from the Financial Centre Street to Zabeel Palace Street. Scheduled for a 2027 completion, this project includes 1,500 meters of new bridges and tunnels, most notably three tunnels totaling 1,100 meters.
The street will be widened from three to four lanes in each direction, boosting its capacity by 33%, from 6,600 to 8,800 vehicles per hour. Consequently, the travel time along this key corridor is anticipated to be cut by over 50%, dropping from 13 minutes to six.
Unifying Design for Global Impact
The new architectural identity standardizes the design for all structural and aesthetic components of road projects, drawing inspiration from Dubai’s distinctive heritage while employing modern concepts. This framework prioritizes sustainability, utilizing environmentally friendly materials and integrating innovation with aesthetic value.
By mandating a cohesive design strategy across its infrastructure, Dubai aims to strengthen its global reputation as a city that successfully marries authenticity with modernity, establishing a precedent for unified urban design standards in major metropolitan projects worldwide. The RTA plans to deliver 72 new development projects between 2025 and 2027, with an estimated investment of AED 35 billion, solidifying the city’s position as a leader in smart and sustainable urban mobility.