Laying down foundations for Dubai's infrastructure

The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has made huge achievements, despite multiple challenges encountered from the early days of establishing the RTA. It not only took on the transfer of tasks, assets and technological systems from the Dubai Municipality, General HQ of Dubai Police, and Dubai Transportation Corporation in record time but also addressed the sourcing of competent administrative and technical cadres, ease traffic congestion, improve traffic safety level, and increase ridership of public transport means.

Overall, it has achieved over 90 per cent of its strategic plan related to upgrading the infrastructure of roads, public transit means, pedestrian facilities and traffic safety. Flagship projects of the decade are the Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram, followed by the sprawling network of roads, underpasses, flyovers, as well as public transit systems and a variety of marine transit modes.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, offered thanks and appreciation to His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; Shaikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council; and Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council, for the continuous support given to the RTA.

"The bright vision and the continuous support accorded to the RTA by the leadership of the emirate is the underlying factor of the achievements made over the past 10 years. During the first months of establishing the RTA, Shaikh Mohammed endorsed the strategic plan of the RTA covering roads and public transport network in the tune of Dh75 billion. He directed all other government departments and entities to extend every support to the RTA during the establishment period. Multiple visits to the RTA were made by Shaikh Mohammed as well as Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Maktoum, who were keen to launch such strategic projects like the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, marine transit modes and a variety of road projects.

"Since inception, the RTA has been working to improve its performance level, keeping abreast of successive changes everywhere. It took early action to bolster its ability to introduce modern administrative concepts focused on serving customers better to make them happier, promote resources, simplify procedures, encourage innovation and creativity, unleash employees' abilities and skills, and achieve excellence in government administration," noted Al Tayer.

RTA's achievements are highlighted by the construction and operation of the Dubai Metro, which is known as the longest driverless metro in the world. The Dubai Metro was constructed based on the solid belief of Shaikh Mohammed in the vitality of metro systems in providing a world-class infrastructure raising the profile of Dubai as the global hub for finance and business. He envisions the metro as the backbone of a transport system linking vital areas of the emirate and offering smooth and safe mobility for riders. Thus, the Dubai Metro was set with the highest-quality levels and deluxe finishing as Shaikh Mohammed said: "I want Dubai Metro stations to be like the Burj Al Arab Hotel, so that it will become the first mobility choice of community members."

Vital road projects by RTA

It goes without saying that the planning, designing, and construction of major roads and transport projects take a long time before they can finally pay dividends after operation.

However, within a short period, the RTA made several mega achievements:

Number of lanes crossing Dubai Creek increased from 19 lanes in 2006 to 48 lanes in 2015, reflecting a 153 per cent rise.

Business Bay Crossing established with 13 lanes and a capacity to accommodate about 26,000 vehicles per hour.

The old Al Garhoud Bridge was replaced by a new one comprising 14 lanes, with a capacity of 32,000 vehicles per hour.

The six-lane Floating Bridge was constructed using military technology.

Al Maktoum Bridge widened from 9 to 11 lanes.

The length of roads network extended from 8,715 lane-kilometres in 2006 to 13,335 lane-kilometres by the end of September 2015, recording an increase of 53 per cent.

Former six-lane Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road widened to 12 lanes, with a capacity of more than 24,000 vehicles per hour, starting from the entrance of Sharjah up to the Arabian Ranches Interchange.

Emirates Road improved with 12 lanes and 15 interchanges including three flyovers and 12 underpasses for turns with a span of 72km, extending from the entrance of Sharjah up to the entrance of Abu Dhabi.

Al Khail Road now extends about 15km, starting from Al Meydan Road intersection to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road intersection and comprises six lanes in each direction. Former four roundabouts have been converted into multi-level free movement interchanges.

Work is currently underway to complete the construction of new parallel roads on Sheikh Zayed Road, with total length of about 31 kilometres. The project includes the construction of 23 bridges extending 8km at interchanges to ensure the smooth traffic flow in the area.

Dubai Water Canal

Shaikh Mohammed, in the presence of Shaikh Hamdan and Shaikh Maktoum, inaugurated the construction of the Dubai Water Canal project on October 2, 2013, which will link the Business Bay District with the Arabian Gulf. The water canal, which crosses the heart of Dubai, adds multiple tourist attractions and a gorgeous outlook to the city. Construction works began by building bridges crossing the canal on the Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeirah Road and Al Wasl Road. The canal will also feature five marine transport stations.

The project will feature a cast of deluxe luxury houses, footpaths, and cycling tracks, as well as deluxe retail outlets, luxury hotels and gourmet restaurants.

Jumeirah Corniche

Jumeirah Corniche was opened under the directives of Shaikh Mohammed. The Corniche extends 14 kilometres from the beach adjacent to six residential areas, behind Dubai Marine Beach Resort up to Burj Al Arab hotel.

The Corniche includes a walkway of five metres in width, a four-metre wide running track, rest areas with commercial stalls, and shaded sitting areas overlooking the beach, as well as public and health facilities.  The project features a distinctive touch thanks to the landscaping works and decorative lighting complete with an innovative stylish design.

Cycling Tracks

The RTA has built cycling lanes of more than 178-km long, of which 138km track extends from Seih Assalam up to Nad Al Sheba.

The project is to encourage Dubai residents to practise cycling as a sport and hobby. It is also part of RTA's master plan to provide cycling tracks, covering the emirate in its entirety.