Dubai RTA Begins Fast Traffic Improvements on Al Thanya Street

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started a major traffic upgrade project on Al Thanya Street, one of the city’s busiest corridors. This street connects Sheikh Zayed Road with Al Wasl Road, making it an important link for both commuters and residents.

The project is designed to ease congestion, improve safety, and make travel smoother. By early September 2025, RTA expects the upgrades to be ready, giving Dubai another boost in its long-term plan for a world-class road network.

Why Al Thanya Street Matters

Al Thanya Street is more than a shortcut between two major highways. It runs through popular residential and commercial areas such as Jumeirah, Umm Suqeim, Umm Al Sheif, Al Manara, and Al Wasl. Every day, thousands of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists use this corridor.

At peak hours, traffic often slows to a crawl, especially near the roundabout and intersections. This not only frustrates drivers but also creates safety risks for pedestrians trying to cross. The new RTA initiative directly addresses these challenges by modernizing road design and introducing safer pedestrian crossings.

What the Project Includes

RTA has outlined three main upgrades for Al Thanya Street.

• Roundabout Upgrade: The roundabout on Sheikh Zayed Road’s service road, which leads into Al Thanya Street, will be improved to reduce bottlenecks.
• Signalised Junction: At the busy crossing of Street 10 and Al Thanya Street, a new traffic signal will be installed. This will help regulate movement and reduce confusion.
• Pedestrian Walkways and Signals: Safer walkways and signal-controlled crossings will be added to protect people on foot and cyclists.

These improvements are designed not just for smoother driving but also to make Al Thanya Street more friendly for pedestrians and active commuters.

Timeline for Completion

The upgrades are planned to finish by early September 2025. Choosing the summer months for construction was a strategic decision. With schools closed and many residents away, there is less disruption for road users during this period. It also allows RTA teams to carry out works more efficiently.

Part of a Bigger Citywide Strategy

The Al Thanya Street project is part of a much larger RTA campaign to enhance traffic across 40 different locations in Dubai during the summer of 2025.

This wider campaign covers 22 major streets, nine school zones, and several residential and commercial communities. Areas like Tolerance District, Al Khawaneej 2, and Nad Al Sheba are among those receiving upgrades.

Other well-known roads being improved include Ras Al Khor Road, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Meydan Street, and sections around Al Wasl–Al Manara junction. Together, these projects aim to give the whole city a more connected and efficient road system.

Making Schools Safer

A big focus of RTA’s 2025 upgrades is school safety. With thousands of students traveling daily, better traffic management near schools reduces risks and saves parents time.

Recent upgrades include:

• Expanded parking at Al Warqa 1 school complex.
• A new bus entrance at GEMS School in Al Warqa 3.
• Improved access at The English College in Al Safa 1.
• A pedestrian crossing with signals at Al Seedaf Street in Al Barsha 1.

In addition, RTA has completed improvements near 27 schools across 10 areas, including Al Warqa, Al Barsha, Al Safa, Al Garhoud, and Al Mizhar. These upgrades increased parking by up to 90% and improved traffic flow around campuses by 25–40%.

Benefits for Dubai Residents

The impact of these changes will be felt daily by residents and visitors. The Al Thanya Street project will:

• Cut travel time between Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Wasl, and nearby neighborhoods.
• Reduce congestion at intersections and roundabouts.
• Provide safer crossings for pedestrians and cyclists.
• Improve connectivity between residential areas and main business zones.
• Prepare the city’s road system for population growth and future needs.

For parents dropping children at school, professionals commuting to work, or residents walking to nearby shops, the improvements will make everyday travel smoother and safer.

Community and Business Impact

The upgrades will also benefit local businesses. Easier access means quicker deliveries and more convenience for customers. Neighborhoods connected by Al Thanya Street will see less traffic stress and improved livability.

At the same time, RTA’s planning ensures that the city keeps moving forward with proactive transport solutions. Instead of waiting for congestion to become unmanageable, the authority is addressing issues early. This makes Dubai one of the most advanced cities globally in urban mobility planning.

Dubai’s Long-Term Vision

The Al Thanya Street initiative is a small but important part of Dubai’s long-term vision for transport. By continuously upgrading roads, adding smart traffic systems, and creating safer pedestrian infrastructure, Dubai strengthens its reputation as a global hub with world-class infrastructure.

The project also shows how quick, targeted solutions can bring significant improvements in a short time. Once completed, it will serve as a model for other high-density areas across the emirate.

Final Outlook

By September 2025, Al Thanya Street will offer a much better driving and walking experience. For the community, that means less congestion, safer crossings, and easier connectivity. For the city, it reinforces Dubai’s position as a leader in modern infrastructure and urban development.