Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has reported major progress on the new access route connecting Sheikh Zayed Road with Dubai Harbour, with 90% of the project now complete. The development is being delivered in cooperation with Shamal Holding and is designed to make travel to one of the city’s key waterfront districts faster and more direct.
The project includes a 1.5-kilometre bridge with two lanes in each direction. Once fully operational, it will create dedicated entry and exit routes between Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Harbour, a destination known for its seafront lifestyle, tourism appeal and large yacht marina.
According to the approved timeline, the first traffic movement is expected to open in June 2026 for drivers heading from Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour from both Deira and Jebel Ali. A second phase is planned for July, allowing vehicles to move from Dubai Harbour towards Al Naseem Street, as well as from the bridge towards the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and Al Naseem Street.
The bridge begins near Interchange 5 on Sheikh Zayed Road, close to the American University in Dubai, and continues through the Al Naseem Street and Al Falak Street intersection before crossing King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street and reaching Dubai Harbour Street. The wider works also include upgrades to four major intersections along the route to improve traffic movement in the surrounding area.
When opened, the new route is expected to handle up to 6,000 vehicles per hour in both directions. RTA says the project will significantly reduce journey times, cutting the trip to Dubai Harbour from around 12 minutes to just three minutes.
Construction has already advanced across key structural elements, including foundations, columns and concrete barriers. The project has involved around 1,400 engineers and workers across 12 teams, with more than 4.2 million work hours recorded. More than 45,000 cubic metres of concrete and 8,273 tonnes of steel have been used so far.
RTA officials said the bridge reflects Dubai’s broader strategy to build a more efficient and connected transport network that can support rapid urban expansion, tourism growth and major real estate destinations. Shamal Holding also described the project as an important step in strengthening Dubai Harbour’s long-term development as a leading seafront district.
