Roads & Transport Authority - News Details

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Dubai Holding Community Management, has announced the commencement of construction of two new pedestrian bridges on Palm Jumeirah. The bridges form part of a package of traffic improvement projects being implemented under the partnership to enhance pedestrian safety, improve traffic flow and facilitate movement between residential, tourism and commercial destinations. The project underscores Dubai Holding Community Management’s continued investment in its communities and destinations, contributing to an improved quality of life and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading city in providing integrated and sustainable infrastructure.

Hussain Al Banna, Chief Executive Officer of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said: “The project reflects the strategic partnership between RTA and Dubai Holding to enhance the integration of infrastructure and road network projects with major developments. It also builds on the ongoing cooperation between the two parties to develop road networks and infrastructure serving major developments through integrated traffic solutions that respond to current and future growth requirements, improve connectivity between areas and key facilities, enhance safety and accessibility, and support sustainable urban development across the emirate.”

The project is underpinned by Dubai Holding Community Management’s long-term approach to enhancing its communities and destinations through practical mobility solutions that respond to the needs of residents and visitors and accommodate Palm Jumeirah’s future growth. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving safety and accessibility in support of sustainable urban development across Dubai.

Francis Gianni, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Community Management, said: “At Dubai Holding Community Management, we take a long-term approach to the communities we create, continually investing in infrastructure that responds to the evolving needs of residents and visitors. The new bridges will enhance accessibility and connectivity across Palm Jumeirah, while supporting safer pedestrian movement and smoother traffic flow. This reflects our commitment to creating future-ready communities that put people and their everyday experience at the centre.”

The first bridge will be located near Shoreline, at the entrance to Palm Jumeirah, while the second will be built at Golden Mile, adjacent to the retail frontages. Approximately 16,000 residents are expected to benefit from the two bridges, which will provide safe and convenient pedestrian crossings. The project is expected to enhance road safety, reduce vehicle waiting times at surrounding intersections by 50%, shorten journey times and improve traffic flow in the area. These improvements will also make everyday journeys between Palm Jumeirah’s residential and commercial facilities easier, providing a safer and more comfortable experience for pedestrians and motorists alike.

Advancing Road Safety
The two pedestrian bridges will support the objectives of the Dubai Traffic Safety Strategy, which aims to achieve zero road fatalities by developing safe pedestrian infrastructure and providing crossings that meet the highest road safety standards. The pedestrian fatality rate declined by 98% between 2007 and 2025, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve road safety and advance Dubai’s vision of becoming a pedestrian-friendly city. The emirate has also witnessed a significant expansion of its pedestrian infrastructure, with the number of pedestrian bridges and underpasses increasing from 26 in 2006 to 178 by the end of 2025, representing an increase of approximately 585%.

Capacity
The locations of the two bridges were selected based on traffic and field studies assessing pedestrian and vehicle volumes, land-use patterns, and current and future mobility needs in the area. The bridges will have a combined capacity of 2,700 pedestrians per hour, exceeding current demand and providing sufficient capacity to accommodate future growth in pedestrian numbers alongside Palm Jumeirah’s continued urban and tourism development. This capacity also takes into account the mobility needs of a destination that combines residential neighbourhoods with commercial and tourism facilities, supporting its long-term readiness for growth.

Implementation Phases
The Shoreline bridge, located on the inbound side of Palm Jumeirah, is scheduled for completion in June 2027, while the Golden Mile bridge, located on the outbound side, is scheduled for completion in October 2027. Traffic management measures will be implemented throughout the construction period to maintain smooth traffic flow.

Design and Accessibility
Each bridge will span 40 metres and will be designed to meet the highest standards of safety and accessibility for all members of the community, particularly senior Emiratis and People of Determination. Both bridges will be equipped with lifts and supporting facilities. Their architectural design will complement Palm Jumeirah’s distinctive urban and tourism character while enhancing the visual appeal of the surrounding area.

Dubai Holding’s Strategic Partnership with RTA
The construction of the two bridges falls within the framework of the agreement signed between RTA and Dubai Holding in March 2025 to implement traffic solutions, upgrade road network infrastructure and improve access and exit points serving 15 areas and development projects affiliated with Dubai Holding across Dubai, including Palm Jumeirah.

The planned improvements on Palm Jumeirah include additional acceleration and deceleration lanes at six locations, alongside the construction of two pedestrian bridges to replace at-grade crossings, thereby improving traffic flow and enhancing road-user safety.

The project exemplifies effective collaboration between the public and private sectors, combining RTA’s expertise with Dubai Holding’s long-term vision for developing integrated destinations and communities.
ENDS