RTA and Shamal Holding Launch AED431m Bridge Project to Enhance Access to Dubai Harbour

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has commissioned a AED431 million ($117.3 million) project to construct direct entry and exit points for Dubai Harbour, in collaboration with Shamal Holding, a prominent investment firm managing a diverse portfolio of investments, experiences, and assets.

The project includes the construction of a two-lane bridge in each direction, spanning 1.5 kilometers, extending from Sheikh Zayed Road to Dubai Harbour, a unique seafront residential destination housing the region’s largest marina.

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, stated, “The project provides a direct entry/exit for Dubai Harbour to ease the movement of visitors and residents.

“It covers the construction of a bridge of two lanes in each direction spanning 1.5km and accommodating 6,000 vehicles per hour.

“The bridge extends from the fifth intersection on Sheikh Zayed Road (near the American University in Dubai) to Dubai Harbour Street¸ passing through the intersection of Al Naseem Street with Al Falak Street and crosses over the intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street up to Dubai Harbour”.

The project also includes surface improvements at four intersections along the bridge:

– The fifth intersection on Sheikh Zayed Road

– The intersection of Al Falak Street with Al Naseem Street

– The intersection of King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street with Al Naseem Street

– Dubai Harbour Street

Upon completion, the project will enhance traffic flow and reduce travel time from 12 minutes to three minutes.

Abdulla Binhabtoor, Chief Executive Officer of Shamal Holding, commented: “As the owning company and curator of Dubai Harbour, Shamal Holding is committed to building extraordinary communities and enhanced experiences, making Dubai Harbour a unique seafront destination and an extraordinary seafront residential community.

“Our flagship residential project, Dubai Harbour Residences, along with other developments within Dubai Harbour, exemplify our ongoing efforts to meet the growing demand and ensure the continued growth and vibrancy of the area.

“We have commenced a range of enhancements and investments as part of our plans to offer the best integrated community in terms of quality of life and the well-being of residents and visitors.

“This major milestone to construct the Dubai Harbour bridge from Sheikh Zayed Road will provide direct access to Dubai Harbour with the ability to accommodate 6,000 vehicles per hour which when completed will provide free and direct traffic flow to and from Dubai Harbour, cutting travel time from 12 minutes to three, which achieves our mission of offering our residents and guests the best experience and comfort.

“As we continue to upgrade and invest in the infrastructure and facilities of Dubai Harbour, we appreciate the support and partnership of the Roads and Transport Authority, as well as our wider ecosystem of partners, contractors, and developers.”

Dubai Harbour is strategically located between Bluewaters Island and Palm Jumeirah, near iconic landmarks such as Burj Al Arab and Expo Dubai. It is a premier lifestyle destination offering a variety of retail, hospitality, and living options, including the ‘Dubai Harbour Residences,’ the first residential project led and curated by Dubai Harbour.
Upon completion, it will feature a range of apartments and penthouses with panoramic sea and city views. It is also home to Skydive Dubai, which features a 770-meter-long runway extending 550 meters into the Arabian Gulf. A 1.5-kilometer-long development project is currently underway, including a residential complex with 24 towers and about 7,500 apartments.