Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has awarded a contract worth Dh165m ($44.9m) for the Mall of the Emirates’ entrances widening and enhancements project.
This initiative, which has been launched in collaboration with integrated lifestyle provider Majid Al Futtaim Group, aims to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion around one of the city's busiest shopping destinations.
The project entails the construction of a 300m bridge along Sheikh Zayed Road, featuring a single lane that will provide direct entry to the Mall of the Emirates parking areas for drivers arriving from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.
This new infrastructure is expected to cut travel time from ten minutes to a mere one minute for these commuters.
In addition, the existing ramp at the Umm Suqeim intersection will be expanded southward.
The intersection will be upgraded to facilitate smoother vehicle movement from Umm Suqeim Street onto the bridge leading to the shopping centre's parking facilities.
The enhancements will also include better pedestrian and cycling paths.
The anticipated reduction in travel time is not just limited to those coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.
Motorists approaching from Umm Suqeim are also set to see their journey time halved from 15 minutes to eight minutes, thereby boosting the efficiency and safety of the surrounding road network.
RTA director general and board of executive directors chair Mattar Al Tayer said: “Further works include improving the surface roads extending 2.5km around the mall, developing three signalised surface intersections, modifying the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, converting the street next to Kempinski Hotel from one-way to two-way, and enhancing pedestrian and cycling lanes.
“These improvements also cover paving, lighting, traffic signals, rainwater drainage system, and landscaping works.”
The Mall of the Emirates, which opened in 2005, is home to 96 dining outlets, 454 retail stores, flagship entertainment options such as Ski Dubai, and the Middle East's largest VOX Cinema.
Furthermore, the Mall of the Emirates is flanked by luxury accommodations, including the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue.
