The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in partnership with the Majid Al Futtaim Group, has awarded a contract to widen and enhance the entrance points to Mall of the Emirates, as well as the surrounding streets and intersections. The project, which carries an estimated cost of approximately AED165 million ($44.92 million), also encompasses improvements to the pedestrian and cycling infrastructure in the area.
New bridge for access from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali
Mattar Al Tayer, director general and chairman of the board of executive directors of the RTA, stated that the project involves the construction of a 300-meter bridge along Sheikh Zayed Road, with a single lane that will provide direct access to the Mall of the Emirates parking facilities for motorists traveling from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali. He further explained that the existing ramp at the Umm Suqeim intersection will be widened towards the south by enhancing the intersection itself, in order to facilitate the movement of vehicles from Umm Suqeim Street onto the existing bridge leading to the mall’s parking areas.
#RTA, in coordination with Majid Al Futtaim Group, has awarded a contract for widening and improving the entrances to Mall of the Emirates and the surrounding streets and intersections. The project, which will cost about AED165 million, also includes improvements to pedestrian… pic.twitter.com/pwBTnMPbgw
— RTA (@rta_dubai) July 28, 2024
Expanded Umm Suqeim intersection
Al Tayer further explained that the project includes additional works, such as improving the surface roads extending 2.5 km around the Mall, developing three signalized surface intersections, modifying the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, converting the street next to the Kempinski Hotel from one-way to two-way, and enhancing the pedestrian and cycling lanes. He stated that these improvements also cover paving, lighting, traffic signals, rainwater drainage system, and landscaping works.
Reduced travel time, improved commute
The project will significantly reduce the travel time for traffic coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the Mall of the Emirates, cutting it from 10 minutes to just one minute.
Additionally, the project will reduce the travel time for motorists coming from Umm Suqeim from 15 minutes to 8 minutes, thereby enhancing traffic efficiency and safety on the roads surrounding the Mall.
Retail and entertainment powerhouse
The Mall of the Emirates, which opened in 2005, is a renowned shopping and entertainment destination that attracts over 40 million visitors annually. The mall boasts an impressive array of 454 stores featuring leading fashion brands, as well as 96 restaurants and cafes. It is home to unique entertainment venues, such as Ski Dubai and the largest VOX Cinema in the Middle East.
In addition to its diverse retail and dining options, the Mall of the Emirates also features three five-star hotels: the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, the Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, and the Novotel Suites Mall Avenue. The mall is conveniently connected to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station via a pedestrian bridge, making it easily accessible to visitors.
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