165 Million Contract Awarded To RTA For Widening Mall Of Emirates Entrance

165 Million Contract Awarded To RTA For Widening Mall Of Emirates Entrance. In line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, and under the supervision of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has undertaken a significant infrastructure project. In coordination with Majid Al Futtaim Group, the RTA has awarded a contract worth AED 165 million to widen and improve the entrances to the Mall of the Emirates, including surrounding streets and intersections.

Project Overview

The ambitious project aims to accommodate urban development and population growth by enhancing road infrastructure. The scope of the project includes:

• Construction of a 300-Metre Bridge: A single-lane bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road will provide direct access to the Mall of the Emirates parking lots for motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali.
• Widening Existing Ramps: The current ramp at Umm Suqeim intersection will be expanded southward, facilitating smoother vehicle movement from Umm Suqeim Street to the existing bridge leading to the mall’s parking lots.
• Surface Road Improvements: Enhancements will cover 2.5 km around the Mall of the Emirates, including the development of three signalized intersections, modifications to the bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, and the conversion of the street next to Kempinski Hotel from one-way to two-way traffic.
• Pedestrian and Cycling Lanes: The project will improve pedestrian and cycling lanes, including paving, lighting, traffic signals, rainwater drainage systems, and landscaping.

Benefits And Impact

His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted the significant benefits of the project:

• Reduced Travel Time: The new bridge will cut travel time for traffic coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the Mall of the Emirates from 10 minutes to just one minute. Additionally, travel time for motorists coming from Umm Suqeim will be reduced from 15 minutes to 8 minutes.
• Enhanced Traffic Efficiency and Safety: The improvements are expected to enhance traffic flow and safety on the roads surrounding the Mall of the Emirates, benefiting both motorists and pedestrians.

Mall Of The Emirates

Mall of the Emirates, which opened in 2005, is one of Dubai’s premier shopping destinations. Annually welcoming over 40 million visitors, the mall features:

• Retail Stores: Home to 454 leading fashion brand stores.
• Dining Options: 96 restaurants and cafes offering a variety of cuisines.
• Entertainment Venues: Unique attractions like Ski Dubai and the largest VOX Cinema in the Middle East.
• Luxury Hotels: The mall hosts five-star hotels such as Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue.
• Connectivity: A pedestrian bridge provides direct access to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station.

Conclusion

The AED 165 million project for widening the entrances to the Mall of the Emirates is a testament to Dubai’s commitment to improving its infrastructure in response to urban growth. By enhancing road efficiency and safety, the project will provide significant benefits to residents, visitors, and businesses in the area. The collaboration between the RTA and Majid Al Futtaim Group ensures that the Mall of the Emirates remains a top destination, easily accessible and equipped to handle the increasing number of visitors.