Walk this way: RTA launches new bridges to boost pedestrian safety
September 15, 2025 Dubai
Dubai RTA Opens New Pedestrian Bridges to Enhance Safety and Walkability
Dubai’s RTA has opened two major pedestrian bridges on Sheikh Rashid and Al Mina Streets, with more crossings planned to make the city safer, greener, and more pedestrian-friendly by 2030.
Dubai RTA Expands Pedestrian Network with New Bridges on Sheikh Rashid and Al Mina Streets
Dubai, UAE – Dubai is taking a major step toward safer, more walkable streets with the inauguration of two new pedestrian bridges on Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Mina Street. The projects, part of the Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, reinforce the emirate’s vision of becoming one of the world’s safest and most pedestrian-friendly cities.
Expanding a Growing Network
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed that six additional pedestrian and cyclist bridges are under development, with five scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and the sixth by early 2027. By 2030, 23 more bridges are planned, adding to a network that has expanded dramatically—from 26 bridges in 2006 to 177 in 2024, representing a 581% increase.
Safety and Quality of Life at the Forefront
Mattar Al Tayer, RTA Director General, emphasized that the bridges reflect Dubai’s leadership vision: “Our goal is to enhance road safety, provide a sustainable mobility environment, and transform Dubai into a pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly city. This also supports the city’s quality of life agenda.”
The bridges improve first- and last-mile connectivity, linking residential neighborhoods with public transport stations, tourist attractions, and business hubs, while encouraging sustainable commuting.
Impact on Safety and Mobility
RTA’s efforts are already yielding results:
Pedestrian fatalities dropped from 9.5 per 100,000 people in 2007 to just 0.3 in 2024—a 97% reduction.
Pedestrian trips increased from 307 million in 2023 to 326 million in 2024 (6% growth).
Cycling trips rose from 44 million in 2023 to 46.6 million in 2024 (5% growth).
These achievements highlight the effectiveness of Dubai’s Traffic Safety Strategy, which aims for Zero Fatalities while maintaining global best practices in design, construction, and accessibility.
Details of the New Bridges
The newly opened bridges are designed to international safety standards and feature modern amenities:
Sheikh Rashid Street Bridge: 91 meters long
Al Mina Street Bridge: 109 meters long
Both bridges: 3.4 meters wide, 6.5 meters high, equipped with lifts, staircases, fire alarms, firefighting systems, and remote monitoring rooms—ensuring accessibility for all, including people of determination.
Upcoming Landmark Crossings
Several ambitious pedestrian and cyclist bridges are under construction, combining functionality with iconic architectural designs:
Sheikh Zayed Road Bridge (528m) and Al Khail Road Bridge (501m): Linking Al Sufouh with Dubai Hills.
Al Manara Street Bridge (45m): Complementing the Al Quoz Creative Zone.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road Bridge (554m): Connecting Muhaisnah 1 and Al Twar.
Dubai—Al Ain Road Bridge (730m): Linking Wadi Al Safa 4 with Nadd Hessa.
Al Sukook Street Bridge (44m): Part of the Future Street Improvement Project in Dubai’s Central Business District, opening in 2027.
Nine additional pedestrian bridges are planned by 2028, including crossings near Coca-Cola Arena, Business Bay, Burj Khalifa, and six along Al Asayel Street.
Smart, Safe, and Sustainable Features
RTA bridges incorporate:
Electromechanical systems
Fire alarm and firefighting systems
Remote monitoring technology
Dedicated cycling paths and bike racks at select locations
These features ensure safety, convenience, and a culture of sustainable, active transportation.
Vision Toward Zero Fatalities
Al Tayer emphasized that the bridges are integral to Dubai’s Zero Fatalities strategy, enabling residents and visitors to cross busy roads safely. By investing in pedestrian infrastructure, Dubai is creating a more connected, sustainable, and livable city, where walking and cycling are central to urban mobility.
Conclusion
The opening of the Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Mina Street bridges marks another milestone in Dubai’s infrastructure journey. With dozens of projects underway, the RTA is not just building bridges—it is shaping a safer, greener, and more walkable future. By 2030, the planned 23 new pedestrian bridges will help Dubai become a global benchmark for urban walkability and road safety.
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