The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), working with Majid Al Futtaim Group, has started a project to make it easier to get in and out of the Mall of the Emirates. They will also improve the nearby streets and intersections. This project will cost about AED 165 million.
The improvements include making the entrances to the mall wider and better. They will also make the streets around the mall more efficient and safer. In addition, the project will improve the lanes for people walking and cycling, making it more convenient for everyone to get around.
His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the RTA, explained the project in detail:
The project involves building a 300-meter-long bridge on Sheikh Zayed Road. This bridge will have a single lane and will provide direct access to the Mall of the Emirates parking lots. This is specifically for drivers coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali, making it much easier for them to reach the mall.
Additionally, the ramp at the Umm Suqeim intersection will be widened to the south. This improvement will make the intersection more efficient, allowing smoother movement of vehicles from Umm Suqeim Street. The enhanced ramp will connect to the existing bridge that leads to the mall’s parking lots, ensuring a more convenient and quicker route for drivers heading to the Mall of the Emirates.
These changes are aimed at improving traffic flow and making it easier for everyone to access the mall, reducing congestion and enhancing the overall driving experience in the area.
Further improvements will be made to the area around the Mall of the Emirates. The roads extending 2.5 kilometers around the mall will be upgraded. This will include improving the surface roads to confirm a softer and more secure driving experience. Additionally, three new signalized intersections will be developed to better handle traffic flow and decrease congestion.
The bus station at the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station will also be modified to make it more efficient for commuters. This includes changes to improve the overall functionality and ease of use for passengers. Moreover, the street next to Kempinski Hotel will be converted from a one-way street to a two-way street. This change is expected to significantly improve traffic flow and accessibility in the area.
Enhancements will also be made to pedestrian and cycling lanes. These improvements aim to provide better safety and convenience for people walking or cycling around the mall. New pavement will be laid down, and improved lighting will be installed to ensure well-lit pathways. Additionally, new traffic signals will be added to manage traffic more effectively.
The project will also address rainwater drainage to prevent flooding, ensuring that the area remains safe and accessible during heavy rains. Lastly, landscaping work will be carried out to beautify the surroundings, making the area more pleasant for visitors and residents alike. All these changes aim to make the area around the Mall of the Emirates more accessible, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.
The project will greatly reduce travel time for drivers coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali to the Mall of the Emirates. Currently, it takes about 10 minutes, but with the new changes, this will be cut down to just one minute. This will make trips to the mall much quicker and more convenient for these drivers.
For drivers coming from Umm Suqeim, travel time will also be improved. Right now, it takes about 15 minutes to reach the mall, but with the new improvements, it will only take 8 minutes. This means a faster and smoother drive for everyone.
These changes will make traffic flow more efficiently and safely on the roads around the mall, making it easier for all motorists.
The Mall of the Emirates, opened in 2005, welcomes over 40 million visitors every year. It has 454 stores featuring top fashion brands and 96 restaurants and cafes offering a variety of dining options. The mall also has unique entertainment venues like Ski Dubai, where you can enjoy indoor skiing, and the largest VOX Cinema in the Middle East for movie lovers.
There are three five-star hotels at the mall: Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel, and Novotel Suites Mall Avenue. These hotels provide luxurious accommodations for visitors. Additionally, the mall is directly connected to the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station by a pedestrian bridge, making it easy to access by public transport.
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