Dubai drivers report smoother exits at World Trade Centre junction after roadworks

Drivers navigating Dubai’s World Trade Centre junction say routes have become clearer and more direct, although they still need to adjust to new exits and diversions, as the final bridge in the project is set to open on 30 October.

Clearer markings and eased traffic

During construction, motorists faced frequently changing routes and struggled to reach certain exits. Now, flyovers carry traffic in multiple directions above and below the junction, while lane markings and signboards help drivers choose the correct path. Many are still familiarising themselves with the altered layout.

Emaad Shareef, an automobile salesperson based in Al Quoz who commutes daily from his home in Abu Hail, said taking the right exit had been difficult while work was under way, often forcing drivers to loop around to reach their desired road. “During the construction, it was difficult to take the exit. Now everything is marked properly, and we can clearly understand which lane to drive in,” he said. He added that traffic had eased and most of the work appeared to be complete.

Project details and final bridge

The Roads and Transport Authority announced the Dh696-million project in October 2024. It includes five bridges spanning 5,000 metres. The former roundabout has been converted into a junction, with bridges directing traffic in different directions. The project has opened in phases, and the final bridge is scheduled to open on 30 October.

Raza Khamer, a Karama resident who manages a hotel on Sheikh Zayed Road, said exiting had been difficult when he was in the second lane. He now finds the lanes and exits easier to follow, though some barricades remain. “When I read in the news that it was going to open, I focused on what had changed on my way home. I saw that some flyovers take traffic over the junction. It is very easy to take the exit now, and the lanes are marked properly,” he said. “There are still barricades on the roads, but I believe they will be removed soon.”

Separate routes and time savings

Abdul Qayyum, a resident of Jumeirah Residence in Al Hudaiba, frequently drives from Satwa towards Sheikh Zayed Road. He said he previously had to wait at the World Trade Centre roundabout. The new layout provides separate routes. “Now one route goes over the flyover towards Al Majlis and Al Mustaqbal Street, while the other continues towards Sheikh Zayed Road,” he said. “The traffic has already eased.”

The final bridge will serve traffic from Al Majlis Street towards 2nd December Street. The RTA estimates the route will take one minute instead of six, while average delay at the junction is projected to fall from 12 minutes to 90 seconds. Commuters say the routes they use are becoming easier to follow, though drivers will need to familiarise themselves with the new exits and diversions.