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Expanding a key freight and commuter route 

Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority (RTA) hired CDM Smith to provide design and construction engineering services for the widening of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (formerly Emirates Road), a major freight and commuter route in Eastern Dubai. The route runs from the Arabian Ranches Interchange to the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border. The project also included the development of the Academic City Road extension, which runs parallel for approximately 24 kilometers (15 miles). Our responsibilities were delivered across four phases.  

Widening and improving roadways and roundabouts 

In 2012, we widened 7 kilometers of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, constructed a grade-separated interchange at Hessa Street and upgraded the Al Houd Roundabout to support regional traffic. 

Extending capacity on the growing corridor 

In 2016, we widened an additional 13 kilometers of roadway which extended to the Al Maktoum Airport Street Roundabout and completed the Al Houd Roundabout upgrade. 

Modernizing junctions for safer travel 

Our team upgraded the remaining sections of the roadway and replaced existing roundabouts with grade-separated interchanges. 

Completing the final connections 

 The project was completed with the extension of Academic City Road, a 23-kilometer north-south route connecting to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. This upgrade widened the roadway to an 8-lane divided highway. 

In addition to roadway widening, the project included new street lighting, utility crossing ducts and the relocation and protection of existing services that were approved by the utility authorities. The project had an overall value of approximately AED 1.8 billion (US $490 million).  

Curious to learn more? 

Connect with an expert to find out how we delivered this project.

Person in a suit and tie standing in a modern office with large windows and plants.

Mohamed Fathi, CEng, PMP, MSc

Transportation Design Leader

VP and Project Director with 33+ years leading major transport and infrastructure projects, delivering complex roads and mobility solutions across the region.

Practices

Bridges DesignRoads DesignTraffic Engineering and Operational Analysis

Markets

Local GovernmentGovernment Agencies

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