Dubai approves AED 18 billion development package, including 15 km elevated road

A strategic corridor parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road, featuring a 15 km-long elevated carriageway with three lanes in each direction, is among key projects approved by Dubai’s Executive Council, alongside AED 18 billion worth of broader development initiatives.

The projects, spanning culture, trade, infrastructure, Emiratisation, finance, investment, urban planning and population data, were announced during a meeting chaired by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and the UAE's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence.

The new road corridor is part of the First Al Khail Street Development Plan, which is expected to reduce travel time on Sheikh Zayed Road by 51 per cent during peak hours.

It will serve 2.6 million people, also providing access to Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Business Bay and Meydan.

Construction will start in Q3 2027 and end in Q4 2030, deploying innovative technologies to accelerate delivery without affecting traffic movement in the area.

Also approved are a strategy to boost Emirati talent in private education, a unified Dubai Investor Register, a new visual identity for the emirate’s address system, and the launch of a Global Centre for Technology and Innovation in Islamic Finance.

Other projects include a real-time population monitoring system, the Dubai Cultural Strategy 2033, and a strengthened Dubai Customs Strategy.

Sheikh Hamdan said Dubai continues to turn ambition into action and build a city that plans for the future while delivering for the present, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Projects approved by The Executive Council:
- Dubai Cultural Strategy
- Dubai Customs Strategy
- First Al Khail Street Development Plan
- ‘Dubai Population Now’ Real-Time Population Census and Growth Monitoring Initiative
- Emirati Talents Strategy in Private Education
- Dubai… pic.twitter.com/665ARlV3cK

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 1, 2026

"Under the leadership and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has become synonymous with ambition and achievement. Our development journey continues, our momentum never slows, and our initiatives keep evolving. The future will always be brighter… pic.twitter.com/tbM9XNUeRs

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 1, 2026