Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Approves New Architectural Identity For Dubai’s Road Projects

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, has endorsed the Architectural Identity for Dubai’s road projects. This initiative aims to enhance the architectural character of urban elements throughout the emirate's road network. The plan aligns with Dubai’s vision of creating a sustainable city that improves experiences for both residents and visitors.

Upon visiting the Trade Centre Roundabout project site, Sheikh Hamdan was greeted by Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA). Al Tayer provided an overview of Dubai’s extensive road and transport network, which spans over 25,000 lane-kilometres and accommodates more than 3.5 million vehicles daily.

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Dubai is globally recognised for its rapid and efficient transport infrastructure development. The RTA constructs an average of 829 lane-kilometres annually, surpassing the global average of about 400 lane-kilometres. The cost efficiency per kilometre in building highways and metro lines is 1.5 to 2.5 times higher than in cities like Moscow, Shenzhen, and Milan.

The Trade Centre Roundabout Improvement Project is a crucial interchange linking Sheikh Zayed Road with five major streets: Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, Sheikh Rashid Street, 2nd December Street, Zabeel Palace Street, and Al Majlis Street. The project is 40% complete and will open in stages starting January next year.

The project involves constructing five bridges totalling 5,000 metres and converting the existing roundabout into a surface-level intersection. This will improve traffic flow from Sheikh Zayed Road towards 2nd December Street and from Al Mustaqbal Street towards Sheikh Zayed Road southbound.

The Al Mustaqbal Street Improvement Project extends from its intersection with Zabeel Palace Street to Financial Centre Street. Scheduled for completion in 2027, it features bridges and tunnels totalling 1,500 metres. The street will be widened from three to four lanes each way.

Architectural Identity Strategy

The architectural identity strategy aims to enrich Dubai's visual character while standardising design criteria across infrastructure projects. It aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan to elevate quality of life and reinforce the city's aesthetic identity through designs inspired by local heritage within a modern framework.

This strategy classifies Dubai into six zones based on land use and architectural form: residential zones focus on privacy; rural zones reflect natural character; industrial zones emphasise functionality; mixed-use zones integrate public-private spaces; historical zones highlight cultural identity; high-end attraction zones feature contemporary designs.

Dubai Urban Challenge

Sheikh Hamdan reviewed results from the Dubai Urban Challenge, a global competition by RTA to develop an architectural identity for roads through innovative designs balancing functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability. Over 500 artists from 91 countries participated. Winners included Oliver Charles (UK), Mohammed Ayash (Saudi Arabia), Giulietta Debrutti (Argentina).

The Dubai Tunnels initiative aims to transform urban infrastructure into cultural landmarks by collaborating with local artists on murals for several tunnels. This initiative covers beautifying 18 tunnels in three phases across various streets including Al Khaleej Street and Umm Suqeim Street.

Innovative Technologies in Tunnel Design

The review also covered innovative technologies adopted by RTA in upcoming tunnel designs such as adaptive smart lighting systems enhancing user experience while ensuring safety. High-performance artistic wall panels resistant to humidity highlight Dubai’s modern aesthetic identity using sustainable materials aligning with reimagining infrastructure as an artistic extension of the city.

Road projects have increased property values by 6% to 16%. Between 2025-2027, RTA plans to deliver 72 new projects at AED35 billion cost serving key development areas.

With inputs from WAM