Dubai: An Eid traffic plan is in place across Dubai to ensure the smooth movement of motorists and metro riders fanning out for national and religious events this weekend, said authorities.
Roads officials are working closely with Dubai Police in a strategy designed to avoid logjams at critical junctions throughout Dubai.
Maitha Mohammad Bin Adai, CEO of Traffic and Roads Agency at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), said the emirate has worked hard to prepare for high volumes of vehicles and footfall at popular destinations.
“The RTA has charted out the operational plan for public transport means and services to meet the needs of the public and road users. The aim is to deliver best services enabling the use of public or private means in a safe and smooth environment for all during the usually hectic days of Eid Al Fitr,” she said in a statement on Thursday.
“The plan aims to steer the traffic from and to Burj Khalifa district in different directions, be it from Oud Metha Street through Al Asayel Street, or through Zabeel Bridges and Happiness Street. It also covers the use of local roads of the Business Bay to access Shaikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road to ease the pressure on the Financial Centre Street,” the said.
To avoid traffic snarls, traffic signals on the Financial Centre Street and Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard will be monitored and controlled to ensure maximum possible traffic flow during peak hours. Two areas have been designated as additional parking at Al Wasl Club, and Al Jafiliya (nearby the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) in case the parking slots of The Dubai Mall are full. Shuttle buses will be deployed to commute riders from and to The Dubai Mall and those areas.
Maitha said the Dubai Metro will run with its regular frequency, every three to eight minutes.
The largest number of buses and taxis will also be deployed during the weekend.
“Alternative parking lots will be provided at the parking of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, and Al Wasl Club. Shuttle buses will commute the public from and to Burj Khalifa district, and 14 signs will be installed to direct road users to the alternative parking of The Dubai Mall. In case of excessive demand for taxis at The Dubai Mall, a bus route will be opened to lift riders to Deira City Centre and BurJuman metro stations where more taxis will be in place.”
Brigadier Abdullah Al Gaithi, director of the General Department of Organisations’ Protective Security at Dubai Police, said Dubai is prepared.
“The events security committee has completed preparations for Eid Al Fitr holiday, he said.
“Emphasis was placed on all streets as well as internal and external routes, especially arterial roads from and to the airport, tourist areas and shopping centres. Traffic patrols will be intensively deployed to ease congestion and fend off any traffic issues that may arise due to the high traffic volumes anticipated in those areas,” added Brig Al Gaithi.
