The construction of two pedestrian bridges has commenced at Palm Jumeirah in Dubai as part of a project aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and easing traffic flow in this iconic area. This project is being implemented jointly by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Holding Community Management.
The first bridge will be built in the Shoreline area, near the entrance to Palm Jumeirah, and its completion is scheduled for June 2027. The second bridge, which will be located on the Golden Mile near the retail facades, is expected by October 2027. Together, they will provide a capacity for 2,700 pedestrians per hour, exceeding current demand and allowing for future growth, while benefiting approximately 16,000 residents.
It is anticipated that these structures will reduce vehicle waiting times at adjacent intersections by 50 percent, leading to decreased travel time and improved traffic flow in the zone. Each bridge will be 40 meters long, equipped with elevators and auxiliary facilities designed according to the highest standards of safety and accessibility, especially for elderly Emiratis and people with disabilities. The architectural design of the bridges is intended to complement the unique urban and tourist character of Palm Jumeirah harmoniously.
Hussain Al Banna, Chief Executive Officer of the RTA's Transport and Roads Agency, noted that this project demonstrates a strategic partnership between RTA and Dubai Holding in integrating infrastructure and road projects with major developments. He emphasized that this development is based on ongoing collaboration to provide 'integrated transport solutions that meet the requirements of current and future growth, improve connectivity between districts and key sites, enhance safety and accessibility, and support sustainable urban development across the emirate.'
Francis Gianni, CEO of Dubai Holding Community Management, stated that the new bridges 'will increase accessibility and connectivity on Palm Jumeirah while supporting safer pedestrian movement and smoother traffic flow.' He added that this investment reflects a commitment to 'creating future-ready communities that put people and their daily experience at the center of attention.'
The selection of locations for the bridges was based on the results of transport and field studies that assessed pedestrian and vehicular traffic volumes, land use patterns, and current and future mobility needs. The Shoreline bridge is located on the entry side of the Palm, and the Golden Mile bridge is on the exit side. Traffic management measures will be applied throughout the construction period.
The project is part of an agreement signed between RTA and Dubai Holding in March 2025 concerning the implementation of transport solutions and the modernization of road infrastructure serving 15 districts and development projects across Dubai, including Palm Jumeirah. Planned improvements on Palm Jumeirah also include the addition of extra acceleration and deceleration lanes in six locations, with the bridges replacing existing ground-level crossings.
Furthermore, the bridges aim to contribute to achieving Dubai's Road Safety Strategy goal of zero fatalities on the roads. The pedestrian fatality rate in the emirate has decreased by 98 percent between 2007 and 2025, while the number of pedestrian bridges and underpasses increased from 26 in 2006 to 178 by the end of 2025, representing an increase of about 585 percent.