First Al-Khail road project has entered a new procurement stage as Dubai advances plans for a major elevated highway running parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has started prequalification for contractors interested in delivering the infrastructure scheme. The development will introduce additional road capacity across one of Dubai’s busiest transport corridors.
It also represents a significant step towards expanding connectivity between residential, commercial and business districts. The project comprises approximately 30 kilometers of elevated structures, bridge ramps and associated infrastructure. Although Dubai has not announced a standalone construction budget, the development falls within an AED18 billion ($4.9 billion) package of wider initiatives approved in July 2026.
First Al-Khail Road Project Enters Contractor Prequalification
According to MEED, the latest prequalification stage follows the submission of expressions of interest by contractors on October 10, 2026. The RTA subsequently held an online meeting with interested companies to prepare for the next procurement phase.
The authority initially invited contractors to express interest in early September 2026. Subsequently, the October submissions advanced the proposed design-and-build contract towards formal contractor qualification.
The procurement process seeks capable construction companies to undertake the extensive elevated road infrastructure. However, the RTA has not publicly announced the shortlisted contractors or the final tender award.
The proposed construction scope covers approximately 15 kilometers of viaduct along First Al-Khail Street. Additionally, contractors will construct more than 14.5 kilometers of bridge ramps and associated infrastructure.
These structures will establish an alternative elevated route alongside Sheikh Zayed Road. Consequently, the development will provide additional traffic capacity without relying exclusively on expanding the existing highway.
The project also forms part of Dubai’s wider strategy to strengthen transport infrastructure ahead of continued urban expansion.
First Al-Khail Road Project Targets Traffic Relief
The elevated highway will feature three lanes in each direction along its principal 15-kilometre carriageway. Furthermore, the corridor will improve access to Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Business Bay and Meydan.
According to the Dubai Media Office, the development will serve approximately 2.6 million people. It will also increase road network capacity by approximately 9,000 vehicles per hour.
Importantly, authorities expect the new corridor to reduce peak-hour travel times along Sheikh Zayed Road by 51%. This improvement will help distribute traffic across alternative routes and reduce pressure on existing highway infrastructure.
The project responds to growing transport demand across Dubai’s residential and commercial districts. Moreover, improved road accessibility will support businesses, property developments and daily commuter movements.
The development will introduce additional connections between established communities and major economic centers. Therefore, its benefits will extend beyond motorists using the elevated carriageway.
Dubai’s Executive Council approved the First Al-Khail Street Development Plan on July 1, 2026. The approval formed part of a wider AED18 billion development program covering infrastructure, investment, trade, culture and urban planning.
However, the AED18 billion allocation represents the broader program rather than the confirmed construction cost of this individual road project. The RTA has not published a separate contract value.
The government also intends to deploy modern construction methods and innovative technologies. These approaches should accelerate delivery while minimizing disruption to existing traffic movements.
The project’s construction schedule targets commencement in the third quarter of 2027. Authorities expect construction to conclude in the fourth quarter of 2030.
First Al-Khail Road Project Strengthens Dubai’s Transport Network
The development will contribute to Dubai’s long-term transport infrastructure expansion. In particular, the elevated corridor will provide an additional strategic route alongside Sheikh Zayed Road.
The project also complements ongoing improvements across the emirate’s road network. These include developments along Hessa Street and other strategic corridors connecting residential and commercial districts.
For the construction industry, the procurement process presents opportunities for international infrastructure contractors. The extensive viaduct and bridge-ramp requirements will demand substantial engineering, construction management and specialist infrastructure capabilities.
Furthermore, the design-and-build procurement model will place significant responsibility on the appointed contractor. The successful bidder will need to coordinate engineering design, construction sequencing and delivery across the extensive elevated structures.
Nevertheless, the project remains in its procurement and preconstruction stages. Contractor selection, final construction costs and detailed implementation arrangements remain subject to subsequent announcements.
Once completed, the First Al-Khail corridor will strengthen Dubai’s highway network. It will also provide additional capacity to accommodate the emirate’s expanding population and economic activity.
The development builds on Dubai’s ongoing investment in strategic road infrastructure, including the Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Corridor, which reached 75% completion in August 2022. The eight-kilometre corridor features road widening, bridges and intersection improvements designed to increase traffic capacity and improve connectivity. The Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Corridor Project in Dubai also serves major developments around Dubai Creek, Al Wasl, Meydan Horizon and Nad Al Hamar. Together, these projects support Dubai’s efforts to accommodate rising transport demand and improve mobility across its expanding urban districts.
Project Fact Sheet
Name: First Al-Khail Street Development Project.
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Type: Elevated highway and road infrastructure development.
Scope: Approximately 30 kilometers of elevated road structures, bridge ramps and associated infrastructure.
Elevated Carriageway: Approximately 15 kilometers.
Road Configuration: Three lanes in each direction.
Bridge Ramps: More than 14.5 kilometers.
Cost: Standalone construction budget not publicly disclosed.
Wider Development Program: AED18 billion (approximately US$4.9 billion).
Client and Implementing Authority: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.
Beneficiary Population: Approximately 2.6 million people.
Expected Additional Capacity: Approximately 9,000 vehicles per hour.
Expected Traffic Improvement: 51% reduction in peak-hour travel times on Sheikh Zayed Road.
Key Areas Served: Al Barsha, Al Quoz, Business Bay and Meydan.
Procurement Model: Design and build.
Procurement Status: Contractor prequalification commenced in November 2026.
Expression of Interest Deadline: October 10, 2026.
Expected Construction Commencement: Third quarter of 2027.
Expected Completion: Fourth quarter of 2030.
Project Team
Approving Authority: Dubai Executive Council.
Client: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).
Government Oversight: Government of Dubai.
Leave a Reply