Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed the conversion of the well-known Al Satwa Roundabout into a signalised junction, aimed at easing congestion, cutting journey times and improving safety for motorists and pedestrians.

The authority announced on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, that Al Satwa Roundabout on 2nd December Street had been converted into a signalised junction after several years, alongside upgrades to surrounding roads and infrastructure.

According to the RTA, the project has reduced journey times on routes linked to the junction by 50 per cent. Waiting times and vehicle queues during peak hours have also fallen by up to 60 per cent.

Why was Al Satwa Roundabout converted?

Al Satwa Roundabout was one of Dubai’s best-known junctions for decades. However, rising traffic volumes in the surrounding residential and commercial district, particularly during peak hours, led to congestion and delays.

Converting the roundabout into a signalised junction allows traffic flows to be managed more efficiently and helps reduce conflicts between vehicles approaching from different directions.

The junction now manages traffic along 2nd December Street towards Dubai World Trade Centre and Al Satwa, as well as in the opposite direction, while also improving access to the area’s internal streets.

Easier access to five Dubai districts

In addition to Al Satwa, the new project improves access to Al Badaa, Al Jafiliya, Al Hudaiba, Jumeirah and Dubai World Trade Centre, while providing better connections between these areas and Sheikh Zayed Road.

The RTA said the new design also makes it easier for buses to enter and leave Al Satwa, helping improve public transport services by reducing delays.

Improving safety for pedestrians and motorists was also a key objective of the project.

The project forms part of Dubai’s wider road network development programme and complements the Dubai World Trade Centre Roundabout development scheme, which aims to improve connections between Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding routes while reducing congestion at key junctions in central Dubai.