RTA will handle 1m visitors to Downtown Dubai district during Eid

Khaleej Times -- Authorities in Dubai are anticipating over 350,000 people to flock to Downtown Dubai every day during the Eid Al Adha break amounting to approximately 1.05 million visitors during the three-day Eid break. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has charted out a "comprehensive plan" for managing traffic movement, and mass transit modes in the area.

"The plan aims to meet the needs of road users, and offer premium services ensuring safe and smooth mobility aboard public or private transit means," said the RTA.

Maitha bin Adai, CEO of traffic and roads agency, said: "The plan covers the Burj Khalifa district, where 30 directional signs will be installed to guide traffic and road users in several directions - be it from Oud Metha Street via Al Asayel Street; Zabeel Bridges via Happiness Street; or through the internal roads of the Business Bay to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.

"The objective of the plan is to ease the pressure on the Financial Centre Street and ensure smooth traffic flow during peak hours. The traffic signals of the Financial Centre Street and Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard will be monitored and controlled to ensure seamless flow of traffic during peak times."

The area will have five per cent more taxis during peak hours as compared to last year.

"Buses and taxi pick-up and drop-off points at The Dubai Mall will be increased.

"An extensive campaign is currently underway to ensure a safe environment within the right-of-way covering the cleaning of roads, and public areas, bridges, underpasses, etc," added bin Adai.

She noted that a "team of competent engineers and technical inspectors" would be at hand to manage the traffic on site during the Eid Al Adha holiday in coordination with the Dubai Police and Emaar.