Two new Dubai bridges — at Al Asayel and Oud Maitha — have opened as part of the Al Asayel and Oud Maitha Streets development project, reshaping road access for the surrounding districts and the development projects within them. For commuters the bridges add new crossing capacity; for developers they change how projects connect to the wider road network and how RTA approvals are assessed. This article explains the impact for developers and commuters.
What the two new bridges change
The Al Asayel and Oud Maitha bridges are part of an RTA-led streets development project, and their opening changes the road network around several districts. The new connections affect how traffic moves between neighbourhoods, how development sites are accessed, and how new projects are assessed against the updated network.
- The new bridges add crossing capacity and improve connectivity between districts.
- Road access to surrounding plots changes, so site access planning must be re-checked.
- The updated network affects how RTA assesses new access points and traffic impact studies.
- Logistics routes for construction traffic can be planned against the improved network.
What the bridges mean for commuters
For commuters, the practical effect is better connectivity and more direct routes between the districts served by Al Asayel and Oud Maitha. New crossing capacity eases pressure on existing routes and gives drivers more reliable alternatives. The exact travel-time effect depends on final traffic patterns, which RTA continues to manage across the surrounding network.
- More direct routes between the neighbourhoods served by the two bridges.
- Additional crossing capacity that reduces pressure on existing corridors.
- A more resilient network with alternative routes when one corridor is busy.
What the bridges mean for developers
For developers, the new bridges change the planning context around RTA approvals. Projects near the new connections must account for the updated road network in their access designs and traffic studies, and RTA assesses new access points against the network as it stands today.
- New access points onto surrounding roads are assessed against the updated network.
- Projects generating significant traffic may need a traffic impact study before RTA approval.
- Logistics and construction traffic planning can use the improved connections.
- Projects near the new bridges benefit from better connectivity for future occupants and customers.
Documents and requirements for RTA approval
Projects that affect the road network go through the RTA approval route. The core document set below is consistent across most applications; confirm the current list in the RTA portal when you apply.
| Document | Why it is needed | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Completed RTA application / NOC form | Core submission | Via the RTA online portal |
| Site plan showing proposed access / road works | Design review | Reflects the updated road network |
| Traffic Impact Study (for large developments) | Traffic assessment | Typically required above 100 vehicle trips per day |
| DM preliminary permit or application reference | Cross-authority | Required before the RTA review |
| Civil defense NOC (if applicable) | Fire safety clearance | Where works affect access or egress |
Timeline and cost of an RTA approval
Standard RTA NOC applications take 5–10 business days, and projects requiring a traffic impact study can take 2–4 weeks including study preparation and review. The table below reflects the current indicative ranges; confirm the fees in the RTA portal when you apply.
| Item | Indicative time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic assessment | 1–3 business days | Included in service fee |
| Document preparation | 2–3 business days | Included in service fee |
| RTA review | 3–7 business days | AED 500 – 2,500 |
| Full approval (with TIS) | 7–15 business days | Depends on study scope |
Timelines and fees are indicative and change with RTA rules. Always confirm the current position in the RTA portal before planning a schedule.
When a traffic impact study is required
A traffic impact study is the core document in an RTA approval for larger projects. RTA typically requires a TIS for developments that generate more than 100 vehicle trips per day, such as shopping malls, residential communities and office towers.
- Shopping malls, residential communities and office towers normally require a TIS.
- Parking provision is assessed against Dubai Municipality's parking code based on building type and gross floor area.
- Access points must meet RTA standards for sight distances, turning radii and lane widths.
- Projects within 500 metres of a metro station may need additional RTA coordination for pedestrian access and drop-off zones.
Common mistakes that stall an RTA approval
- Submitting without a traffic impact study where the project scale requires one.
- Access point designs that do not meet sight distance or turning radius standards.
- Missing the RTA design review for large projects.
- Using a traffic assessment based on the old road layout rather than the updated network.
- Missing the DM preliminary permit reference before the RTA submission.
A new bridge does not by itself change the approval rules — it changes the network, and RTA reviews every new access point and traffic study against the network as it stands today.
The bottom line
The two new Dubai bridges at Al Asayel and Oud Maitha improve connectivity for commuters and change the planning context for developers near the new routes. For developers, the practical work is the same as for any road-affecting project: confirm the RTA approval requirement, prepare a compliant traffic study where needed, and design access points against the current network. Our RTA approval requirements page covers the full approval, and the RTA approval for commercial projects guide explains the process for larger developments.
Frequently asked questions
What are the two new Dubai bridges?
Two new Dubai bridges at Al Asayel and Oud Maitha have opened as part of the Al Asayel and Oud Maitha Streets development project, reshaping road access for the surrounding districts and their development projects.
How do the new bridges affect developers?
The bridges change the road network around surrounding districts, so new access points and traffic impact studies are assessed against the updated layout. Developers near the new routes should re-check access design and logistics planning before submission.
Do I need RTA approval for a project near the new bridges?
RTA approval is required for any project that affects public roads, traffic flow or transport infrastructure, including new access points and developments generating significant traffic. Proximity to a new bridge does not change the rule.
When is a traffic impact study required?
A traffic impact study is typically required for developments generating more than 100 vehicle trips per day, such as shopping malls, residential communities and office towers. Projects near the new bridges should be assessed against the updated network.
What documents do I need for RTA approval?
The core set is the completed RTA application form, a site plan showing proposed access or road works, a traffic impact study for large developments, a DM preliminary permit reference, and a civil defense NOC where applicable. Confirm the current list in the RTA portal.
How long does an RTA approval take?
Standard RTA NOC applications take 5–10 business days. Projects requiring a traffic impact study can take 2–4 weeks including study preparation and review, with full commercial approvals typically processing in 7–15 business days.
How much does an RTA approval cost?
RTA review fees typically range from AED 500 to 2,500, and total government fees for road-affecting projects usually fall between AED 1,000 and 5,000 depending on scope. Confirm the current fee schedule in the RTA portal.
Do the new bridges change access point rules?
No. Access points must still meet RTA standards for sight distances, turning radii and lane widths, and each access point requires separate RTA approval. The bridges update the network, not the standards.