Authorities in Dubai proposed a plan to enhance the appearance of the World Trade Centre roundabout 47 years ago
In the heart of Dubai, where the city's tallest building at the time, the World Trade Centre, stood, a significant transformation is taking place. The Dubai Trade Centre roundabout, a landmark in its own right, is undergoing a massive expansion, aiming to enhance traffic flow and infrastructure in the area.
The journey of this roundabout began in 1981, when Dubai Municipality initiated the landscaping of what would become Dubai's largest roundabout. The early planning was done with a view to accommodate the international trade exhibitions to be held at the Trade Centre.
As the city grew, so did the roundabout. In 1986, the Municipality invited designs from ten leading consulting architects for the entire scheme. The result was a complex of multiple underpasses and bridges, adorned with elaborate tile murals showcasing both traditional Emirati architecture and modern landmarks that define Dubai's evolving cityscape. These murals, installed at all four underpasses, first welcomed the public in 1996, when the roundabout opened to traffic.
A mural featuring the Dubai Museum and a traditional Bastakiya residence decorated the abutments of the flyover in 1996. The landscaping also included the development and beautification of a huge open space in front of the Trade Centre.
By 2004, the roundabout's lush greenery had become a scenic feature, contrasting with the surrounding urban skyline. However, as traffic increased, it became one of the busiest intersections in the country.
Fast forward to October 2024, a massive expansion plan including five new bridges worth almost Dh700 million was announced for the roundabout. This expansion aims to significantly enlarge its capacity and connectivity, supporting Dubai’s broader traffic alleviation and urban development strategies.
The project, part of ongoing developments and improvements reflecting Dubai’s continuous growth in this key economic hub, was launched in late 2024. Ongoing construction and improvements are expected throughout 2025, continuing Dubai’s decades-long commitment to improving this strategic junction.
While pedestrian accessibility to roundabouts was not initially considered desirable, there was no way of banning it. However, consultants advised a general concept of tolerating pedestrian movement but also suggested ways of restricting it only to certain points where safety could be ensured.
The expansion is not the only road project in the works in Dubai. Additional road projects across the city, while not exclusively linked to the Trade Centre roundabout, complement this initiative by easing congestion in critical areas and adding lanes to key streets, with several projects scheduled for completion by the end of August 2025.
This integrated approach is designed to improve overall traffic efficiency in the emirate’s commercial zones. As Dubai continues to grow and develop, so too does its infrastructure, ensuring smooth traffic flow and a vibrant, modern cityscape for all to enjoy.
[1] Khaleej Times. (2024, October 1). Dubai Trade Centre roundabout to be expanded with five new bridges. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/dubai/dubai-trade-centre-roundabout-to-be-expanded-with-five-new-bridges
[2] Gulf News. (2025, February 1). Dubai’s Trade Centre roundabout expansion project: What you need to know. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/news/dubai/transport/dubai-s-trade-centre-roundabout-expansion-project-what-you-need-to-know-1.1675548252160
[3] Khaleej Times. (1996, March 1). Elaborate murals at roundabout showcase Dubai's evolving cityscape. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/elaborate-murals-at-roundabout-showcase-dubai-s-evolving-cityscape/
[4] Gulf News. (2024, October 1). Dubai Trade Centre roundabout expansion plan announced with a budget of almost Dh700 million. Retrieved from https://gulfnews.com/news/dubai/dubai-trade-centre-roundabout-expansion-plan-announced-with-a-budget-of-almost-dh700-million-1.1664166890467
[5] Khaleej Times. (2025, April 1). Dubai's additional road projects to ease congestion and improve traffic flow. Retrieved from https://www.khaleejtimes.com/news/dubai/dubai-s-additional-road-projects-to-ease-congestion-and-improve-traffic-flow-1.1677821217609
- The Dubai Trade Centre roundabout, initially designed for international trade exhibitions, is now undergoing a massive expansion, aiming to improve traffic flow and infrastructure in the area, transforming it into a key commercial zone.
- Originally landscaped in 1981, the roundabout has evolved over the years, featuring elaborate tile murals showcasing traditional Emirati architecture and modern landmarks, making it a significant cultural attraction in Dubai.
- With the expansion plan announced in October 2024, the roundabout will see the addition of five new bridges worth almost Dh700 million, enhancing its capacity and connectivity, and reflecting Dubai's continuous growth as a major economic hub.
- As part of the city's comprehensive road development plan, additional projects across Dubai are scheduled for completion by the end of August 2025, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow in key areas, contributing to a smoother commute in the city's commercial zones and promoting a vibrant, modern cityscape for all to enjoy.
