RTA Completes 10 Truck Rest Stops Across Key UAE Locations

Dubai RTA and ADNOC Complete 10 New Truck Rest Stops Across Major Routes

DUBAI: Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), has completed the construction of 10 out of 16 planned truck rest stops. These strategically located facilities are designed to support the UAE’s thriving logistics sector by offering essential amenities to truck drivers and improving road safety. This development underscores Dubai’s commitment to enhancing infrastructure and logistics services, solidifying its reputation as a global hub for trade and commerce.

Strategic Locations for High Traffic Volumes

The newly completed truck rest stops are strategically situated along major routes that experience a high volume of daily truck traffic. These routes include Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Dubai – Hatta Road, Dubai – Al Ain Road, Jebel Ali – Lehbab Road, and Al Awir Road. These corridors are vital for the movement of goods across the UAE and into neighboring countries, playing a crucial role in the region’s economic growth and connectivity.

Covering more than 75,000 square meters, the rest areas have an operational capacity to accommodate over 5,000 trucks and heavy vehicles, with 700 designated parking slots. Each rest stop spans between 5,000 to 10,000 square meters, providing space for 30 to 45 trucks and heavy vehicles. These facilities are not just parking spaces but offer comprehensive service amenities, including prayer rooms, diesel refueling stations, and restrooms for drivers. This holistic approach ensures that drivers have access to the necessary facilities for rest and recuperation during their long journeys, enhancing their overall well-being and efficiency.

Enhancing Traffic Safety and Flow

Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of RTA, highlighted the importance of these rest stops: “Constructing truck rest stops enhances traffic safety by reducing truck-related incidents by 50%. These facilities improve traffic flow during truck ban periods, promote traffic awareness among truck drivers, and eliminate the parking of trucks on main roads and in residential areas. The rest areas are designed to allow truck drivers to rest during traffic bans on specific highways and to accommodate the increasing need for truck parking. This need arises from the high volume of truck trips in Dubai, which exceeds 300,000 daily trips, carrying approximately 1.5 million tonnes of goods daily.”

By providing designated areas for trucks to rest, the initiative helps in managing traffic congestion and ensuring safer roads for all users. The rest stops allow for better traffic flow during peak hours and when truck bans are in effect on specific highways. This results in a more streamlined traffic system that benefits both commercial and private vehicles, reducing travel time and enhancing road safety across Dubai and the UAE.

Maximizing the Effectiveness of Rest Areas

Selecting suitable locations for these rest stops involves rigorous standards and technical studies to maximize the effectiveness of these facilities and support the land transport sector. The chosen locations are strategically placed on major roads, key areas, and logistical cities to serve the maximum number of trucks daily. These sites ensure safe entrances and exits, minimize the impact on residential areas, and efficiently distribute rest areas along highways.

The strategic placement of these rest stops ensures that they are easily accessible to truck drivers, minimizing detours and travel time while maximizing convenience. This careful planning enhances the overall efficiency of the logistics network, supporting the UAE’s ambition to be a leading player in the global logistics sector.

Collaboration with ADNOC and Global Logistics Position

“The partnership with ADNOC in constructing and operating rest areas for trucks and heavy vehicles reinforces Dubai’s position as a global logistics hub. This collaboration also enhances the safety and well-being of drivers by providing necessary amenities and services for their daily needs,” noted Al Tayer.

The collaboration between RTA and ADNOC exemplifies the synergy between government bodies and the private sector in advancing infrastructure projects that align with national priorities. ADNOC’s expertise in energy and logistics complements RTA’s vision of creating a comprehensive and efficient transport network, reinforcing Dubai’s strategic position as a gateway to the region.

Integrated Station for Comprehensive Services

In 2023, RTA signed an agreement with ADNOC to construct and operate an integrated truck rest area near Emirates Road, adjacent to Al Tayy Racetrack. Covering over 76,000 square meters, this station has a capacity for 150 vehicles. It offers a wide range of services designed to enhance the safety and well-being of drivers, including diesel refueling, a motel for drivers to rest, a maintenance workshop, restaurants, administrative buildings, prayer rooms, truck maintenance workshops, driver training centers, clinics, pharmacies, exchange centers, a laundry room, and other support services related to the safety and well-being of truck and heavy vehicle drivers.

This integrated station is more than just a resting point; it is a comprehensive service hub for truck drivers. The inclusion of facilities such as maintenance workshops and driver training centers ensures that drivers have access to professional development opportunities and vehicle upkeep services. The presence of clinics and pharmacies highlights the commitment to driver health and safety, providing medical services that can address emergencies and promote overall well-being.

This comprehensive approach ensures that truck drivers have access to all necessary facilities, promoting a safe and efficient logistics network throughout Dubai and the wider UAE region. By investing in such infrastructure, the RTA and ADNOC are laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and driver-friendly transport environment, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a pivotal player in global logistics.

This initiative not only supports the logistics sector but also contributes to the UAE’s broader economic goals by fostering a business-friendly environment that attracts international trade and investment. The truck rest stops are a testament to Dubai’s forward-thinking approach to infrastructure development and its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.