Search
Close this search box.

Dubai Opens New Bridge to Ease Traffic Around Mall of the Emirates

Dubai New Bridge to Ease Traffic Around Mall of the Emirates

Dubai has opened a new 300-metre bridge connecting Sheikh Zayed Road to the Mall of the Emirates, marking a significant step in easing traffic congestion in one of the city’s busiest areas. The bridge, unveiled on Sunday, provides direct access to the popular shopping destination, dramatically reducing travel times.

For motorists coming from Abu Dhabi and Jebel Ali, the journey to the mall now takes just one minute, slashing the previous 10-minute drive. In addition, those heading from Umm Suqeim will experience a much quicker commute, as the drive has been cut nearly in half, dropping from 15 minutes to just 8 minutes.

According to Time Out Dubai, this bridge forms part of a larger Dh165 million project aimed at improving traffic flow around the Al Barsha area, home to the Mall of the Emirates. As a result, the new transport link will help ease congestion and offer faster access to one of Dubai’s most iconic malls, which attracts over 40 million visitors annually.

The opening of this bridge represents another key milestone in Dubai’s ongoing efforts to improve its infrastructure and ensure smoother travel for both residents and tourists. Moreover, the project includes upgrades to pedestrian and cycling lanes, enhancing safety and convenience for all.

Explore Mall of the Emirates

A visit to the Mall of the Emirates is a must for anyone in Dubai. Indeed, Al Barsha’s landmark is not just a shopping destination – it’s a full experience. Famous for Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort, the mall attracts visitors from across the region who want to escape the desert heat and enjoy something extraordinary. With over 630 stores, including luxury brands like Gucci, Dior, and Chanel, the mall showcases the best in high fashion and designer labels.

In addition to shopping, the mall also offers numerous dining options and family-friendly attractions, such as the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre and Magic Planet, one of the largest indoor entertainment centers in the city. Whether you’re shopping for the latest trends or enjoying an indoor ski adventure, Mall of the Emirates guarantees a world-class experience for everyone.

Ad - immaldives.com

Latest

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

Marriott International Celebrates Second Wave of Graduates in Maldives Apprenticeship Program

On April 19, 2025, Marriott International celebrated the success of 31 apprentices who graduated from the second batch of its Maldives Apprenticeship Program. The special ceremony took place at the Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and featured key dignitaries, including Hon. Ibrahim Waheed, the Minister of Youth Empowerment, Information, and Arts, along with other officials from the Ministry of Youth Empowerment and the Maldives Institute of Technology (MIT). Additionally, Mark Fletcher, Marriott’s Area Director of Human Resources for Singapore and the Maldives, also attended to acknowledge the graduates’ achievements.

Hon. Ibrahim Waheed highlighted the program’s role in empowering the youth of the Maldives, commenting, “Today, we celebrate 31 apprenticeship graduates. These are 31 futures redefined—each a testament to what happens when opportunity meets action. To our apprentices, you step forward as ambassadors of possibility. And to Marriott International, thank you for not just supporting this program, but for championing it—your commitment to mentorship and local capacity building is truly admirable.”

A Collaborative Effort in Hospitality Training

The Marriott Apprenticeship Program is a collaborative effort between Marriott International, the Ministry of Youth, Sports, and Community Empowerment, and MIT. This 10-month program provides participants with a well-rounded education that includes theoretical lessons at MIT and hands-on experience at various Marriott resorts across the Maldives. Specifically, the apprentices received training in several key hospitality sectors, including front office operations, culinary arts, food and beverage service, and housekeeping.

By partnering with the Maldivian government, Marriott became the first international hospitality brand to support such an apprenticeship initiative in the country, reinforcing its dedication to developing local talent. In this way, the program supports Marriott’s broader mission to cultivate the next generation of leaders in the fast-growing Maldivian tourism industry.

Practical Experience Across Marriott’s Maldives Resorts

The apprentices completed their theoretical training at MIT before gaining practical experience at Marriott’s luxurious properties in the Maldives, such as The Ritz-Carlton Maldives, Fari Islands; The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort; JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa; W Maldives; Le Méridien Maldives Resort & Spa; Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa; and The Westin Maldives Miriandhoo Resort.

True to the company’s guiding principle of “We Put People First,” Marriott focuses on helping young professionals grow and succeed. As a result of their hard work, all the graduates received Level-3 certification, officially recognized by the Maldives Qualification Authority (MQA). This certification acknowledges their successful completion of both the academic and practical components of the program, preparing them for careers in the hospitality industry.

Looking Ahead to a Bright Future

Mark Fletcher reflected on the program’s origins, noting, “When we launched this program in 2023, it was envisioned as a pilot, a leap of faith, grounded in belief. A belief in crafting talents of Maldivian youth, belief in the strength and collaboration, and belief in Marriott’s commitment to “take care” – not just our people but the communities where we serve. What began as an initiative is now a movement, and Marriott International is proud to be the first international hospitality brand to officially launch such apprenticeship program in the Maldives”

Ultimately, this graduation marks a key milestone in Marriott’s efforts to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Maldives’ tourism industry by fostering a talented and skilled local workforce. Marriott looks forward to watching its graduates embark on successful careers and continue playing an essential role in the growth of the country’s hospitality sector.

Ad - immaldives.com
No more posts to show