Dubai: Traffic upgrades at Healthcare City exit to Sheikh Zayed Road to cut delays
As part of its ongoing efforts to enhance traffic flow and improve the efficiency of Dubai's road network, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is finalising a series of traffic enhancements at Dubai Healthcare City exit (Street 13), with completion scheduled for Sunday, July 20.
The project involves converting the current stop-controlled exit into a free-flow movement by adding a new acceleration lane leading to the intersection of Oud Metha and Sheikh Rashid Road. Additionally, the service road exit will be widened from one lane to two over a 500-metre stretch, accommodating vehicles inbound from Al Riyadh Street and heading towards the intersection of Oud Metha and Sheikh Rashid Roads.
The upgraded traffic solution at Dubai Healthcare City exit to Sheikh Zayed Road will double capacity to 3,000 vehicles per hour, improving flow in this vital corridor. The enhancements are expected to reduce congestion and average waiting times by up to 50%, delivering a smoother driving experience and facilitating faster exit from the area, particularly during peak periods.
See the map below:
RTA had previously carried out additional improvements in the same area, including upgrades to the entry and exit points between Umm Hurair and Oud Metha, where deceleration and acceleration lanes were added to streamline vehicle movement in both directions. Furthermore, RTA expanded the service road exit onto Umm Hurair Road from two lanes to three towards the roundabout, increasing traffic capacity by 50% and reducing congestion by over 40% during peak periods.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Burjeel net profit surges 128.9% in the second quarter
Burjeel Holdings delivered strong top-line growth of 18.7 per cent to Dh1,403 million in Q2'25, driven by a 12.1 per cent increase in patient footfall, higher patient yield, and the continued ramp-up of newly launched facilities across the network, the super-specialty healthcare services provider announced on Thursday. Net profit surged 128.9 per cent to Dh148 million in Q2'25, reflecting margin expansion, enhanced operating leverage, and asset optimisation. In H1'25, net profit rose 10.6 per cent to Dh187 million. Ebitda rose 59.4 per cent to Dh306 million in Q2'25, fuelled by strong revenue growth, enhanced physician productivity, and better performance across recently ramped-up assets. This includes Dh72 million in gains from lease liability derecognition following the Dubai Medeor Hospital acquisition. The Ebitda margin expanded 5.6 p.p. to 21.8 per cent. In H1'25, Ebitda increased 14.2 per cent to Dh487 million, with a margin of 18.2 per cent. Revenue in H1'25 rose 12.2 per cent to Dh2,677 million, with total patient visits reaching 3.4 million. Oncology remained a core growth driver, with revenue rising 36.7 per cent in Q2'25 and 38.1 per cent in H1'25, underpinned by oncology network expansion and improved conversion in surgical and advanced therapies. Other specialties also recorded solid gains in H1'25, including urology (+18 per cent), emergency medicine (+17 per cent), cardiology (+16 per cent), and gastroenterology (+13 per cent). John Sunil, CEO of Burjeel Holdings, was optimistic about maintaining strong momentum through the second half. 'We continue to target mid-teens revenue growth for the year, supported by the ramp-up of new assets and strategic expansion in both the UAE and Saudi Arabia,' he said. A key focus is making sure that Burjeel's new centres and services are launched smoothly and begin contributing at full potential. 'Major investments in specialised care, technology, and new geographies do not translate into financial returns overnight. But the strategy we have been executing is absolutely the right one, and this quarter's results are a clear example of how our growth strategy and investments in complex care are beginning to yield measurable financial results,' Sunil said. Inpatient footfall rose 17.7 per cent in Q2'25, reflecting strong demand across key specialties and a ramp-up in elective surgeries post-Ramadan. Outpatient footfall grew 12.0 per cent in Q2'25, accelerating from 5.2 per cent in Q1, driven by primary care and physiotherapy centers, along with robust demand in oncology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and family medicine. Utilisation improved to 68 per cent, up from 65 per cent in Q1'25, enabled by optimised hiring and scaling of clinical teams. The Hospitals segment continued to drive group performance, contributing 89 per cent of total revenue in Q2'25. Revenue grew 17.3 per cent to Dh1,245 million, supported by strong growth in patient volumes and sustained demand for complex care services. Segment Ebitda rose by 40.6 per cent, led by strong performance across key hospitals. Operating cash flow increased 8.1 per cent YoY in H1'25, driven by improved operational performance and disciplined working capital management. Maintenance capex remained in line with guidance, while growth capex totalled Dh403 million, driven by strategic M&A activities and ongoing network expansion. Free cash flow conversion improved to 54 per cent in H1'25. In May 2025, the Group declared a full-year dividend of Dh170 million for FY2024, representing 47 per cent of net profit. Cost control was a key contributor to the company's performance. 'Even with 143 new physicians onboarded over the past year, we were able to optimise personnel costs through better workforce planning and clinical scheduling. We also brought overheads down by 7 per cent quarter-on-quarter and over 13 per cent compared to Q4, by normalising spend and embedding stronger cost discipline across the group. These efforts, alongside strong top-line growth, drove a significant improvement in margins,' Sunil said. The Trust Fertility Center, now the largest in the UAE, broke even within six months and has served over 1,800 unique patients with outcomes well above global benchmarks. 'It plays a key role in our women's health platform and aligns with the UAE's national fertility strategy. Looking ahead, we're replicating this model in Al Ain and Dubai, while continuing to invest in precision medicine, AI-enabled care, and complex specialties,' Sunil said.
Arabian Business
2 hours ago
- Arabian Business
Burjeel bounces back with strong Q2 numbers after March lows
With a rise in its number of inpatient and outpatient footfall, higher patient yield, and the continued ramp-up of newly launched facilities across the network, Burjeel Holdings announced an impressive 128.9 per cent jump in net profit to AED 148 million (US$40.3 million) in the second quarter of 2025. Net profit for the first six months rose 10.6 per cent to AED 187 million (US$50.9 million). The rise in net profit for Q2 was also due to a decline in footfall for the month of March, which was attributed by the company to the Holy Month of Ramadan. Those numbers were overwhelmingly reversed in the second quarter of the year, as inpatient footfall rose 17.7 per cent, and outpatient footfall grew 12 per cent. Revenue grew 18.7 per cent to AED 1,403 million (US$382 million) in Q2'25, while revenue for the first six months rose 12.2 per cent to AED 2,677 million (US$728.9 million). Total patient visits reached 3.4 million. The Group performed 22,930 surgeries, up 18.7 per cent. Bed occupancy improved to 69 per cent, up from 65 per cent a year ago. Inpatient volumes rose 14.6 per cent over the first half. The outpatient footfall was driven by primary care and physiotherapy centers, along with strong demand in oncology, pediatrics, ophthalmology, and family medicine. Utilisation improved to 68 per cent, up from 65 per cent in Q1'25. Oncology remained a core growth driver, with revenue rising 36.7 per cent in Q2'25 and 38.1 per cent in H1'25. This was made possible by oncology network expansion and improved conversion in surgical and advanced therapies. Other specialties also recorded good gains in H1'25, including urology (+18 per cent), emergency medicine (+17 per cent) and cardiology (+16 per cent). John Sunil, Chief Executive Officer of Burjeel Holdings, commented: 'The second quarter delivered exceptionally strong results, with 19 per cent revenue growth driven by a 12 per cent increase in patient footfall and improved yield. EBITDA rose by 59 per cent, accompanied by a margin uplift to 22 per cent. This robust performance significantly strengthened the first-half outcome, underscoring Burjeel Holdings' resilience and long-term sustainable growth. 'These results reflect tangible progress in key operational areas such as physician manpower optimisation, formulary management, and cost control, while our strategic focus on super-specialty care is beginning to yield measurable benefits, enhancing both revenue and profitability. We continue to invest in high-value services and next-generation care facilities to support long-term momentum. 'We also advanced key strategic priorities, reinforcing leadership in complex care across oncology, transplants, fertility, mental health, and diagnostics. Our oncology platform is now the UAE's largest private network, featuring new cancer clinics and cell and gene therapy capabilities.' EBITDA rose 59.4 per cent to AED 306 million (US$83.3 million) in Q2'25, fueled by strong revenue growth, enhanced physician productivity, and better performance across recently ramped-up assets. This includes AED 72 million (US$19.6 million) in gains from lease liability derecognition following the Dubai Medeor Hospital acquisition. The EBITDA margin expanded 5.6 points to 21.8 per cent. In H1'25, EBITDA increased 14.2 per cent to AED 487 million (US$132.6 million). 'Burjeel Holdings is uniquely positioned to capture significant opportunities across the region, supported by rising demand for complex care and a growing population. Our focus remains on converting recent investments into sustained expansion and margin improvement, while maintaining disciplined financial management to support long-term shareholder value,' Sunil added. 'Net profit growth of 129 per cent in the reporting quarter reinforces this trajectory and strengthens the foundation for consistent shareholder returns.'
Khaleej Times
3 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE: Men quicker to fix car, tech than seek help for mental health, study finds
A broken laptop, a flashing car warning light, or a lost bank card — these are issues most men in the UAE act on almost immediately. But when it comes to a persistent low mood, a lack of motivation, or signs of emotional distress, fewer than six in ten say they would seek help within a week. This was revealed in a new study by AXA Global Healthcare, which found that men in the UAE are far more likely to tackle technical or financial problems than to prioritise their physical or mental health. According to the research, 89 per cent of UAE men said they would take action within a week if they lost their bank card, while 84 per cent would respond promptly to a vehicle warning light. Similarly, 80 per cent said they would quickly care for a sick pet, and 79 per cent would fix a broken laptop without delay. However, when it comes to their own wellbeing, only 56 per cent said they would seek support within the same timeframe if they experienced a persistent low mood, which is an often an early indicator of a serious mental health issue. 'Practical' matters first 'It's clear that for many men in the UAE, technology, finances and practical matters seem to be prioritised before their physical and emotional health,' said Karim Idilby, chief growth officer at AXA Global Healthcare. 'We urgently need to normalise a more proactive approach to wellbeing, not just wait for something to go wrong.' The study reflects a global trend where men tend to ignore symptoms related to emotional wellbeing, especially when those signs are subtle or linked to stress, anxiety, or burnout. But there are encouraging signs: 70 per cent of UAE men said they would be more likely to act if a wearable device or health app flagged something unusual, suggesting that technology could also become part of the solution. To support this shift, AXA, in partnership with local provider Daman, offers two preventative tools: virtual care services, which allow unlimited video or phone consultations with doctors, and the Mind Health self-check, an online assessment tool that helps users gauge their emotional wellbeing. Healthy mind for a healthy body Dr Amir Javaid, consultant psychiatrist at Burjeel Medical City, said that the study results aren't surprising. 'Men are taught to equate strength with silence and resilience with isolation,' he said. 'Traditional masculinity norms discourage vulnerability. Combined with expat isolation, job pressures, and the stigma around mental health, many men are simply not reaching out, even when their mind is under strain.' Importantly, the suicide rate among men is globally higher than women, a stark reminder of what's at stake when emotional wellbeing is overlooked. According to Dr Javaid, ignoring low mood or lack of motivation can have serious long-term effects, both personally and professionally. 'These can be early signs of depression or mood disorders. When left untreated, they affect relationships, productivity, and the ability to function. Sadly, we often only see men seek help when things have already spiraled like relationships break down, work suffers, or substance use escalates.' 'Fix yourself first' Dr Javaid believes it's time men viewed mental and physical wellbeing as routine maintenance, just like updating software or servicing a car. 'Your mind and body are interconnected. A healthy mental state improves decision-making, resilience, and even how you manage finances and work pressure.' 'Fixing what's inside first allows everything outside to run smoother,' said Dr Javaid. 'Your mind isn't something you repair when it breaks, it's something you maintain every day.' He urges for simple lifestyle shifts: regular exercise, daily gratitude, mindfulness, and seeking early professional support. He also highlighted the role of friends, family, and employers in recognising early warning signs like irritability, disturbed sleep, or withdrawal. Digital tools could help Experts say that there digital tools that are designed to lower the barrier for those who might hesitate to seek in-person therapy or consultations. 'Preventative health shouldn't feel like an afterthought,' said Idilby. 'Just as you would check your car or tech regularly, building habits around your health can lead to better outcomes and greater peace of mind.' For men in high-pressure environments, especially frequent travellers or those far from family, easy access to mental health tools can be life-changing.
