Its landscaping was of special interest because of the 39-storey Trade Centre Tower on one side and the chain of emerging commercial and industrial complexes in the vicinity

Dubai’s Trade Centre junction, now a bustling economic hub, is home to a massive roundabout, which is a complex of its own, with underpasses and bridges. But it was once just a plain round structure that cars circled around — until Dubai Municipality put out a call for its beautification.

It was on August 16 in 1978 that the tender for landscaping of what was then Dubai’s biggest roundabout was called. Over four decades later, the constant development still continues — in October 2024, a massive expansion plan including five new bridges worth almost Dh700 million was announced.

Here is a look back to how the area has developed:

1981

The landscaping of Dubai’s then biggest roundabout began in 1981. The scheme was taken up by Dubai Municipality on a priority basis, which also included the development and beautification of the huge open space in front of the Trade Centre.

The location made the roundabout a focal point of the fast-growing metropolis; its landscaping was of special interest because of the 39-storey Trade Centre Tower on one side and the chain of emerging commercial and industrial complexes in the vicinity.

An aerial view of Dubai’s largest roundabout in 1980, located near the city’s tallest building at the time — the World Trade Centre.

Construction workers at the site in 1980.

1986

Due to the importance of the project, the Municipality invited designs from ten leading consulting architects for the entire scheme. Early landscaping was planned in view of the international trade exhibitions to be held at Trade Centre.

With the possibility of a flyover in the area being explored, consultants were advised to ensure that the landscaping does not restrict the conceptual scope of the design.

The Iconic 1986 Olympic logo decorates Dubai World Trade Centre roundabout. Photo: KT File

1996

Flyovers and underpasses were added to the roundabout to ease traffic congestion. Elaborate tile murals were installed at the four underpasses, showcasing both traditional Emirati architecture and modern landmarks that define Dubai’s evolving cityscape.

Another mural, featuring the Dubai Museum and a traditional Bastakiya residence, decorated the abutments of the flyover.

Flyovers and underpasses were added to the roundabout to ease traffic congestion. Photo: KT File

1996 – Murals were installed at all four underpasses when they first opened to the public. Photo: KT File

2004

By 2004, the roundabout became one of the busiest intersections in the country, with its landscaped lush greenery contrasting with the surrounding urban skyline.

A scenic roundabout, landscaped with lush greenery that contrasts with the surrounding urban skyline. KT File Photo: Matiur Rahman

2008

Although town planners unanimously agreed that pedestrian accessibility to roundabouts were not desirable, there was no way of banning it. 

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.

This aerial view captures the water fountain and the smooth flow of traffic around the roundabout. KT File Photo: Mukesh Kamal

2025

Construction is under way for the new bridges which will span over 5,000 metres in total. It is expected to double the intersection’s capacity and cut delay time from 12 minutes to 90 seconds. The existing roundabout will be converted into a surface intersection to improve flow of traffic 

14 August 2025: A view of the Trade Centre Roundabout with new flyovers under construction to improve traffic flow.

Source: Khaleej Times

Published: 14 August 2025