Dubai has officially changed the names of several major streets and neighborhoods across the city. These updates, announced by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), are part of a broader urban strategy to modernize address systems, simplify navigation, and enhance the identity of the city. Whether you are a resident or business owner, understanding what changed and how to adapt will save time and confusion. This article breaks down everything you need to know.
The renaming project is part of Dubai’s push to be a global smart city. The RTA launched this initiative to unify the addressing system and make it easier for emergency services, delivery apps, tourists, and residents to find exact locations. The old names were often duplicated or unclear. The new names aim to reflect local history, Emirati identity, and offer better clarity for digital maps like Google Maps and Nol Smart App.
New signage now features both the updated name and the old one for a transition period. In addition, building plaques now include QR codes to offer direct GPS links to smartphones, making navigation more intuitive than ever.
Some of the most significant updates happened in Sufouh, Al Quoz, Umm Suqeim, and Nad Al Sheba. Here are just a few of the highlights:
The goal is a cleaner, clearer system that helps you find your way without confusion. Each neighborhood now has a unique identifier, reducing errors for ride share, delivery, and emergency services.
It might take time to get used to the new names, but a few quick steps can make the transition smooth. First, update your maps app regularly. Google Maps and Waze already reflect most of the new names. Next, learn your Makani Number (the building location code) which gives pinpoint accuracy regardless of name changes.
Keep a small list of streets you use daily with both the old and new names, and scan the road signs while driving. RTA has also added temporary signs showing both versions. Lastly, follow RTA updates on social media to stay current with any further changes.
These street name updates aren’t just cosmetic. They represent a shift toward more accurate urban planning and are part of Dubai’s vision to become the world’s most innovative city. It may take a bit of adjustment, but the benefits in clarity, safety, and smart mobility are already clear.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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