Congestion expected in Dubai as sports events begin

Delays are expected in Dubai on Thursday due to increased traffic ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai Sports City, along with the start of the Dubai Games 2025, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) said. 

The opening cricket match of the competition being in Dubai, between Bangladesh and India, will reportedly impact Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Hessa Street from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

The RTA is urging fans to plan their trip in "advance and leave early to ensure smooth movement during the event."

Traffic is also expected in Dubai around Sports City on Sunday as Pakistan take on India in the same competition. Dubai will also host India vs New Zealand at the Dubai International Cricket stadium on March 2.

Delays are expected on both Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road and Hessa Street due to the start of the ICC Champions Trophy at Dubai Sports City, on February 20, 2025
from 11 AM until 2 PM, and from 9 PM until 11 PM. #RTA advises you to plan your trips in advance and leave early to…

— RTA (@rta_dubai) February 20, 2025

New Zealand defeated Pakistan by 80 runs in Wednesday's opening ICC Champions Trophy encounter.

The RTA has also warned of possible congestion around the start of the Dubai Games 2025, which runs from February 20 - 23. 

In conjunction with the launch of Dubai Games 2025 from Thursday, February 20 to Sunday, February 23. Plan your trips in advance and depart early to ensure timely arrivals at your destinations. #RTA

— RTA (@rta_dubai) February 20, 2025