The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to transform its transport and infrastructure landscape with an ambitious Dh170 billion national road and transport project. However, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced the UAE highway. Moreover, this new initiative was revealed during the Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi. Hence, it aims to boost the highway network, improve traffic flow, and support sustainable urban growth across all emirates by 2030.
This landmark investment is one of the most extensive infrastructure upgrades in the history of the country. Hence, it aligns with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision to create a smart, flexible, and sustainable transport ecosystem.
Expanding the UAE Highway Network: Major Upgrades Announced
Under this detailed plan, the UAE government will expand and upgrade big federal highways that connect Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates. However, the goal is to increase lane capacity, reduce travel time, and enhance overall road safety and efficiency. Below are the key details of this development:
- Etihad Road (E11): Six new lanes — three in each direction — increasing total capacity by 60%, resulting in a 12-lane highway.
- Emirates Road (E611): Expansion to 10 lanes across its entire stretch to boost capacity by 65% and cut travel time by up to 45%.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311): Widening to 10 lanes to enhance road capacity by 45%.
- New Fourth Federal Highway: A 120 km-long, 12-lane corridor with the ability to handle up to 360,000 trips per day to connect key regions and reduce pressure on existing routes.
These expansions are going to raise the efficiency of the federal road network by 73% within the next five years. Hence, it is going to increase the number of lanes from 19 to 33 in each direction.
Addressing Traffic Congestion: A National Priority
Traffic congestion is one of the most pressing urban challenges of the UAE. According to Minister Al Mazrouei, vehicle numbers are increasing by more than 8% annually. However, it is significantly higher than the global average of 2%.
The minister highlighted that heavy dependence on private cars, overlapping school and work hours, and continuous population growth contribute to increasing road pressure. He said, “Developing and adapting traffic policies to urban growth is a key pillar in ensuring smooth and efficient mobility”.
A Dh750 million project to upgrade and develop Emirates Road is already underway and is expected to be completed within two years. Moreover, the broader goal of the ministry is to boost connectivity while reducing travel time and environmental impact.
Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure for the Future
The UAE highway expansion plan is part of a larger strategy to develop a smart, green, and sustainable transport infrastructure. In addition, the campaign will also support public transport integration, like high-speed and light rail networks. Moreover, it also encourages innovative mobility solutions such as electric and autonomous vehicles.
On top of that, Minister Al Mazrouei reaffirmed that these efforts are being implemented under the directives of the leadership to ensure a high quality of life for citizens and residents. Moreover, the collaboration of the Ministry with the local entities ensures the modernisation of traffic regulations, the introduction of smart mobility options, and a reduction in dependence on private vehicles.
Enhancing Economic Growth and Connectivity
The expansion of the UAE road network is expected to boost economic growth by facilitating trade, logistics, and inter-emirate travel. Moreover, improved highways will ease commuter stress and enhance tourism and regional business accessibility.
Previously, Federal National Council member Dr Adnan Hamad Al Hammad highlighted the urgency of such projects. He notes that traffic jams on the UAE highway drain nearly 1.000 hours yearly from employees’ time. Hence, this new expansion directly addresses these efficiency to ensure better connectivity and productivity throughout the nation.
Read more:
UNTOLD Dubai 2025: A Star-Studded Lineup Promises Four Nights of Music Magic
Dubai Airshow 2025 to Feature Electric Air Taxi Flights for the First Time
2 thoughts on “Dh170 Billion UAE Highway Expansion Plan to Tackle Traffic and Boost Mobility by 2030”