In a bold move to keep pace with the country’s rapid urban growth, the United Arab Emirates has announced an ambitious Dh170 billion ($46 billion) investment plan to expand and modernize its transport and road infrastructure. The initiative aims to ease congestion, enhance mobility, and support the UAE’s long-term vision for sustainable development.
The announcement was made by Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, during the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi. He revealed that the plan encompasses major expansions across the federal road network and new projects designed to accommodate the nation’s rising population and vehicle numbers.
Massive Highway Expansion Across Key Routes
At the core of the initiative lies a sweeping expansion of the UAE’s main highways, including Al Ittihad Road, Emirates Road, and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road — three of the busiest routes connecting Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the Northern Emirates.
Al Ittihad Road, which links Sharjah and Dubai and is known for its chronic traffic jams, will be widened by six lanes (three in each direction), boosting its capacity by 60% and transforming daily commutes for hundreds of thousands of drivers.
Emirates Road, a vital inland corridor, will be expanded to 10 lanes along its full stretch. This enhancement is expected to cut travel times by 45% and raise the route’s capacity by 65%, significantly improving flow between emirates.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi and extending northward, will undergo a similar expansion to 10 lanes, increasing overall capacity by 45%.
Collectively, these upgrades will increase the total number of lanes on federal highways from 19 to 33 per direction, improving road efficiency by 73% over the next five years.
Addressing Population Growth and Urban Demand
The UAE’s population reached 11 million in July 2025, compared with 7 million in 2010, while Dubai alone surpassed 4 million residents in August 2025. This demographic surge has intensified pressure on the transport network.
Vehicle ownership has also soared — rising 8% in 2024, quadruple the global average. According to Dr. Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi, a Federal National Council member, traffic congestion costs employees nearly 1,000 hours per year, or around 80 hours per month, in lost productivity — underscoring the urgent need for efficient road solutions.
The New Federal Highway: A Vision for the Future
Among the most anticipated developments is a proposed fourth federal highway, stretching 120 kilometers with a projected capacity of 360,000 trips per day. If approved, it will complement the existing E11 (Al Ittihad), E311 (Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed), and E611 (Emirates Road), which together already accommodate over 850,000 vehicles daily between Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
The new corridor aims to relieve pressure on these heavily used routes and provide a faster, more efficient alternative for commuters.
Simultaneously, work is underway on Emirates Road upgrades, with a Dh750 million budget and completion target by 2027, representing a key step toward the UAE’s vision of seamless connectivity.
Smart Mobility and Sustainability at the Core
The project forms part of the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan, which envisions a smart, integrated, and sustainable infrastructure. Al Mazrouei emphasized the role of digital traffic management systems, smart sensors, and AI-driven monitoring in optimizing road performance and reducing environmental impact.
He also highlighted progress in the Etihad Rail project, a Dh50 billion initiative under the UAE Railway Programme, set to begin passenger operations in 2026. The network will provide a sustainable alternative to road transport, linking key cities and helping reduce highway congestion.
Driving Toward a Smarter, Faster, and Greener UAE
With a strategic blend of infrastructure expansion, smart mobility, and sustainable vision, the UAE’s Dh170 billion investment represents more than a road-building plan—it’s a blueprint for future-ready connectivity. By reimagining its highways and transport systems, the UAE is positioning itself as a global model of efficiency, innovation, and urban resilience.
