The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has unveiled a AED170bn (USD 46.3bn) package of national transport and road projects to be completed by 2030. The initiative aims to ease traffic congestion, expand major highways, and improve mobility across the country. It forms part of a long-term strategy to enhance the nation’s transport infrastructure in line with population and economic growth while improving the quality of life for citizens and residents.
Announcing the plan during the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, stated that the ministry will improve federal road efficiency by 73 per cent within the next five years under the new strategy.
The comprehensive plan will increase the number of lanes across key highways from 19 to 33 in each direction, significantly boosting capacity. Etihad Road will be widened by six lanes, three in each direction, raising its total to 12 lanes and increasing capacity by 60 per cent. Emirates Road will expand to 10 lanes throughout, improving capacity by 65 per cent and reducing travel time by 45 per cent. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will also be widened to 10 lanes, increasing capacity by 45 per cent.
The ministry is also conducting a feasibility study for a potential fourth federal highway, a 120 km, 12-lane route designed to handle 360,000 trips per day. The project aims to further ease inter-emirate travel and enhance national connectivity.
Al Mazrouei confirmed that construction is underway on a AED750m (USD 204m) project to upgrade Emirates Road, which is scheduled for completion within two years. The project is part of a broader initiative to establish a smart, flexible, and sustainable transport system aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071 vision.
“The ministry is implementing the leadership’s directives to develop a smart, flexible, and sustainable infrastructure that enhances traffic flow, supports comprehensive development, and improves quality of life,” said Al Mazrouei.
He highlighted that the number of vehicles on UAE roads is increasing by more than 8 per cent annually, significantly above the global average of 2 per cent. The minister attributed rising congestion to population growth, overlapping school and work hours, and the heavy reliance on private vehicles.
