The UAE plans to add 120km of new highways, increasing capacity to handle up to 360,000 trips daily/ Image: WAM
The UAE has unveiled an ambitious Dh170 billion ($46 billion) investment in transport and road projects, aiming to ease mounting traffic congestion and improve infrastructure across the country. As the population soars and economic growth accelerates, these projects are designed to keep pace with the rapid expansion of urban life. Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, shared the plans at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, detailing a comprehensive strategy to enhance both road capacity and public transport systems.
A comprehensive approach to road upgrades and expansion
At the heart of the UAE’s plan is a massive overhaul of its federal road network. The aim is clear: tackle the ever-growing traffic congestion caused by a surging population and a booming economy. Al Mazrouei revealed several key projects that will radically expand the capacity of the country’s busiest roads. The most notable expansion is to Al Ittihad Road, which connects Sharjah to Dubai. This critical route, notorious for its daily gridlock, will see the addition of six more lanes, three in each direction, boosting its capacity by 60%. The road will then feature 12 lanes in total, significantly improving traffic flow. In parallel, Emirates Road, an essential inland motorway linking various emirates, will undergo an expansion to 10 lanes along its entire stretch. This will increase its capacity by 65% and reduce travel time by an impressive 45%, offering commuters much-needed relief. The expansion of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, linking Dubai and Abu Dhabi and extending into the northern emirates, will also see the addition of lanes, increasing capacity by 45% with a widening to 10 lanes. These plans come as part of the UAE’s broader efforts to modernise its infrastructure, addressing the strain caused by rapid urbanisation. According to Al Mazrouei, the efficiency of the federal road network is expected to rise by 73% over the next five years, as the number of lanes on major highways is set to grow from 19 to 33 in each direction. These upgrades are aimed to alleviate gridlock, reduce commute times, and ultimately improve quality of life for residents.
The surge in population and traffic demand
The decision to embark on this multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project is also driven by the UAE’s rapid population growth. The country’s population reached 11 million in July 2025, up from 7 million in 2010. Dubai, in particular, has seen its population cross the 4 million mark in August 2025. The influx of residents, particularly high-net-worth individuals and businesses, has contributed to an ever-increasing demand for efficient transport systems.In 2024, vehicle numbers in the UAE grew by over 8%, four times the global average of 2%. This surge in car ownership, combined with overlapping work and school schedules, has significantly stressed the country’s existing road infrastructure. Dr Adnan Hamad Al Hammadi, a Federal National Council member, highlighted the severity of the situation last year, revealing that traffic jams on major highways cost employees a staggering 1,000 hours annually. That equates to 20 hours per week and 80 hours per month spent stuck in traffic, underscoring the significant economic toll of congestion on both individuals and businesses.
The new highway and future connectivity
In addition to the upgrades to existing routes, the UAE is considering the construction of a fourth federal highway, which would span 120km and have a capacity to handle up to 360,000 trips per day. If approved, this corridor will join three other major federal routes: E11 (Al Ittihad), E311 (Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed), and E611 (Emirates Road). Together, these highways currently serve more than 850,000 vehicles commuting between Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The new highway will play a critical role in alleviating congestion on these already heavily trafficked routes. Work has already begun on the upgrade of Emirates Road, with an estimated budget of Dh750 million and a completion target set for 2027. The proposed fourth highway, expected to be a game-changer in the region, will be strategically designed to further reduce travel times and improve traffic flow across the UAE.
Long-term vision for sustainable mobility
The UAE government’s efforts are also in line with the broader vision outlined in the UAE Centennial 2071 Plan, which aims to build a smart, flexible, and sustainable infrastructure to support long-term development. Al Mazrouei has stressed the importance of integrating innovative solutions, such as smart technologies and enhanced traffic policies, to ensure that future transport systems are as efficient and sustainable as possible. Al Mazrouei also announced that Etihad Rail, part of the Dh50 billion UAE Railway Programme, is on track to launch passenger services in 2026. The rail network is expected to provide a significant alternative to road transport, strengthening connectivity between cities and communities while alleviating pressure on highways. The comprehensive approach includes an emphasis on promoting public transport and developing innovative mobility solutions. Go to Source
