The UAE unveiled an ambitious AED 170 billion ($46.3 billion) transport plan, aiming to significantly enhance the nation’s road infrastructure by 2030. The updates were shared by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
The comprehensive plan proposes major upgrades, including the addition of new lanes to key highways. Etihad Road will see a 60% boost in capacity with three additional lanes in each direction, transforming it into a 12-lane highway. The Emirates Road will expand to 10 lanes, promising a 65% increase in capacity, while Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will be widened to accommodate more vehicles.
This infrastructure overhaul is part of a broader strategy to support the UAE’s rapid population growth and economic expansion. During a keynote address at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, Minister HE Suhail Al Mazrouei highlighted the ministry’s goal to improve federal road efficiency by 73% over five years. The focus is not only on alleviating congestion, but also on enhancing mobility and quality of life for residents.
During the meeting, Al Mazrouei outlined plans for a feasibility study for a new federal highway. This proposed 120-kilometre, 12-lane highway is expected to handle up to 360,000 daily trips, improving connectivity between emirates.
Currently, a AED 750 million ($204 million) upgrade of the Emirates Road is underway. It it expected to be completed in two years.
This project forms part of a national agenda to create a smart, adaptive and sustainable transport ecosystem aligned with the UAE’s Centennial 2071 goals.
Al Mazrouei emphasised the ministry’s commitment to developing a modern infrastructure that supports comprehensive development and enhances traffic flow.
The strategy also involves leveraging innovation and technology. Initiatives include a new 24-hour traffic monitoring centre to analyse congestion.
The ongoing UAE Railway Programme has also been a significant element of the transport strategy since its 2021 launch. The forthcoming Etihad Rail passenger service, slated for a 2026 rollout, aims to connect major cities and reduce road congestion by providing an alternative transit route.
In tackling congestion, Al Mazrouei underlined the need for cooperative efforts between federal and local bodies to adapt transport policies and improve integration across transport networks. The national approach supports infrastructure that balances development with sustainability and convenience, ultimately ensuring efficient mobility for all.
