UAE Unveils $46.3 Billion Transport Overhaul, Including 12-Lane Etihad Road Upgrade and New 120 km Highway

Comprehensive Transport Initiatives

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has introduced a substantial AED170 billion (approximately $46.3 billion) package focused on national transport and road projects scheduled for completion by 2030. This initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion, expand key highways, and enhance overall mobility throughout the nation.

These projects are part of an encompassing strategy designed to improve transport infrastructure commensurate with population growth and economic expansion while simultaneously enhancing the quality of life for both citizens and residents.

Minister’s Keynote Address

During a keynote address at the UAE Government Annual Meetings held in Abu Dhabi, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, outlined plans to boost federal road efficiency by 73 percent over the next five years. This ambitious target underscores the ministry’s commitment to addressing the growing demands on the country’s transport systems.

In his address, Al Mazrouei emphasized the ministry’s focus on creating a smart, flexible, and sustainable transport network to support comprehensive development and improve citizens’ quality of life.

Major Road Expansions

Key Highway Enhancements

The UAE government has laid out plans to significantly enhance its road infrastructure. Key initiatives include increasing the number of lanes on crucial highways, expanding widths from 19 to 33 lanes in both directions. Specific projects detailed include:

• Etihad Road: This essential thoroughfare will be expanded by adding six new lanes (three in each direction), thereby increasing its capacity by 60 percent and bringing the total to 12 lanes.

• Emirates Road: The existing configuration will evolve to encompass 10 lanes along its entire length, enhancing capacity by 65 percent while also cutting travel time by 45 percent.

• Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road: Upgrades will expand the road to 10 lanes, leading to a 45 percent increase in overall capacity.

In addition to these expansions, the ministry is conducting feasibility studies for a fourth federal highway. This proposed 120 km, 12-lane route is designed to accommodate up to 360,000 trips each day, further facilitating inter-emirate travel.

Emirates Road Upgrade

Al Mazrouei confirmed that work is currently underway on a AED750 million (approximately $204 million) project aimed at upgrading and developing Emirates Road. This project is set for completion within two years and is part of a broader series of infrastructure enhancements aligned with the UAE Centennial 2071 plan.

He stated, “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.”

Addressing Traffic Challenges

Al Mazrouei highlighted that the number of vehicles on UAE roads has been increasing at an annual rate exceeding 8 percent, markedly above the global average of 2 percent. Factors contributing to rising congestion include population growth, overlapping school and work hours, and a heavy reliance on private vehicles.

In response to these challenges, the ministry is collaborating with local authorities to revamp traffic policies, improve transport network integration, and introduce innovative mobility solutions to encourage greater public transport usage.

National Strategy for Sustainable Transport

The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure is adopting a holistic strategic framework to mitigate congestion and emissions through innovation and technology. A new 24-hour traffic monitoring center has been established to analyze congestion causes and propose data-driven solutions for enhancing traffic flow.

The UAE Railway Programme, initiated in 2021 with an investment of AED50 billion (about $13.6 billion), is central to this transport strategy. The Etihad Rail passenger service is expected to commence operations by 2026, promoting connectivity between major cities and alleviating road traffic.

Al Mazrouei stated, “The network will strengthen connectivity between cities and communities, reduce traffic congestion, and meet passenger needs in accordance with the highest international standards.”

Collaborative National Approach

Al Mazrouei asserted that addressing congestion and improving mobility are national priorities, necessitating collaboration among federal and local entities to enhance roadways, public transportation, and logistics networks.

He emphasized that evolving traffic policies in line with urban growth is crucial for ensuring efficient mobility for all road users. The ministry will continue to work closely with local authorities to deliver projects that align with infrastructure development goals while prioritizing sustainability and public convenience.

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