New UAE highway: All we know about the mega plan to reduce traffic
The number of vehicles on the road has increased by more than 8 percent annually
Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, has announced a Dh170 billion package of national transport and road projects to be implemented by 2030, aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing mobility across the UAE.
Speaking at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, Al Mazrouei said the projects are part of a comprehensive strategy to advance transport infrastructure, including the expansion of major roads across the country, enhancement of public transport, and implementation of high-speed and light rail projects.
The strategy aims to keep pace with population and economic growth while ensuring a better quality of life for citizens and residents.
Here’s what the plan includes:
Addition of six lanes to Etihad Road — three in each direction — increasing its capacity by 60 percent and bringing the total to 12 lanes.
Emirates Road will be expanded to 10 lanes along its entire stretch, increasing capacity by 65 percent and reducing travel time by 45 percent.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will be widened to 10 lanes, enhancing capacity by 45 percent.
The plan also includes a study to construct a fourth federal highway, extending 120 km with 12 lanes with a capacity of up to 360,000 trips per day.
Overall, the ministry is working to enhance federal road efficiency by 73 percent over the next five years through a comprehensive development plan that includes expanding the number of lanes from 19 to 33 in each direction.
The ministry is also studying the enhancement of existing highways linking the emirates and the development of new routes through national projects at both local and federal levels.
Al Mazrouei noted that “these efforts come in implementation of the leadership’s directives to develop a smart, flexible, and sustainable infrastructure that enhances traffic flow, supports comprehensive development, and improves quality of life in line with the UAE Centennial 2071 plan”.
Concerns over traffic congestion
Al Mazrouei noted that the ministry has begun implementing the project to upgrade and develop Emirates Road, with an estimated cost of Dh750 million, set to be complete within two years.
He noted that addressing traffic congestion is a central issue and a national priority for UAE’s federal and local entities, adding that developing and adapting traffic policies to the requirements of urban growth is a key pillar in ensuring smooth and efficient traffic flow, while enhancing mobility for all road users across the UAE.
Al Mazrouei said the number of vehicles on the road has increased by more than 8 percent annually, compared to the global average of 2 percent.
What’s causing it?
Al Mazrouei pointed to people’s heavy reliance on private vehicles across the UAE, the overlap in working and school hours, and the continued population growth as contributing factors to traffic congestion.
He affirmed that the ministry will work in coordination with local entities to implement a series of plans aimed at addressing traffic challenges. These include updating policies and regulations to address traffic congestion and vehicle growth, improving the integration of transport networks, and introducing innovative mobility options that encourage public use and reduce dependence on private vehicles.
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