Key routes in the UAE will benefit from widening as part of an infrastructure investment programme
A centerpiece of the programme is the construction of a fourth federal highway, spanning 120 km. The new highway will have six lanes in each direction, designed to handle up to 360,000 vehicles per day, significantly improving travel capacity and connectivity across the region.
In addition to the new highway, major upgrades are planned for existing key routes. Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will be widened to five lanes in each direction. This expansion is expected to increase traffic capacity by 65% and reduce journey times for drivers by easing congestion along these heavily used corridors.
Etihad Road will also undergo expansion, with six lanes in each direction, boosting its capacity by 60%. These upgrades are intended to create smoother, faster traffic flow, supporting daily commuters and freight transport alike.
The investment programme reflects the UAE’s commitment to modernizing its transport infrastructure to meet the needs of a growing population and expanding economic activity. By increasing road capacity and improving traffic management, the projects aim to enhance connectivity, reduce travel delays, and strengthen the overall efficiency of the transport network.
Officials emphasize that the combination of new highways and upgrades to existing routes will provide long-term benefits for urban mobility, regional trade, and logistical efficiency. Enhanced road networks are expected to support economic growth by facilitating faster and more reliable movement of goods and people across the country.
The programme forms part of a broader national strategy to improve transportation systems, reduce commuting times, and enable sustainable, efficient traffic management. Once completed, the infrastructure developments will strengthen the UAE’s position as a regional transport hub and improve quality of life for residents by enabling safer and quicker travel.
By 2030, the enhanced highway network, including the new fourth federal highway and expanded existing roads, is expected to deliver a substantial reduction in traffic congestion, higher vehicle throughput, and improved road safety. This large-scale investment underscores the UAE’s focus on proactive infrastructure planning to meet future transportation demands and ensure free-flowing traffic nationwide.
Overall, the $46.3 billion programme marks a significant step in developing a modern, high-capacity transport network capable of supporting the UAE’s economic growth, urban expansion, and mobility requirements over the next decade.
