The UAE government has launched an ambitious Dh170 billion national transport and road project package to be completed by 2030, aiming to ease growing traffic congestion and boost mobility across the country. The plan, announced by Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei, includes major expansions to federal highways and the introduction of new transport systems such as high-speed and light rail projects.
Key developments include adding six new lanes to Etihad Road, increasing its capacity by 60%, and expanding Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to 10 lanes each, cutting travel time by nearly half. The ministry is also studying a fourth federal highway, a 120-km route designed to accommodate up to 360,000 trips daily, along with plans to boost overall road efficiency by 73% within five years.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to support UAE Centennial 2071, focusing on building a smart, flexible, and sustainable transport network. Al Mazrouei emphasized that traffic congestion has become a pressing national concern, with the number of vehicles rising over 8% annually, far exceeding the global average of 2%. The government will coordinate with local authorities to update traffic policies, enhance public transport integration, and promote innovative mobility solutions to reduce dependence on private vehicles.
