UAE Launches Dhs750 Million Emirates Road Expansion Project to Reduce Traffic by 45%
The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced a major infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding Emirates Road, one of the country’s most critical federal highways. With a total investment of Dhs750 million, the project is designed to tackle traffic congestion, enhance national logistics, and raise transportation efficiency in line with the UAE’s economic and sustainable development goals.
What the Emirates Road Expansion Project Involves
The Emirates Road development project will increase the highway’s capacity by expanding it from three to five lanes in each direction over a 25-kilometre stretch. The expansion zone runs from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to the border of Umm Al Quwain, increasing the road’s capacity to handle up to 9,000 vehicles per hour—a 65% improvement.
In addition to the lane expansion, the project includes:
- Upgrading Interchange No. 7 with six new directional bridges covering 12.6 kilometres, supporting 13,200 vehicles per hour.
- Construction of collector roads on both sides of Emirates Road, extending 3.4 kilometres, to better manage local traffic and improve accessibility.
Timeline and Budget
- Project Start: September 2025
- Completion Date: Within two years
- Total Budget: Dhs750 million
Expected Benefits for UAE Residents and Businesses
According to Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, the project will cut travel times by up to 45% for commuters traveling between Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Dubai.
This is expected to provide several key benefits:
- Reduced Traffic Congestion: Emirates Road is one of the UAE’s most heavily used highways. Expanding its capacity will ease traffic density and improve the overall flow.
- Enhanced Logistics Efficiency: As a major freight corridor, Emirates Road plays a critical role in national logistics. The upgrade supports the UAE’s economic diversification and trade goals.
- Improved Quality of Life: Shorter travel times and reduced congestion contribute to higher community satisfaction and lower stress levels for daily commuters.
- Environmental Impact: Reducing congestion-related emissions aligns with the UAE’s sustainability and climate action targets.
Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure
The project will follow the highest international standards for road design and construction. Emphasis will be placed on:
- Smart traffic management systems
- Resilient road materials and designs
- Energy-efficient lighting and safety features
Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs, highlighted that the development will be executed with long-term sustainability in mind.
“Emirates Road is a vital federal highway that connects key UAE cities. By upgrading its capacity and implementing smart infrastructure solutions, we’re setting a benchmark for sustainable road development,” Al Mansouri said.
Strategic Alignment with UAE’s National Vision
The Emirates Road project is part of a broader national strategy aimed at enhancing the UAE’s federal road network. It supports:
- UAE Vision 2031
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- National Transport and Mobility Plans
Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei stated:
“This project positions the UAE among the world’s leading nations in sustainable infrastructure. It reflects our commitment to innovation, quality of life, and long-term economic growth.”
Logistics and Economic Diversification
Beyond passenger traffic, Emirates Road is crucial for moving goods across the UAE and the Gulf region. The project will:
- Facilitate integrated logistics services
- Enhance supply chain speed and efficiency
- Support the UAE’s role as a global trade and logistics hub
Key Technical Highlights
- Lane Expansion: From 3 to 5 lanes each way
- New Bridges: 6 directional bridges (12.6 km total length)
- Collector Roads: 3.4 km on both sides for local traffic
- Hourly Capacity Increase: Up to 13,200 vehicles per hour at Interchange No. 7
Conclusion
The Emirates Road capacity enhancement project is not just about easing congestion. It’s a strategic investment in the UAE’s future as a global leader in infrastructure, logistics, and smart transportation systems.
Scheduled for completion by 2027, this Dhs750 million project is set to transform daily life for commuters, improve national logistics, and align with the UAE’s broader economic and sustainability goals.
For ongoing updates, residents and stakeholders can follow official announcements via the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure’s website and social media channels.
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