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UAE Launches AED170 Billion Plan to Expand and Modernize Roads by 2030

Prime Highlights

  • The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure announced an AED170 billion ($46.3B) plan to upgrade the national road network by 2030.
  • Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said the goal is a smart, sustainable transport system to reduce congestion and improve connectivity.

Key Facts

  • Major projects include widening Etihad Road to 12 lanes and Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to 10 lanes, boosting traffic flow by up to 65%.
  • The ministry is investing AED750 million ($204M) in road upgrades, using smart traffic systems and supporting the UAE Railway Programme.

Background

The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced an AED170 billion ($46.3 billion) national transport plan to expand and modernize the country’s road network by 2030. The large-scale programme aims to reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance connectivity across the Emirates as part of the nation’s long-term infrastructure vision.

Announcing the initiative at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei said the ministry plans to improve the efficiency of federal roads by 73% within the next five years.

Key projects include major upgrades to existing highways. Etihad Road will add six lanes, three in each direction, increasing its total to 12 lanes and boosting capacity by 60%. Emirates Road will grow to 10 lanes, increasing capacity by 65% and reducing travel time by 45%. At the same time, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will widen to 10 lanes, improving traffic flow by 45%.

The ministry is also studying a new 120 km, 12-lane federal highway capable of handling 360,000 trips per day, further improving inter-emirate travel.

Al Mazrouei confirmed that a AED750 million ($204 million) Emirates Road upgrade is already underway and will be completed within two years.

To reduce rising congestion from an 8% yearly increase in vehicles, the ministry will use smart traffic systems, improve public transport connections, and promote eco-friendly travel.

The transport plan backs the UAE Railway Programme, which started in 2021, and Etihad Rail will begin passenger services in 2026.

Al Mazrouei said they want to build a smart, flexible, and sustainable transport system that boosts growth, lowers emissions, and makes life better across the UAE.

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