The UAE will invest Dh170 billion to expand and upgrade its transport and road infrastructure by 2030. Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei announced the plan at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi. The projects aim to cut congestion, boost public mobility, and support economic and population growth.
The plan includes a study for a fourth federal highway. The proposed route would run 120 kilometres. It would have 12 lanes and a capacity of up to 360,000 trips per day. The highway aims to ease major traffic bottlenecks and improve long‑distance connectivity.
The ministry will widen and upgrade major federal roads. Officials aim to raise federal road efficiency by 73% over five years. Plans call for lane increases from 19 to 33 in each direction on selected corridors.
“These efforts implement the leadership’s directives to develop smart, flexible, and sustainable infrastructure,” Al Mazrouei said. He added that the upgrades support the UAE Centennial 2071 vision.
Work to upgrade and develop Emirates Road has started. The Dh750 million project should finish within two years. The upgrades form part of a broader push to build a safer, cleaner, and more efficient national road network.
Vehicle numbers in the UAE have risen by more than 8% annually. That growth outpaces the global average of about 2%. The ministry blamed high private car use, overlapping work and school hours, and population growth for congestion.
To respond, the ministry will update traffic policies and improve network integration. It will also promote public transport and new mobility solutions. An integrated 24‑hour traffic monitoring centre already analyses congestion patterns and forms data‑driven fixes.
Etihad Rail is on track to launch passenger services in 2026. Officials expect the rail network to reduce road congestion and strengthen links between cities. The broader Dh50 billion UAE Railway Programme underlines the country’s long‑term commitment to a modern transport ecosystem.
The investment targets smarter travel and faster commutes. It also aims to cut emissions and improve road safety. In short, wider roads, stronger public transport, and smarter traffic management should make daily travel quicker and greener.