UAE's Dh750-million Emirates Road project to ease traffic, cut travel time

15/07/2025 04:11 AST

The UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced a new project to upgrade Emirates Road with a budget of Dh750 million. The 25-km project from Al Badi intersection to Umm Al Quwain Emirate will begin in September 2025.

Aimed at boosting road capacity, easing traffic congestion, and reducing travel time by 45 per cent, the project is expected to be completed in two years. It will reduce travel time for commuters travelling from Ras Al Khaimah, through Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah, to Dubai, and vice versa.

The road will be widened from three to five lanes in each direction on the 25-km stretch to help reduce traffic congestion. This development is part of the UAE's national plan to improve the federal road network and support economic growth.

The Ministry emphasised that the project reflects the country's commitment to building a smart and resilient transportation system that meets the needs of a rapidly growing population and economy.

Key details of the project:

Cost and objective: An Dh750 million project aiming for a 45% reduction in travel time.
Scope: The project spans 25km, beginning from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah.
Capacity improvement: It targets a 65 per cent increase in road capacity, accommodating up to 9,000 vehicles per hour.
Infrastructure additions: This includes constructing 6 bridges at Intersection No. 7 (totaling 12.6km), building 3.4km of collector roads on both sides, and adding 70km of new traffic lanes.

Solutions to traffic congestion
As one of the key solutions to traffic congestion in the UAE, the project is expected to alleviate traffic density, reduce travel times, and enhance flow on one of the most heavily used federal roads. It is being implemented according to the highest international standards in infrastructure design and execution, ensuring optimal traffic efficiency, quality, and safety.

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that the project is part of the Ministry's efforts to develop practical and sustainable solutions to traffic congestion, an issue that received considerable attention during the UAE Government Annual Meetings, where the importance of road infrastructure development was emphasised as a key enabler of smoother traffic flow and comprehensive national development.

He stated, "This project represents a significant step toward realising the UAE's vision of establishing an integrated road network that meets the needs of the population and economic growth. Enhancing road efficiency and upgrading key interchanges will reduce daily travel times, improve community satisfaction, and support sustainable development by ensuring smooth traffic flow that enhances quality of life. It also reflects the country's commitment to delivering innovative solutions for improving transportation, reducing congestion-related emissions, and raising overall living standards."

Al Mazrouei added, "This project is part of a comprehensive vision aimed at enhancing the country's transport and road infrastructure network according to the highest engineering and technical standards, positioning the UAE among the world's leading nations in providing sustainable infrastructure that meets future needs and supports the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. It will also help deliver integrated logistics services aligned with the nation's ambitions."

For his part, Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said, "The project will be implemented in accordance with the highest international standards in road and infrastructure planning, with a strong emphasis on ensuring long-term sustainability. It will significantly enhance traffic flow, particularly for transit movement between cities across the UAE."

Khaleej Times