UAE to invest Dh750 million in expanding Emirates Road, adding new lanes and bridges to ease congestion. The project starts in September 2025 and will cut travel times by up to 45%, supporting economic growth and sustainable transport.
Abu Dhabi: The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has announced a major enhancement project worth Dh750 million to upgrade Emirates Road, aiming to boost capacity and reduce congestion on one of the UAE’s busiest highways.
Set to begin in September 2025 and expected to be completed within two years, the project focuses on expanding the road and upgrading critical interchanges to better serve the country’s growing population and economic activity.
Wider road, higher capacity
A key part of the plan involves widening Emirates Road from three lanes to five lanes in each direction over a 25-kilometre stretch starting from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to the emirate of Umm Al Quwain. This upgrade will increase the road’s capacity by about 65%, enabling it to handle up to 9,000 vehicles per hour, easing pressure on one of the most congested parts of the federal network.
New directional bridges
The project will also see a complete redevelopment of Interchange No. 7, with the construction of six directional bridges spanning 12.6 kilometres and capable of carrying 13,200 vehicles per hour. In addition, 3.4 kilometres of collector roads will be added on both sides of Emirates Road, further improving traffic distribution.
Faster, smoother commutes
The enhancements are projected to reduce travel times by up to 45% for drivers commuting between Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Dubai.
Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, highlighted the importance of the project as part of the UAE’s broader infrastructure strategy. “This project represents a significant step toward realizing the UAE’s vision of establishing an integrated road network that meets the needs of population and economic growth,” he said.
He added that improving road efficiency and upgrading interchanges will not only cut daily travel times but also boost community satisfaction and help achieve sustainable development goals by reducing congestion-related emissions.
Focus on sustainable, practical solutions
The minister noted that tackling traffic congestion was a key priority raised at the UAE Government Annual Meetings, where road development was recognized as critical to supporting economic growth and improving quality of life.
“Enhancing key routes like Emirates Road reflects the country’s commitment to delivering innovative solutions that make transport smoother, safer, and more sustainable,” Al Mazrouei said.
By modernizing infrastructure and increasing road capacity, the UAE aims to support its rapid urban development, ensure safer roads, and raise overall living standards for residents and visitors alike.
