UAE's Emirates Road revamp: What's changing and how it affects you

Gulf Business

a day ago

Image credit: WAM/Website
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in the UAE has announced the launch of a major project aimed at developing and enhancing the capacity of Emirates Road. This initiative forms part of a comprehensive national plan to tackle the persistent issue of traffic congestion and improve transportation efficiency across the country.
The project reflects the UAE's ongoing commitment to building smart, resilient, and sustainable infrastructure that supports economic growth objectives, raises the quality of life for residents, and enhances the overall efficiency of the federal road network,
Major road expansion and interchange upgrades
The Emirates Road development project involves a significant expansion of the existing road, increasing it from three to five lanes in each direction over a 25-kilometre stretch. The expansion will run from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to the border of Umm Al Quwain, effectively increasing the road's capacity to handle approximately 9,000 vehicles per hour. This marks a 65 per cent increase in capacity, aiming to substantially ease traffic flow on this heavily used route.
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In addition to lane expansion, the project includes a comprehensive upgrade of Interchange No. 7 on Emirates Road. This will involve the construction of six directional bridges covering a total length of 12.6 kilometres, capable of accommodating up to 13,200 vehicles per hour.
The development will also feature the construction of collector roads on both sides of Emirates Road, spanning 3.4 kilometres to better manage local traffic and enhance accessibility.
Timeline, cost, and expected impact
With an estimated budget of Dhs750m, the project is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and is expected to be completed within two years. The upgrades aim not only to regulate traffic flow but also to ensure the highest safety standards for all road users.
Once complete, commuters traveling from Ras Al Khaimah, through Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah to Dubai, and vice versa, can expect travel time reductions of up to 45 per cent. This improvement will benefit thousands of daily commuters and commercial transport operations, significantly enhancing the movement of goods and services across the UAE.
Addressing traffic congestion with innovative solutions
The Emirates Road project is considered one of the key solutions to the UAE's traffic congestion challenges. By increasing road capacity and improving interchange efficiency, the initiative is poised to reduce traffic density and enhance the flow of vehicles along one of the most heavily trafficked federal roads.
The project will be executed in accordance with the highest international standards for infrastructure design and construction, ensuring optimal traffic efficiency, superior quality, and safety. It also aligns with the UAE's broader strategy of implementing smart infrastructure solutions that contribute to sustainable urban development.
Government commitment to sustainable development
Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized the project's significance during its announcement. 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 our population and supports economic growth.'
Al Mazrouei highlighted that enhancing road efficiency and upgrading key interchanges will reduce daily travel times, improve community satisfaction, and promote sustainable development by ensuring smooth traffic flow that enhances quality of life. He added that the project reflects the country's commitment to delivering innovative solutions for improving transportation, reducing congestion-related emissions, and raising overall living standards.
Aligning with national and global goals
'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,' Al Mazrouei explained. 'It positions 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.'
He also noted that the project will facilitate integrated logistics services, supporting the nation's ambitions for economic diversification and growth.
Expert insights on implementation and benefits
Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, provided further details on the project's implementation. 'The development will follow the highest international standards in road and infrastructure planning, with a strong emphasis on ensuring long-term sustainability,' he said.
Al Mansouri pointed out that the improvements will significantly enhance traffic flow, particularly for transit movement between cities across the UAE. He reiterated the importance of Emirates Road as a vital federal highway managed by the Ministry, serving as a key artery for both passenger and freight transportation.
Conclusion
The Emirates Road capacity enhancement project stands as a critical investment in the UAE's future transportation infrastructure. With its focus on increasing capacity, improving safety, and reducing congestion, the project will play a pivotal role in supporting the country's economic development and quality of life for its residents. As it moves forward, the initiative is expected to serve as a benchmark for sustainable road infrastructure projects across the region.