Latest news with #MinistryOfEnergyAndInfrastructure
Khaleej Times
7 hours ago
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Etihad Rail construction: Mleiha exit towards Dubai temporarily closed
As the landmark Etihad Rail Project picks up steam, authorities announced a temporary closure of a key exit. The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in coordination with the Sharjah Police General Command, said that exit from Mleiha Road heading west (Dubai-Emirates Road) will be temporarily closed for the construction of a temporary bridge as part of the Etihad Rail project. The closure will be in effect from from 12 am on Saturday, July 19 till 5am on July 21. Authorities urged motorists to plan their routes in advance, follow posted detour signs, and adhere to traffic regulations during this period. Traffic patrols and signage will be in place to ensure smooth movement and safety. Check out the map below of the temporary closure: Earlier this month, the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority had announced a temporary two-month closure of major streets. The roads that were closed are the ones connecting Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road, near University Bridge. The closure, which began on Tuesday, July 1, will last until Saturday, August 30. Efficient transport system Etihad Rail is the UAE's national railway network, designed to connect all seven emirates and link the UAE with the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The project aims to provide an efficient and safe transportation system for both freight and passengers. Launched in 2009, the network spans over 900km and will significantly reduce road congestion, carbon emissions, and heavy truck traffic across the country.
Zawya
3 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
Crown Prince of Fujairah witnesses launch of first fully digital government service centre in emirate
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah, witnessed the launch of the first fully integrated digital government services centre in Fujairah. The centre, inaugurated by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, represents a pioneering model at the national level for delivering smart, interconnected government services that rely entirely on artificial intelligence, virtual reality, metaverse, and blockchain technologies, without direct human intervention. H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Al Sharqi said, 'Today, we take pride in launching the virtual digital services centre in Fujairah, which embodies the vision of our wise leadership toward building a future-ready government founded on innovation. This centre contributes to enhancing quality of life and facilitating services for citizens and residents alike. It stands as an advanced model of smart government services and reflects the ability of our national institutions to adopt and effectively leverage cutting-edge technologies—affirming the UAE's pioneering position in the field of digital government transformation.' H.H. the Crown Prince of Fujairah added, 'We applaud the efforts of the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in developing an integrated digital service infrastructure that enhances government efficiency, improves the customer experience, and supports sustainable development in Fujairah, which continues to actively contribute to the nation's progress.' Eng Sharif Al Olama, Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs at the Ministry, said, 'The centre represents a transformational shift in the delivery of government services, offering a groundbreaking experience built on artificial intelligence and hologram technology. This model is scalable across all emirates, enhancing the UAE's global competitiveness in the digital domain. Launching the centre in Fujairah reflects the leadership's vision of promoting balanced development and is a practical step within the Ministry's efforts to build a human-centred, interconnected government services ecosystem aligned with the goals of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision and the shift toward smart government.' He affirmed that the launch of the centre aligns with the National Strategy for Government Services, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. This strategy aims to position the UAE as a global benchmark for the most efficient and innovative government services, translating the wise leadership's directives for the UAE to be number one globally in government service delivery. Eng Mohammed bin Taliah, Chief of Government Services in the UAE Government, explained that the centre represents a pivotal step in the government's digital transformation journey and reflects government entities' ability to adopt the latest digital innovations to deliver an exceptional customer experience that aligns with the country's aspirations of delivering world-class services. He said, 'The centre serves as an advanced interactive platform for enabling customers to directly contribute to developing government services through innovative channels that allow them to submit their suggestions and feedback. This fosters integration among government entities, promotes a culture of community engagement, and establishes a flexible government environment capable of responding promptly to evolving needs.' The launch of the Digital Services Centre is part of the Ministry's broader plan to expand this innovative model across the UAE, in align with the UAE Government Services Strategy, and the Government Services Development Guide 2.0. The centre offers over 150 digital services, aiming to serve more than 20,000 users annually. Integrating smart systems that enhance operational efficiency and support data-driven decision-making, the centre provides a wide range of services from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in addition to a set of services from federal and local partner entities in the Emirate of Fujairah—offered through a unified and fully integrated digital experience. This contributes to simplifying procedures, saving time and effort, and improving quality of life, in line with the smart government approach that places people at the heart of its priorities. To mark the inauguration of the centre, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, in collaboration with Emirates Post, has issued a commemorative stamp honouring H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Crown Prince of Fujairah.
UAE Moments
4 days ago
- Automotive
- UAE Moments
UAE Launches AED 750M Emirates Road Expansion
The UAE's Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has greenlit a AED 750 million development plan to expand Emirates Road (E611) over a 25 km stretch from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain, raising lane capacity from three to five in each direction. This upgrade will boost traffic capacity to approximately 9,000 vehicles per hour, representing a 65 percent increase, with work slated to begin in September 2025 and run for two years. A feasibility focal point of the project is Interchange No. 7, which will be upgraded with six directional bridges covering 12.6 km of roadway to handle 13,200 vehicles per hour. Collector roads spanning 3.4 km on both sides of the highway will further streamline traffic flow into local junctions. According to Minister Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the initiative aligns with nationwide efforts to deliver sustainable, integrated transport infrastructure that accommodates economic expansion and quality-of-life improvements. "This project represents a significant step toward realising the UAE's vision of an integrated road network... reducing emissions and raising living standards," he said. Once completed by late 2027, commuters travelling between Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Dubai can expect travel times to fall by up to 45 percent, significantly easing daily congestion on one of the country's busiest inter‑emirate corridors. In light of the UAE's booming population, which is over 11 million, this major road overhaul is seen as a cornerstone in modernising transport infrastructure and reducing commuter frustration across the federation.
The National
4 days ago
- Automotive
- The National
UAE launches Dh750m Emirates Road expansion plan to cut congestion
The UAE on Monday launched a Dh750 million expansion plan for one of the country's busiest transport links in support of a nationwide drive to combat congestion. Emirates Road development project – which is being led by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure – will extend the number of lanes from three to five on a 25km stretch linking the Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain. The move will boost the capacity of the route to 9,000 vehicles per hour – an increase of 65 per cent. The scheme will also include a comprehensive upgrade of Interchange No 7 on Emirates Road, through the construction of six new bridges able to serve a combined 13,200 vehicles every hour. Work on the project is scheduled to begin in September and is expected to take two years to complete. The ministry said the road revamp is intended to reduce travel time by up to 45 per cent for commuters travelling from Ras Al Khaimah through Umm Al Quwain and Sharjah to Dubai, and vice versa. Suhail Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, said the initiative is part of the ministry's efforts to develop practical and sustainable solutions to traffic congestion. 'This project represents a significant step towards realising the UAE's vision of establishing an integrated road network that meets the needs of the population and economic growth,' he said. '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.' Emirates Road – also known as the E611 – spans 110km and is a vital alternative route to Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road for drivers in Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah. It allows motorists to travel to Abu Dhabi without having to go through central Dubai. Congestion-cutting plans Authorities across the Emirates are stepping up road-building efforts to help meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. Abu Dhabi's population crossed 4 million for the first time last month, while Dubai is fast approaching the same figure. A recent survey revealed that traffic jams continue to be the primary source of frustration for motorists. The research, based on the canvassing of 1,021 people in the country, found that 86 per cent of motorists 'typically experience traffic congestion '. Four fifths of respondents in the RoadSafety UAE and Al Wathba Insurance study said they have noticed heavier traffic congestion year on year. The UAE has introduced congestion charges as one means to ease traffic flow on the country's roads. Dubai introduced its road toll system, Salik, in 2007 and the system has since been extended and modified, notably through this year's introduction of dynamic pricing, with levies increasing at peak times. Abu Dhabi's Darb road toll system, which was introduced four and a half years ago, charges at peak hours in the morning and early evening. Many other measures could alleviate the UAE's traffic woes. Surveys last year by Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and the Dubai Government Human Resources Department found flexible working hours and more working from home could cut peak-hour traffic by as much as 30 per cent. The government is also encouraging residents to swap their cars for public transport. The Blue Line expansion of the Dubai Metro and ambitious plans for the Etihad Rail train network are central to the strategy.
Gulf Business
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Gulf Business
UAE's Emirates Road revamp: What's changing and how it affects you
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. Read- 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.
