USD 46.3 Billion Transport Plan to Expand UAE Highways by 2030
Work is underway on a USD 204 million Emirates Road upgrade due within two years alongside a feasibility study for a 120 KM fourth federal highway.
The UAE has announced a USD 46.3 billion national programme to expand capacity along key federal highways by 2030. Led by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, the initiative aims to ease congestion and improve mobility as vehicle numbers continue to rise at a rate significantly higher than the global average. A major part of the programme focuses on widening existing highways. Across key corridors, the number of lanes will increase from 19 to 33 in each direction. Etihad Road will be expanded to 12 lanes with a 60% boost in capacity, while Emirates Road will be widened to 10 lanes along its full length, helping cut travel times by around 45%. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will also increase to 10 lanes, improving capacity by 45%. The ministry is also studying the development of a fourth federal highway: a proposed 120 km, 12-lane corridor designed to accommodate up to 360,000 daily trips and further ease travel between emirates. To support long-term mobility planning, the ministry has also launched a 24-hour traffic monitoring centre to analyse congestion and recommend data-driven solutions, while working with local authorities to update traffic policies and better integrate transport networks. Expanded mobility options, including improved public transport, are also part of the strategy.
