UAE Announces Dh170 Billion Transport & Road Projects: A Bold Leap for Mobility
Dh170 billion Transport and Road Projects; In a landmark announcement, the United Arab Emirates government revealed a massive infrastructure investment plan worth Dh170 billion, aimed at upgrading the nation’s transport and road networks by the year 2030. Unveiled by Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, during the annual government meetings in Abu Dhabi, the package confirms the UAE’s commitment to staying ahead of its rapid population growth and urbanisation.
With vehicle numbers growing at more than 8% annually, well above the global average of around 2%, the UAE is fast realising that existing infrastructure needs a major upgrade to keep pace. The investment covers a wide spectrum: major highway capacity expansions, feasibility studies for a new federal highway, integration of rail links, smart mobility systems and broader public‑transport upgrades.
Key Elements of the Dh170 Billion Transport and Road Projects
Highway Expansions and Capacity Upgrades
- A central pillar of the plan is widening existing major routes.
- Etihad Road will gain six additional lanes (three each direction), bringing its total to 12 lanes and increasing capacity by around 60%.
- Emirates Road (E611) is set for expansion to 10 lanes across its length, enhancing capacity by about 65% and potentially reducing travel time by up to 45%.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) is planned to widen to 10 lanes, boosting capacity by approximately 45%.
A Fourth National Highway in the Making
The package includes a feasibility study for a new 120 km, 12‑lane federal highway designed to carry up to 360,000 trips per day representing a fourth major corridor linking emirates.
Integrated Public Transport & Smart Systems: Beyond roads, the Dh170 billion transport and road projects highlight the role of rail (such as the future Etihad Rail passenger service slated for 2026), smart traffic‑management systems and multi‑modal connectivity. Experts describe the investment as “future‑proofing” infrastructure amid rapid growth.
Why the Investment Is Critical
Addressing Urban Growth and Congestion
Cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have grown swiftly, the population has surged, adding pressure to mobility systems, commuting patterns, roads and logistics. The Dh170 billion transport and road projects reflect the urgent need to scale infrastructure in line with expansion.
Improving Quality of Life & Economic Efficiency
Better roads, faster travel times, fewer bottlenecks and a reliable transport network enhance productivity, reduce stress, support business logistics and strengthen tourism appeal. The investment signals a leap in living standards and global competitiveness.
Aligning with Sustainability Goals
While capacity expansion is key, the projects also integrate notions of smart mobility, multi‑modal travel and environmental resilience. Widening roads is supplemented with public‑transport upgrades, a move towards balanced infrastructure. The Dh170 billion transport and road projects show this layered vision.
Challenges and Considerations
- Large‑scale investments like this come with their own complexity
- Ensuring coordination across federal and emirate‑level authorities for a holistic network.
- Avoiding over‑reliance on road‑capacity expansion without mode‑shift to public transport. Some experts caution that widenings must be matched with behavioural change.
- Managing cost‑effectiveness, timely delivery and mitigating disruption during construction phases.
- Embedding smart technology, future mobility systems and sustainable practices so that the Dh170 billion transport and road projects yield long‑term benefits beyond raw length of lanes.
What Residents Can Expect
- Improved highways leading to shorter inter‑emirate travel times.
- Better freight and commercial logistics supporting business sectors.
- Enhanced transport connectivity for residents in growth‑areas, suburbs and commuter corridors.
- Arrival of world‑class rail services and smarter traffic systems that reduce dependence on private vehicles.
While temporary construction and diversions may surface, the long‑term payoff is greater reliability and mobility.
Read More: The National – UAE to spend Dh170 billion on transport and road projects
Gulf News – UAE to invest Dh170 billion in national roads and transport projects by 2030
Looking Ahead: The Road to 2030
As the UAE progresses towards 2030, the Dh170 billion transport and road projects represent a foundational milestone. For ministers, planners and infrastructure leaders, it’s more than just more asphalt and lanes, it’s about building a smarter, connected, efficient and sustainable transport ecosystem.
If implemented well, residents should see tangible improvements in travel, habitation and economy in the latter half of this decade. The success of this plan will also shape how the UAE meets its broader UAE Centennial 2071 goals of high quality of life, mobility excellence and sustainable growth.
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