The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched a strategic project to develop and expand Emirates Road, a key artery in the federal road network, as part of a wider national plan to combat traffic congestion and boost infrastructure efficiency across the Emirate.
This major initiative underscores the UAE’s ongoing commitment to building a smart, resilient, and sustainable transport network that supports economic growth, enhances quality of life, and increases the overall efficiency of road systems nationwide. Implemented in partnership with local government entities, the Emirates Road development project is expected to significantly improve traffic flow, goods transport, and service delivery between emirates.
The Emirates Road project will involve expanding the Emirates Road from three 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. Once completed, the road will accommodate up to 9,000 vehicles per hour, marking a 65 percent increase in capacity.
Additionally, Interchange No. 7 will undergo a full upgrade. The redevelopment includes constructing six new directional bridges totaling 12.6 kilometers in length, with a combined traffic capacity of 13,200 vehicles per hour. The scope of work also includes the development of 3.4 kilometers of collector roads on both sides of Emirates Road to further streamline access and traffic distribution.
The Emirates Road project, estimated to cost $204 million (AED 750 million), is scheduled to begin in September 2025 and will be completed over a two-year period. Once operational, it is expected to reduce travel time by up to 45 percent for commuters traveling between Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Dubai.
HE Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, affirmed that the project is part of the Ministry’s efforts to develop practical and sustainable solutions to traffic congestion, an issue that received considerable attention during the UAE Government Annual Meetings, where the importance of road infrastructure development was emphasized as a key enabler of smoother traffic flow and comprehensive national development.
HE Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei UAE Minister-Energy and Infrastructure
“This project represents a significant step toward realizing the UAE’s vision of establishing an integrated road network that meets the needs of the population and economic growth. 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.”
The Minister further said that, “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, positioning 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. It will also help deliver integrated logistics services aligned with the nation’s ambitions.”
Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, said that, “The project will be implemented in accordance with the highest international standards in road and infrastructure planning, with a strong emphasis on ensuring long-term sustainability. It will significantly enhance traffic flow, particularly for transit movement between cities across the UAE.”
The Undersecretary further pointed out that Emirates Road is one of the main federal roads managed by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure.
