The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a comprehensive and costly road and transportation master plan designed to tackle its rapidly growing population and the severe traffic congestion plaguing its cities. Over the next five years, the nation will invest a staggering 170 billion Dirhams (approximately US $46 billion) into this mega project. The initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to modernizing its urban infrastructure and improving the quality of life for its residents.
Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced the ambitious plan, stating that its core objective is to reduce vehicular pressure on roads and significantly cut down commuting times.
Key Components of the Project:
- Highway Expansion: The plan includes major widening of the country’s main arteries. Notably, Al Ittihad Road will be expanded to 12 lanes, while Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will be upgraded to 10 lanes.
- Capacity Boost: Officials project that upon completion, the new projects will increase overall road capacity by an estimated 45 to 65 percent.
- Modern Transit: The plan involves enhancing public transport systems and initiating high-speed rail projects across the country to provide faster and more environmentally friendly commuting options for travelers.
Officials emphasized the urgency of these measures, noting that the UAE’s total population has reached 11 million, with Dubai alone exceeding 4 million residents. Given this rapid demographic growth, the infrastructure upgrade is deemed critical to sustain the country’s economic development and ensure smooth urban functioning.
