Emirates Road upgrade ahead of schedule to cut traffic congestion

By the Editorial Team · Tuesday, July 21, 2026

The UAE’s Dh750 million Emirates Road Enhancement Project has reached over 30 percent completion ahead of schedule, expanding an 11-kilometer stretch from three to six lanes in each direction to ease heavy traffic congestion. This upgrade is expected to boost traffic capacity by 9,000 vehicles and reduce travel times by up to 65 percent, playing a key role in the country’s broader Dh170 billion infrastructure modernization plan targeting completion by 2030.

The United Arab Emirates’ Dh750 million Emirates Road Enhancement Project has surpassed 30 percent completion, progressing ahead of its scheduled timeline, according to the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The upgrade, focused on the 11-kilometer stretch of Emirates Road at its intersection with Al Ain Road, aims to alleviate one of the country’s busiest traffic corridors by doubling lanes from three to six in each direction.

The expansion is expected to increase traffic capacity by approximately 9,000 vehicles, boosting overall flow efficiency by up to 70 percent and reducing travel times by as much as 65 percent. Aisha Al Zaabi, Director of Infrastructure Development Projects at the ministry, provided details during a recent site inspection, noting that the project includes the construction of 14 bridges with a combined length of 2.1 kilometers and five tunnels along the route.

Construction progress currently stands at 26.59 percent complete, exceeding the planned schedule by 3.27 percent. The ministry described the project as a critical strategic initiative aimed at addressing growing congestion challenges faced by millions of daily commuters.

In addition to infrastructural advancements, officials emphasized ongoing efforts to safeguard worker welfare amid the country’s harsh summer climate. The ministry highlighted the implementation of an Occupational Heat Stress Prevention Policy designed to protect construction personnel from heat-related illnesses. This framework has been developed in collaboration with federal and local partners, who were acknowledged for their role in both the project’s advancement and championing worker safety measures.

The Emirates Road Enhancement Project was officially announced on July 15, 2025, with construction commencing in September of the same year. The upgrade is scheduled for completion within two years. The project has been positioned as a vital component in the UAE government’s broader infrastructure investment plan, which totals Dh170 billion. This plan was presented to the Federal National Council in April 2026 and aligns with the country’s vision to modernize its federal road network by 2030.

Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei affirmed that the initiative is part of the ministry’s commitment to delivering practical, sustainable solutions for urban transportation challenges, aiming to enhance mobility and support national development goals.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.