emirates7 - The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has unveiled a new initiative to expand and upgrade Emirates Road, forming part of a broader national strategy to tackle traffic congestion across the UAE.
This major infrastructure project underscores the UAE’s commitment to building a smart, resilient, and sustainable road network that supports economic development, enhances the quality of life, and improves the efficiency of federal transportation systems.
Carried out in partnership with local government entities, the project is designed to deliver concrete improvements in traffic flow, goods transportation, and service mobility throughout the country.
As part of the development, Emirates Road will be widened from three to five lanes in each direction over a 25-kilometre stretch, running from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain. Once completed, the road will be able to accommodate around 9,000 vehicles per hour—boosting its capacity by 65 percent.
The plan also involves a full overhaul of Interchange No. 7, including the construction of six directional bridges with a total length of 12.6 kilometres and a combined capacity of 13,200 vehicles per hour. Additionally, 3.4 kilometres of collector roads will be constructed along both sides of Emirates Road.
With a projected cost of AED 750 million, the project is set to commence in September 2025 and take approximately two years to complete. It aims to streamline traffic movement and raise road safety standards. Upon completion, the upgrades are expected to cut travel time by as much as 45 percent for drivers commuting between Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Dubai.
As a cornerstone in the UAE’s efforts to relieve traffic congestion, the project is expected to significantly reduce bottlenecks and enhance flow along one of the country’s busiest federal roads. It is being developed in accordance with global best practices in infrastructure design and construction to ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and quality.
Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized that the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader mission to implement sustainable and effective solutions to traffic challenges—an issue highlighted during the UAE Government Annual Meetings as central to national progress.
He stated, “This development marks a major milestone toward achieving the UAE’s vision for an integrated road network that aligns with population growth and economic expansion. Upgrading key roadways and interchanges will not only reduce commute times and improve public satisfaction, but also support environmental and social sustainability by enabling smoother traffic and reducing emissions.”
Al Mazrouei added that the project is aligned with the UAE’s long-term goals to provide future-ready, sustainable infrastructure that supports the Sustainable Development Goals and enhances the country’s logistics capabilities.
Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry, affirmed that the project will adhere to top international standards in infrastructure planning, with a strong focus on long-term sustainability. He noted that the development will have a major impact on improving traffic flow, particularly for intercity transit.
He also highlighted the importance of Emirates Road as one of the key federal highways under the Ministry’s supervision.
This major infrastructure project underscores the UAE’s commitment to building a smart, resilient, and sustainable road network that supports economic development, enhances the quality of life, and improves the efficiency of federal transportation systems.
Carried out in partnership with local government entities, the project is designed to deliver concrete improvements in traffic flow, goods transportation, and service mobility throughout the country.
As part of the development, Emirates Road will be widened from three to five lanes in each direction over a 25-kilometre stretch, running from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain. Once completed, the road will be able to accommodate around 9,000 vehicles per hour—boosting its capacity by 65 percent.
The plan also involves a full overhaul of Interchange No. 7, including the construction of six directional bridges with a total length of 12.6 kilometres and a combined capacity of 13,200 vehicles per hour. Additionally, 3.4 kilometres of collector roads will be constructed along both sides of Emirates Road.
With a projected cost of AED 750 million, the project is set to commence in September 2025 and take approximately two years to complete. It aims to streamline traffic movement and raise road safety standards. Upon completion, the upgrades are expected to cut travel time by as much as 45 percent for drivers commuting between Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Sharjah, and Dubai.
As a cornerstone in the UAE’s efforts to relieve traffic congestion, the project is expected to significantly reduce bottlenecks and enhance flow along one of the country’s busiest federal roads. It is being developed in accordance with global best practices in infrastructure design and construction to ensure maximum efficiency, safety, and quality.
Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, emphasized that the initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader mission to implement sustainable and effective solutions to traffic challenges—an issue highlighted during the UAE Government Annual Meetings as central to national progress.
He stated, “This development marks a major milestone toward achieving the UAE’s vision for an integrated road network that aligns with population growth and economic expansion. Upgrading key roadways and interchanges will not only reduce commute times and improve public satisfaction, but also support environmental and social sustainability by enabling smoother traffic and reducing emissions.”
Al Mazrouei added that the project is aligned with the UAE’s long-term goals to provide future-ready, sustainable infrastructure that supports the Sustainable Development Goals and enhances the country’s logistics capabilities.
Eng. Hassan Al Mansouri, Undersecretary for Infrastructure and Transport Affairs at the Ministry, affirmed that the project will adhere to top international standards in infrastructure planning, with a strong focus on long-term sustainability. He noted that the development will have a major impact on improving traffic flow, particularly for intercity transit.
He also highlighted the importance of Emirates Road as one of the key federal highways under the Ministry’s supervision.