The UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al-Mazrouei, has announced a AED170bn ($46bn) package of national transport and road projects to be implemented by 2030

Speaking at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi on 5 November, he said the projects are part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at easing traffic congestion and enhancing mobility across the UAE. The projects include the expansion of major roads across the country, enhancement of public transport, and implementation of high-speed and light rail projects.

For roads, the projects include adding six lanes to Etihad Road — three in each direction — which will increase its capacity by 60% and bringing the total to 12 lanes. Emirates Road will be expanded to 10 lanes along its entire stretch, increasing capacity by 65% and reducing travel time by 45%. Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road will be widened to 10 lanes, enhancing capacity by 45%.

The plan also includes a study to construct a fourth federal highway, extending 120 kilometers with 12 lanes with a capacity of up to 360,000 trips a day.

Work has started on the AED750m Emirates Road project, which is set to be complete within two years. In July, Kuwaiti contractor Combined Group Contracting Company (CGCC) said that its local subsidiary has won a AED685m contract covering upgrade works for Emirates Road in the UAE. The contract scope covers the upgrade works of Emirates Road from Al-Badea Intersection in Sharjah to the E55 intersection in Dubai.

For rail, Etihad Rail is on track to commence its passenger transport services by 2026 and has received bids from contractors for the contract to design and build the civil works and station packages for the high-speed railway (HSR) line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The design speed of the trains running on the UAE’s HSR network will be 350 kilometres an hour (km/h) and the operating speed will be 320km/h, as MEED reported last year.

The proposed HSR programme will be constructed in four phases, gradually adding further connectivity to other areas within the UAE.

The first phase involves constructing a railway line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai, which is expected to be operational by 2030. The second phase will develop an inner‑city railway network with 10 stations within the city of Abu Dhabi. The third phase of the railway network involves constructing a connection between Abu Dhabi and Al-Ain. The fourth phase involves developing an inter-emirate connection between Dubai and Sharjah.

Light rail projects include the Abu Dhabi tram scheme, which was announced by Abu Dhabi Transport Company (ADTC) in October. It will connect Zayed International airport (AUH) with nearby areas, including Yas Island, Al‑Raha Beach and Khalifa City.

Referred to as Abu Dhabi Tram Line 4, the project will be delivered in three phases. The first phase will connect AUH with Yas Island and the residential areas of Al‑Raha Beach. Future phases will extend towards Khalifa City and serve additional destinations across Yas Island.

Construction of the first phase is expected to start next year. The tram is slated to begin operations by 2030.