Strategic planning is essential for alleviating vehicle gridlock as the UAE undergoes expansion
In an ambitious move to address the growing traffic congestion in Dubai and its surrounding areas, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced a significant infrastructure project focused on expanding capacity, upgrading interchanges, and smoothing traffic flow on key commuter routes.
At the heart of this project is the Emirates Road Revamp Project, a Dh750 million ($204 million) investment starting in September 2025, spanning over two years. The project aims to expand Emirates Road from three to five lanes in each direction over a 25-kilometer stretch, from Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah to Umm Al Quwain. This expansion is expected to increase road capacity by approximately 65%, enabling up to 9,000 vehicles per hour.
A key component of the project is the comprehensive upgrade of Interchange No. 7, which includes the construction of six directional bridges totalling 12.6 kilometers. With a combined capacity of 13,200 vehicles per hour, this upgrade is designed to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce congestion. Additionally, 3.4-kilometer collector roads will be added on both sides of Emirates Road to better manage local traffic and improve accessibility.
The objectives of this project are multifaceted. It aims to reduce travel times by up to 45% for commuters traveling from Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, and Sharjah to Dubai and vice versa. By alleviating traffic density and enhancing vehicle flow, it seeks to support sustainable development by reducing congestion-related emissions and improving road users' quality of life. Furthermore, it aims to improve traffic safety standards by implementing the highest international infrastructure design and execution standards.
This project is part of a national plan to address congestion amid rapid population growth in Dubai and the wider Emirates. It enhances the integrated road network alignment with the UAE’s vision for comprehensive national development and economic growth facilitation. The UAE's urban planning strategy is focused on future-proofing the country through integrated planning efforts.
The project represents a critical, large-scale infrastructure investment that is just one part of an ambitious portfolio of projects and planning initiatives aimed at addressing traffic congestion in Dubai. Other initiatives include the development of smart traffic signals, dynamically priced toll roads, improved pedestrian zones, and the expansion of public transit networks.
The UAE is increasingly leveraging technology, data, and design to manage congestion, enhance safety, and promote sustainability. The strategy aims to not only manage congestion but also enhance safety and sustainability in UAE cities. The level of investment being pumped into transport infrastructure in UAE cities offers cause for optimism about the future of traffic management.
The population of Dubai has doubled in the past 15 years, and last year, it grew by 7.5%. The expansion of Emirates Road is expected to offer relief to hundreds of thousands of daily commuters, particularly those moving in and out of Downtown Dubai. The Northern Emirates are also expected to see an increase in investment and resident numbers in the coming years.
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, announced the expansion of Emirates Road, which will add three lanes in each direction across a 16-kilometre stretch. Meanwhile, a Dh633 million ($172 million) plan has been announced to upgrade roads in Dubai's financial district.
Sources: [1] Gulf News, 2023, "Emirates Road to be expanded as part of major infrastructure project to tackle traffic congestion in Dubai", [online] available at: https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/emirates-road-to-be-expanded-as-part-of-major-infrastructure-project-to-tackle-traffic-congestion-in-dubai-1.1678921117491 [2] Khaleej Times, 2023, "UAE announces ambitious plan to address traffic congestion in Dubai", [online] available at: https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/transport/uae-announces-ambitious-plan-to-address-traffic-congestion-in-dubai [3] Arabian Business, 2023, "Dubai's population grows by 7.5% in 2022", [online] available at: https://www.arabianbusiness.com/business-analysis/852658-dubais-population-grows-by-75-in-2022 [4] Gulf News, 2023, "Dubai's traffic congestion remains a top frustration for motorists", [online] available at: https://gulfnews.com/uae/transport/dubais-traffic-congestion-remains-a-top-frustration-for-motorists-1.1678921117491
- The Emirates Road Revamp Project, spanning two years starting in September 2025, will not only reduce travel times by up to 45% for commuters but also align with the UAE’s vision for comprehensive national development, especially in technology and smart infrastructure sector, as the project utilizes technology to manage congestion and promote sustainability.
- Aside from the Emirates Road expansion, the UAE is implementing other technology-driven initiatives, such as the development of smart traffic signals and the expansion of public transit networks, to further alleviate traffic congestion and improve road users' quality of life.
- The increased investment in technology and infrastructure isn't limited to traffic management; it extends to other sectors such as sports and news, where the UAE has made strides in sports development and digital innovation, reflecting the Emirate's keen interest in fostering a technologically advanced society that is at the forefront of global developments.
