The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has unveiled an extensive new road and transportation development strategy designed to tackle rising traffic congestion and support the needs of its growing population. The initiative, which spans the next five years, will see the government invest approximately 170 billion UAE dirhams — around 46 billion US dollars, or nearly 13 trillion Pakistani rupees — in expanding highways, upgrading public transit networks, and advancing high-speed rail systems across the country.

The announcement was made by the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, who highlighted that the project is part of the nation’s long-term vision to enhance mobility, reduce travel times, and sustain economic progress. According to him, the UAE’s rapid urban growth, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has increased pressure on existing transportation systems, making large-scale infrastructural expansion both timely and necessary.

Over the past decade, the UAE has transformed into a major global hub for trade, business, tourism, and residency, attracting millions of expatriates and skilled professionals from across the world. As a result, the population has risen significantly. Officials stated that the country now hosts nearly 11 million residents, while Dubai alone has surpassed the 4 million population mark. With such rapid expansion, especially in urban and suburban areas, the number of vehicles on the road has also sharply increased, contributing to frequent traffic congestion on main highways.

The new transport plan includes several major upgrades to existing road infrastructure. One of the most important components is the expansion of key national highways. Union Road (Al Ittihad Road), one of the busiest highways connecting Dubai to the neighboring emirate of Sharjah, will be widened to 12 lanes to accommodate the rising volume of daily commuters. Likewise, Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road — two major arterial routes connecting several emirates — will be expanded to 10 lanes. These expansions are expected to significantly improve traffic flow and reduce bottlenecks, particularly during peak travel hours.