The UAE government has announced a massive Dh170-billion national transport project that includes the construction of a fourth UAE national highway connecting the northern emirates to Abu Dhabi. The new UAE highway aims to dramatically reduce congestion, improve safety, and enhance the daily commute for thousands of residents who spend hours in traffic each day.
Daily Commute Challenges Across Emirates
For many UAE residents, long commutes have become a defining part of daily life. Commuters such as Mohyeddin Yousef, a Lebanese teacher living in Ajman and working in Dubai, spend up to four hours daily on the road, navigating congested routes between emirates.
“On normal days, it’s about an hour and a half, but if there’s an accident, it can stretch to two hours,” Yousef told Khaleej Times. “By the time I get home, I’m too tired to spend time with my kids.”
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure revealed that vehicle ownership in the UAE has grown by over 8% annually—four times the global average—driven by population growth and economic expansion. This rapid rise has put unprecedented pressure on existing federal and local roads, especially during peak school and work hours.
A Game-Changer for the UAE’s Road Network
The new UAE national highway will serve as a vital link between the northern and southern emirates, providing smoother traffic flow and improved access to key industrial and residential areas. The project is part of the UAE’s broader effort to develop world-class infrastructure that supports economic growth while enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Officials said the highway will ease congestion on existing routes, particularly the E11—one of the most heavily used roads connecting Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi. It will also facilitate more efficient transportation of goods and services, helping to support trade and logistics between emirates.
Residents Welcome the Move
Motorists and residents across the country have widely welcomed the new UAE highway announcement. Many see it as a long-awaited solution to daily gridlock, road fatigue, and safety concerns.
Rashid Saif Al Bedwawi, a Dubai businessman, said traffic congestion has become a major obstacle to productivity. “We lose hours on the road every day,” he said. “It delays meetings, appointments, and business opportunities. This new highway shows that the government is listening.”
He added that while infrastructure improvements are crucial, addressing driver behaviour and vehicle safety is equally important. “Some old cars are unsafe, and many drivers still don’t follow basic rules. Stronger inspections and awareness campaigns can make a real difference.”
Women Commuters Share the Strain
Sharjah resident Jamila Ahmed, who commutes daily to Dubai for work, described the experience as “stressful and unpredictable.” What should be a short drive often becomes a one-hour journey each way, affecting her family life.
“Spending so much time in traffic causes stress and physical discomfort. It starts my day on a negative note,” she said. “A shorter, less stressful drive would mean more personal time, reduced daily anxiety, and a better work-life balance.”
Jamila also urged employers to help by offering flexible work arrangements, such as remote work or staggered hours, which could complement the government’s transport efforts.
Sustainable Mobility and Future Vision
Experts have suggested that while expanding the UAE highway network is vital, a comprehensive approach—including public transport upgrades, metro expansion, and smart mobility systems—will create more sustainable solutions.
Commuter Mohyeddin Yousef proposed integrating technology-driven traffic mapping to analyze where people live and work, helping to plan smarter road systems. “If metro access were expanded, more people would use it,” he said. “Public transport would cost less and deliver faster results.”
A National Commitment to Connectivity
The UAE national highway project underscores the country’s long-standing commitment to developing modern, efficient, and safe transport infrastructure. By investing Dh170 billion in this multi-year initiative, the UAE aims to keep pace with rapid urbanization while ensuring that citizens and residents alike benefit from faster and safer mobility.
The project is not just about roads — it represents a vision of national connectivity, economic resilience, and sustainable growth.
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