The United Arab Emirates has announced one of its most ambitious infrastructure programs to date, introducing plans for a Fourth National Highway as part of a Dh170-billion transport investment strategy. The decision reflects rising population levels, increased traffic volume, and the need for more efficient movement between emirates.
The nationwide initiative focuses on increasing capacity, reducing travel time, and supporting long-term economic growth through smarter logistics and modern road networks.
Scale and Design of the New Highway
The Fourth National Highway will stretch across approximately 120 kilometers and is designed as a multi-lane corridor capable of handling large-scale daily traffic. The road will be built with up to twelve lanes and engineered to support future transport technologies and higher vehicle volumes.
Its core objective is to act as an alternative route to ease congestion on existing highways while forming a strong transport spine connecting major residential, industrial, and commercial zones.
Upgrading the Existing Federal Roads
Alongside the new highway, the UAE will also modernize its three current federal road networks. Key corridors will undergo significant widening, redesign, and structural upgrades to increase load capacity and traffic flow.
Etihad Road Expansion
Etihad Road will be expanded with additional lanes on both sides to handle rising demand. The improvement is expected to increase traffic movement by more than half while making peak-hour journeys considerably smoother.
Emirates Road Development
Emirates Road is scheduled for a major expansion to accommodate growing inter-city travel. Once completed, the project will significantly reduce average travel time and enhance connectivity between northern and central emirates.
Strategic Benefits for the UAE
The integrated highway network will generate economic advantages beyond transport alone. Faster roads improve labor mobility, logistics reliability, and regional trade performance.
Real estate markets surrounding upgraded highways are also expected to see increased demand, especially in suburban districts positioned along future transport corridors.
Timeline and Long-Term Vision
The UAE aims to complete major components of the road network by 2030. The long-term goal is not just expansion but sustainability, including intelligent traffic systems, environmental integration, and readiness for autonomous transport in the future.
