The United Arab Emirates will soon get a 6 billion AED federal highway project connecting Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman.
Titled the fourth federal highway project, the road scheme will improve the road traffic between the emirates. According to reports, the ambitious project will feature a 68km stretch of highway with six to eight lanes in each direction. The infrastructure plan includes 10 major interchanges and four flyovers, according to media reports.
The details of the project were reviewed at the UAE Infrastructure and Housing Council meeting, chaired by Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei.
Discussions were also held on updated route alignments and coordination with local authorities to ensure integration with wider development plans.
First announced last November, the highway will join the UAE's existing three main inter-emirate motorways: the E11, which encompasses Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Ittihad Road; Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road (E311); and Emirates Road (E611).
The council also discussed steps to alleviate the heavy daily commute demand between Dubai, Sharjah, and Ajman, reviewing an integrated mass transit network. The proposed plan includes 10 main routes featuring Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems and dedicated lanes.
The meeting also assessed that the excessive increase in the number of vehicles in the UAE is the main cause of traffic congestion. In Dubai alone, the number of vehicles has increased by more than 8 per cent, while the global average is just two per cent.
The meeting also decided to increase road safety to cope with traffic disruptions caused by climate change. Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei stated that strengthening public transport systems can reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of the people. Once the projects become a reality, travel between the emirates will become more effortless.
