Road network upgrades to begin this year in national drive to reduce traffic congestion

The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure has set out plans to boost the country’s road network, as part of an effort to reduce traffic congestion between Dubai and the Northern Emirates.

Suhail Al Mazrouei told the Federal National Council that studies were carried out with local authorities to ease traffic levels nationwide.

He said transport projects would be introduced in the second half of the year aimed at improving traffic flow.

Artificial intelligence was used to pinpoint areas where congestion is common, Mr Al Mazrouei said on Wednesday. “The ministry is co-ordinating with local municipalities to enhance the main federal roads linking the emirates, including Dubai and the Northern Emirates,” he said, in remarks carried by the FNC’s account on X, formerly Twitter.

Mr Al Mazrouei also said the UAE would study a proposal to build a new federal motorway to connect the emirates. Such a plan would require the endorsement of the emirates involved and extensive studies before approval, he added.

The country’s main link is the E11 – the longest motorway in the UAE. It takes in Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai and Sheikh Muhammad bin Salem Road in Ras Al Khaimah.

Other major routes include the E311, also known as Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road, the Dubai-Fujairah Road and the Dubai-Al Ain Road.

Lengthy travel times between Dubai and Sharjah have long been a source of frustration for commuters. In August, Sharjah’s

A proposal for new federal motorways is also under consideration, said the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure

Roads and Transport Authority opened an additional lane on Al Taawun Road to improve traffic flow.

Commuters driving from Dubai to Sharjah during peak hours often face traffic jams after crossing Al Nahda Bridge.

Last October, The National reported that Dubai authorities were exploring to what extent remote working and flexible hours could ease congestion.

Private sector employees were invited to take a survey gauging the potential that working from home has for taking cars off the roads.

Meanwhile, Dubai is to introduce two new Salik road toll gates by November as part of the drive to cut congestion.