A massive transformation is underway for the UAE’s road network, and Abu Dhabi is at the heart of it. The new transport plan promises smoother commutes, less congestion, and faster travel across the country, with huge improvements planned for the capital’s main highways.
Here’s how it’s set to change life on the road in Abu Dhabi highway.
A bold investment with local impact
The UAE Government has announced a Dh170 billion national transport and roads plan running until 2030.
The investment will fund major upgrades to key highways connecting Abu Dhabi with other emirates, as well as new infrastructure designed to enhance travel safety and speed.
For the capital, it represents a significant step toward enhancing mobility and everyday convenience for residents, commuters, and visitors.
What’s changing in Abu Dhabi
Several of the country’s busiest routes pass through or link directly to Abu Dhabi, and all are getting major upgrades.
The Etihad Road (E10) will be expanded by six lanes to make a total of twelve, increasing capacity by around 60 percent.
The Emirates Road, another key route connecting Abu Dhabi with the northern emirates, will be expanded to ten lanes, reducing travel times by up to 45 per cent.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) will also be widened to ten lanes, easing congestion between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Additionally, a new 120-kilometre federal highway is being studied, which could further ease traffic and establish faster connections across the country.
What it means for daily life
For Abu Dhabi residents, this project means more than just shorter drives. The expanded roads will make it easier to get from suburbs like Khalifa City and Al Reef into the city, reduce bottlenecks during rush hour, and make longer trips to Dubai or Sharjah smoother and quicker.
It also means weekend getaways to the mountains or beaches around the UAE will become much more accessible. The improved flow of traffic is expected to reduce stress on daily commutes and support a cleaner, more sustainable environment through lower emissions.
Things to keep in mind
Big road projects like this take time, and construction can cause temporary delays or detours, especially around the Etihad and Emirates Road corridors.
While the whole project runs through to 2030, some sections are expected to be completed earlier. Beyond highways, the plan includes improvements to public transport and innovative mobility options, reflecting the UAE’s long-term vision for better-connected, more sustainable cities.
The road ahead
Abu Dhabi’s growing skyline and expanding suburbs need world-class infrastructure to match, and this massive investment delivers just that.
Whether you drive to work, head out on weekend adventures, or simply want smoother city travel, these highway upgrades promise to make getting around the capital faster, easier, and more enjoyable than ever before.
