The UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has officially unveiled a major AED 750 million infrastructure project aimed at upgrading a critical stretch of Emirates Road. This development is set to dramatically enhance traffic flow, increase road capacity, and support economic and population growth across the region. Implementation is scheduled to begin in September 2025.
Overview of the Project
The Emirates Road project spans a significant 25-kilometer stretch, beginning at Al Badee Interchange in Sharjah, and includes substantial structural and traffic enhancements. The initiative aligns with the UAE’s broader vision to develop world-class infrastructure and create seamless connectivity across the emirates.
According to project officials, the expansion will increase road capacity by 65%, enabling the road to handle up to 9,000 vehicles per hour. This is expected to drastically reduce travel time, improve traffic safety, and facilitate smoother transport of goods and people throughout the UAE.
Key Features of the Development
1. Intersection No. 7 Expansion
A central component of the project includes the complete overhaul of Intersection No. 7. Six new bridges will be constructed, totaling 12.6 kilometers in length. These bridges will play a crucial role in redirecting and managing traffic more efficiently, especially during peak hours.
2. Collector Roads Construction
To further enhance traffic distribution, collector roads will be constructed on both sides of Emirates Road. The total length of these additional routes will be 3.4 kilometers, designed to streamline merging and exiting traffic while reducing bottlenecks.
3. Addition of New Traffic Lanes
The development will also involve the addition of new traffic lanes along the main road and its extensions, totaling 70 kilometers in lane coverage. These lanes are part of the government’s strategy to prepare roadways for increased demand due to rapid urban expansion.
4. Advanced Infrastructure
The project will incorporate smart traffic systems and road safety technologies, in line with UAE’s push for digital transformation in public services. From LED signage to AI-powered monitoring, the road will be built to accommodate future autonomous and electric vehicles.
National Significance
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure emphasized the importance of this development in bolstering the country’s transport network. The project will:
- Support trade and logistics operations between the northern and southern emirates
- Strengthen economic links with free zones, ports, and industrial hubs
- Reduce road congestion and commute times for residents and commercial drivers
- Improve overall safety through modern engineering and design practices
Economic and Environmental Impact
Beyond easing traffic, the project is designed to stimulate local employment and boost regional economic growth. Construction and operational phases are expected to create jobs across various sectors including engineering, manufacturing, transport, and technology.
Moreover, the project is being executed with a commitment to environmental sustainability. It includes:
- Low-emission construction equipment
- Use of recycled asphalt
- Native landscaping along green medians
- Noise and air quality mitigation measures
Public and Government Reaction
The announcement has been met with enthusiasm from both Sharjah residents and transportation experts. Local business owners in particular anticipate smoother logistics and a reduction in delivery times, which could boost profitability and customer satisfaction.
Officials from the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) also welcomed the development, calling it “a vital enhancement that supports long-term urban planning and inter-emirate connectivity.”
Timeline and Milestones
The project’s development schedule includes the following key milestones:
- September 2025: Groundbreaking and initial groundwork
- Q1 2026: Bridge construction phase
- Q3 2026: Collector road and lane extension
- Q4 2026: Smart traffic system installation
- Mid 2027: Project completion and operational testing
Future Outlook
The Emirates Road project is a major component of the UAE’s National Infrastructure Strategy, which envisions a highly connected and efficient transport system that can support the country’s ambitious economic goals through 2030 and beyond.
In conjunction with other mega projects such as the Etihad Rail, the Emirates Road upgrade further positions the UAE as a regional and global logistics hub.
As the UAE continues to grow rapidly, this bold infrastructure investment ensures that its road networks remain resilient, future-ready, and aligned with global best practices. For residents and businesses in Sharjah and beyond, the future of mobility just got a lot brighter.
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