Transforming Transportation: 170 Billion Dirham National Projects to Alleviate Traffic Congestion

The UAE plans to spend over 170 billion dirhams ($46 billion) on transport and road projects by 2030. Energy and Infrastructure Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei announced the massive investment package during the government's annual meetings in Abu Dhabi, targeting traffic congestion and better connectivity between emirates.

The spending covers both federal and local projects across the country. Al Mazrouei said the plan includes expanding federal highways, boosting public transport systems, and building high-speed and light rail networks. The goal is to keep up with population growth and economic expansion while improving life quality for citizens and residents.

This investment comes as the UAE faces growing traffic challenges. The country's population has surged in recent years, and economic diversification efforts have created new business hubs that strain existing infrastructure. Dubai and Abu Dhabi already operate metro systems, but inter-emirate travel still relies heavily on highways that get congested during peak hours.

The transport upgrade fits into the UAE's broader infrastructure push ahead of major events and economic targets for the next decade. The country is preparing to host COP28 climate talks and wants to position itself as a regional logistics hub. Better transport links could also support the government's plan to attract more residents and businesses.

For contractors and engineering firms, this represents one of the region's largest infrastructure opportunities. The projects will likely include international partnerships, especially for high-speed rail technology where the UAE has limited local expertise. The timeline suggests construction will ramp up significantly over the next few years to meet the 2030 deadline.