The UAE is contemplating the construction of a new federal highway that would connect all seven emirates, supplementing the existing network of major roads like the Sheikh Zayed, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed, and Emirates roads. Suhail bin Mohammed Al Mazrouei, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced the deliberation during a Federal National Council (FNC) session on Wednesday.
According to a Khaleej Times report, the ministry is evaluating a proposal from the FNC to build the new highway as a solution to mitigate traffic congestion, particularly during rush hours. Consultations with local government bodies are underway to determine the necessity of this new infrastructure. The discussions will explore various options, including the addition of lanes to the current highways and the potential benefits of rerouting traffic through alternative paths.
Further, the Minister unveiled plans to introduce “new procedures” aimed at improving the flow of traffic between Dubai and the Northern Emirates. These include the establishment of an integrated center for monitoring traffic conditions and the deployment of artificial intelligence technologies to analyze and understand congestion patterns. Al Mazrouei expressed optimism about these initiatives, stating that they are expected to be operational in the latter half of 2024.
The comprehensive strategy aims to enhance traffic management and alleviate bottlenecks. These plans are the result of extensive studies and are being advanced in collaboration with local municipalities to obtain necessary approvals. The centerpiece of these efforts is a dedicated monitoring center, equipped with advanced AI capabilities, which will provide round-the-clock traffic analysis to pinpoint the primary causes of congestion.