Drivers in the UAE are experiencing longer traffic delays, which are projected to reach up to 45 hours by 2025, up from 35 hours in 2024. This increase is due to the growing number of vehicles and people on the roads. As a response, Dubai and Abu Dhabi are investing billions of dirhams to alleviate congestion.
The federal government is actively enhancing transportation systems, with Dubai implementing significant changes. These initiatives include advanced traffic management systems and innovative transportation methods, all aimed at reducing congestion and fostering a sustainable, interconnected city.
The UAE is advancing its vision of becoming a smart, future-ready nation by setting new benchmarks in infrastructure development. From aerial taxis to new highway networks, the UAE is accelerating transport projects and redefining urban mobility.
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UAE’s 4th National Highway Plan
The UAE has unveiled plans for a fourth national highway. This 120-kilometre, 12-lane road is part of a Dh170 billion national transportation upgrade program, designed to accommodate up to 360,000 trips daily and reduce congestion throughout the Emirates.
This new highway will become the UAE’s fourth major pan-emirate route, complementing three existing federal highways: E11 (Al Ittihad), E311 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed), and E611 (Emirates Road), which collectively serve over 850,000 vehicles commuting between Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
Aerial Taxi Initiative
Dubai’s electric air taxi project is progressing rapidly, with passenger services slated to start in 2026. The first crewed eVTOL flight occurred between Margham and Al Maktoum International Airport in November 2025. The aircraft, accommodating four passengers and a pilot, boasts a range of 160km and a top speed of 320 km/h.
Vertiport construction is underway, with a facility near Dubai International Airport 60% complete. Additional vertiports will be built at Zabeel Dubai Mall, Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai Marina. These will form Dubai’s initial aerial taxi network by 2026.
Joby Aviation tests air taxis in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi is also preparing to launch its first electric air taxi service in 2026, following Joby Aviation’s agreements with local authorities to develop an eVTOL system. This service is anticipated to significantly reduce travel times, such as cutting the Abu Dhabi to Dubai journey from about two hours by car to around 30 minutes by air. Abu Dhabi Airports will construct over 10 vertiports to facilitate air taxi and eVTOL operations, enhancing connectivity across the Capital and other emirates.
Ras Al Khaimah is joining the aerial mobility movement, with plans to launch flying taxis in 2027. This will cut travel time between Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah from over an hour to less than 15 minutes.
Dubai Metro Expansion
The Dubai Metro is undergoing expansion with the Blue Line project, adding 30km to the network by 2029. This expansion includes 14 new stations, growing the total from 64 to 78, and increasing the train fleet from 140 to 168 units. The project aims to improve access to residential, business, and leisure areas, easing road traffic and encouraging more residents to opt for public transport.
The Dubai Metro Blue Line will connect the Green and Red Lines, with a 21km route from Creek Interchange through Dubai Festival City, Dubai Creek Harbour, Ras Al Khor, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, to Dubai Academic City with 10 stations; and a 9km route from Centrepoint Interchange in Al Rashidiya through Mirdif and Al Warqa to International City (1) with four stations.
Artist rendition of the upcoming Dubai Metro Blue Line station
Etihad Rail Project
Etihad Rail, the UAE’s inaugural passenger train network, is set to launch in 2026, linking major cities and economic hubs across all seven emirates. The network will drastically cut travel times; for example, the journey from Abu Dhabi to Dubai will take just 57 minutes. Each train can accommodate up to 400 passengers, traveling at speeds of up to 200 km/h.
This 900-kilometre network, extending from Ghuweifat in Abu Dhabi to Fujairah, will remove hundreds of cars from the roads. By connecting key urban and industrial areas, integrating with local metros and buses, and providing daily service, the passenger train will transform inter-emirate travel, alleviate road congestion, reduce carbon emissions, and offer a faster, more comfortable alternative to car travel nationwide.
The Etihad Rail.
Abu Dhabi-Dubai High-Speed Train
A new high-speed electrified train line will connect Abu Dhabi and Dubai, featuring six stations at Reem Island, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Zayed Airport, near Al Maktoum Airport in Dubai, and Jaddaf, near Dubai Creek. This project will ensure seamless connectivity between the two emirates, significantly reducing travel times.
The high-speed train will transport commuters between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in just 30 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 350km/h. The route will pass through strategic destinations and tourist spots, ensuring smooth travel for passengers and visitors.
Etihad Rail will oversee the development and operation of this project.
Enhanced Road Networks
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) is executing 72 major projects by 2027, which include 226km of new roads, 115 bridges and tunnels, and 11 main corridors. These upgrades aim to streamline traffic flow, cut travel times, and incorporate new technologies for smart, responsive traffic management.
In addition to the proposed fourth highway, the federal government plans significant expansions of existing routes. Etihad Road will be widened with six new lanes (making a total of 12), Emirates Road will expand to 10 lanes, boosting capacity by 65%, while Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road will also widen to 10 lanes to improve flow by approximately 45%. Work has commenced on the Emirates Road upgrade, with an estimated cost of Dh750 million, set for completion within two years.
Smart Vehicle Deployment in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi launched the world’s first modular smart vehicles in November 2025. These adaptable vehicles can reconfigure to meet operational demand, connecting or detaching as needed, enhancing traffic flow, reducing congestion, and minimizing carbon emissions efficiently.
Abu Dhabi has become the first city in the Middle East to introduce driverless ‘robotaxi’ services. WeRide received permits to operate the first fully autonomous robotaxi service commercially, allowing vehicles to transport passengers without safety drivers.
The initial robotaxi rides began on Yas Island, with testing and expansion in other key areas like Al Reem and Al Maryah. The city also plans to establish the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Vehicle Test Hub to support testing, validation, and certification of autonomous vehicle technologies.
World’s first modular smart vehicles
Dubai’s Pedestrian City Vision
The Dubai Walk Master Plan aims to transform the emirate into a pedestrian-friendly city year-round. This plan involves a 6,500km network of modern walkways covering 160 areas across Dubai. It includes constructing 3,300km of new walkways and refurbishing 2,300km of existing ones by 2040, with more than 900km planned beyond 2040.
The Future Loop
The ‘Future Loop’ project, located in the Museum of the Future area, is conceived as an elevated, climate-controlled walkway. It will connect 10 key locations, featuring a 30,000-square-metre air-conditioned level for year-round pedestrian use. The path will also include 30,000 square metres of open spaces with shaded structures and greenery to lower temperatures and enhance pedestrian comfort.
The elevated walkway aligns with the area’s futuristic vision, creating a new tourist landmark and ensuring smooth pedestrian and traffic flow
Spanning 2km and varying in width from 6 to 15 metres, the bridge connects major economic and business landmarks, including the Dubai World Trade Centre, Museum of the Future, Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), and adjacent Metro stations.
The Future Loop will integrate into Dubai’s transport system, close to metro and tram stations, cycling tracks, and future transportation networks.
