Sheikh Hamdan opens first phase of Dubai to Al Ain road upgrade

The Dh2 billion improvements will increase traffic capacity on one of the country's key motorways

A section of the Dh2 billion Al Ain to Dubai motorway upgrade. Courtesy: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, has opened four new sections of the Dubai to Al Ain motorway.

The Dh2 billion project aims to improve road safety, double traffic capacity to 12,000 vehicles per hour, and half transit time from the Emirates Road intersection to Oud Metha Street to eight minutes.

The improvements will serve developments including Meydan, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubailand Residential Complex, Liwan and Dubai Design District.

The it will double the motorway to six lanes in each direction over a 17km section, according to Dubai Media Office.

Phase One, projected to cost Dh1.3 billion, extends 7km from the intersection with Emirates Road to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Phase Two, expected to cost Dh748 million, extends from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road to Ras Al Khor Street.

The project was approved in June 2019, with Phase One to be complete in the first half of 2020.

The second phase includes an upgrade to the Nad Al Sheba and Meydan street junctions.