Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that two new lanes will open on a 5-kilometer stretch of Emirates Road, moving from Sharjah toward Wadi Al Amardi, starting Sunday, August 30, 2026. This upgrade helps local drivers travel better every day.
- Two new lanes open on a 5-kilometer stretch of Emirates Road from Sharjah toward Wadi Al Amardi on Sunday, August 30, 2026.
- Road capacity increases from 12,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour, a 33% increase in hourly throughput.
- Peak-hour travel time could reduce by up to 25% for commuters on this specific stretch.
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced that two new lanes will open on a 5-kilometer stretch of Emirates Road, moving from Sharjah toward Wadi Al Amardi, starting Sunday, August 30, 2026. This infrastructure upgrade is expected to increase the road's capacity in that section from 12,000 to 16,000 vehicles per hour, representing a 33% increase in hourly throughput. The RTA estimates that these additional lanes could reduce peak-hour travel time by up to 25% for commuters on this specific stretch. The project arrives one day before schools in the UAE are scheduled to reopen on Monday, August 31, following the summer break, a period typically marked by a significant increase in rush-hour traffic.
The Emirates Road corridor is a strategic route, currently serving over 240,000 vehicles daily, including private cars, trucks, and commercial vehicles. It serves as a vital connection for residents of Sharjah, Ajman, and the Northern Emirates who commute daily to commercial and industrial areas in Dubai. While the RTA projects a potential 25% reduction in travel time for the expanded 5-kilometer section, officials noted that total commute duration remains dependent on individual starting points, destinations, and traffic conditions at subsequent junctions or merge points.
The expansion is part of a series of improvements by the RTA along the corridor, following previous upgrades to the Al Awir 1 access point and Al Amardi Street connectivity. Commuters are advised to account for potential adjustments in lane positioning as drivers acclimate to the new configuration during the initial days of operation.
