Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved a new mega highway project last week, dubbed the "Fourth Corridor," an 80-kilometre route linking Dubai with Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, combining integrated road, air and rail connectivity.
The project will be built in two phases. Phase One stretches 30 kilometres, from Al Shanouf Road in Sharjah to Dubai-Al Ain Road, at an estimated cost of Dh3.5 billion. Phase Two extends the corridor a further 50 kilometres to Al Faya Road in Abu Dhabi. The route will also provide direct links to Al Maktoum International Airport, Etihad Rail, and the northern emirates.
Technically, the highway will feature 12 lanes, 72 bridges, 17 tunnels and 45 drainage culverts, with capacity for up to 24,000 vehicles per hour. Authorities say the corridor will cut travel time between Dubai and neighbouring emirates by 60%, offering quicker access to Al Maktoum Airport, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and the northern emirates.
Dubai residents who commented on the announcement welcomed the plan, describing it as a significant step toward easing daily congestion and shortening inter-emirate commutes, particularly for those who travel between Dubai and neighbouring emirates for work.
The corridor is part of Dubai's broader infrastructure strategy to strengthen connectivity across the UAE and relieve pressure on existing highways such as Sheikh Zayed Road and Emirates Road. As the phases are completed, officials expect the project to noticeably ease daily commutes and support continued economic growth across the region.