Dubai’s New Fourth Corridor to Cut Journey Times
Dubai’s latest Fourth Corridor, an 80‑km highway linking Al Shanouf Road in Sharjah to Al Faya Road in Abu Dhabi, aims to slash travel times by up to 50% and divert heavy trucks from city streets. The project will be built in two phases, featuring 12 lanes, numerous bridges and tunnels, and will co…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The United Arab Emirates is set to open a new chapter in its road network with the launch of the Fourth Corridor, an 80‑kilometre highway that will run from Al Shanouf Road in Sharjah to Al Faya Road in Abu Dhabi, passing through the heart of Dubai. The project, approved by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aims to reduce travel times between the three emirates by more than half, while redirecting heavy trucks away from congested city streets.
What the Corridor Will Do
The new route will provide a direct, high‑capacity link between Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi. By offering a dedicated 12‑lane corridor in both directions, the highway is designed to handle up to 24,000 vehicles per hour. In addition to the main road, the project will include 72 bridges, 17 tunnels and 45 stormwater drainage culverts, ensuring smooth traffic flow across varied terrain.
Key destinations along the corridor will include Al Maktoum International Airport, the Al Marmoom and Al Wohoosh Desert Conservation Reserves, and the Etihad Rail line. By integrating these hubs, the corridor will support both passenger and freight traffic, strengthening the UAE’s logistics network.
Phase‑by‑Phase Construction
The project is divided into two main phases to accelerate delivery and manage costs. Phase 1 will cover roughly 30 kilometres, stretching from Al Shanouf Road in Sharjah to the Dubai–Al Ain Road. This segment will feature 55 lane‑kilometres of at‑grade road, 2.5 kilometres of tunnels, 21 kilometres of bridges and ramps, and upgrades to four major intersections. The widened Dubai–Al Ain Road will expand from three to four lanes in each direction between Emirates Road and Lehbab Road.
Phase 1 is expected to cut a 35‑minute journey to just 14 minutes, a 60% reduction in travel time. The segment will serve an estimated 600,000 residents and commuters, easing pressure on existing routes.
Phase 2 will span the remaining 50 kilometres, linking the Dubai–Al Ain Road to Al Faya Road in Abu Dhabi. This stretch will also feature 12 lanes in both directions, with 190 lane‑kilometres of at‑grade road, 3.5 kilometres of tunnels, and 157 kilometres of bridges and ramps. The phase aims to reduce a 50‑minute journey to 24 minutes, a 52% cut in travel time, and will serve around 3.1 million people.
Impact on Traffic and Logistics
One of the primary objectives of the Fourth Corridor is to divert through traffic, especially heavy trucks, away from urban arteries. By providing a dedicated freight route, the corridor will ease congestion on existing roads, improve safety, and reduce travel times for both commuters and commercial vehicles.
Moreover, the corridor will enhance connectivity between Dubai and its neighboring emirates, supporting the UAE’s broader transportation strategy. The integration with major projects such as Al Maktoum International Airport and Etihad Rail will create a seamless multimodal network, boosting the country’s competitiveness in global logistics.
What’s Next?
Construction is already underway, with Phase 1 expected to reach completion in the next 18 months. Phase 2 will follow, with a projected finish date in the early 2030s. The Ministry of Infrastructure and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will monitor progress, ensuring that the project remains on schedule and within budget.
As the corridor nears completion, residents and businesses across the UAE can anticipate smoother commutes, reduced travel times, and a more efficient freight network. The Fourth Corridor represents a significant step forward in the UAE’s vision for a modern, integrated transportation system.
Key facts
- 80‑km highway linking Sharjah, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
- Phase 1 cuts a 35‑minute trip to 14 minutes
- Phase 2 cuts a 50‑minute trip to 24 minutes
- 12 lanes in both directions, 72 bridges, 17 tunnels
- Integrates key hubs like Al Maktoum International Airport and Etihad Rail
Why it matters
The Fourth Corridor will dramatically reduce travel times between the UAE’s three largest emirates, easing congestion and boosting the country’s logistics capacity, which is vital for its economic growth.
Frequently asked questions
When will the Fourth Corridor be completed?
Phase 1 is expected within 18 months, with Phase 2 projected for the early 2030s.
Will the corridor be toll‑free?
The project’s funding details have not yet been disclosed, but it is expected to be a public infrastructure investment.
How will the corridor affect local traffic?
By diverting heavy trucks, the corridor should reduce congestion and improve safety on existing roads.
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “Dubai’s New Fourth Corridor: 80km Road Linking Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah to Halve Journey Times and Cut Traffic”
