Dubai approves 80km Fourth Corridor linking Abu Dhabi and Sharjah
New route to cut journey times by up to 60pc
DUBAI – Dubai is set to add a major new route to its road network after His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, approved the implementation of the New Fourth Corridor.
The project will strengthen connectivity between Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah while supporting the emirate’s wider infrastructure plans. It will extend approximately 80 kilometres and is designed to reduce journey times by up to 60 percent.
The announcement comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to boost investment in infrastructure and strengthen Dubai’s transport network. The new corridor will run from Al Faya Road in Abu Dhabi to Al Shanouf Road in Sharjah, creating an additional strategic connection across the three emirates.
New Fourth Corridor
The New Fourth Corridor will feature 12 lanes in both directions, alongside 72 bridges and 17 tunnels. The project will also include 45 stormwater drainage culverts, according to details released about the development.
Once completed, the corridor is expected to accommodate up to 24,000 vehicles per hour in both directions and serve more than 3.1 million people. The planned capacity and connections are intended to improve the movement of people and goods across the emirates while supporting the continued expansion of Dubai’s road network.
The first phase of the project, extending from Al Shanouf Road to Dubai-Al Ain Road, will have an estimated cost of Dh3.5 billion. Further details on the implementation timeline were not included in the announcement.
Key connections
The corridor will also connect with Al Maktoum International Airport and Etihad Rail, strengthening links between major transport infrastructure and supporting logistics and commercial transport.
The project is expected to improve access to key economic and development areas while providing an additional route for inter-emirate traffic. Its planned connections with airport and rail infrastructure also position the corridor as part of Dubai’s broader integrated transport network.
The New Fourth Corridor adds to a series of road projects being developed across Dubai to increase network capacity and improve traffic flow. Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has previously outlined a wider programme involving major road corridors, bridges and tunnels to support the emirate’s projected growth.