The UAE ranks 6th globally in the quality of roads

Ahmed Al-Bashir, Staff Reporter

The UAE ranked sixth in the world among countries with the best road infrastructure, according to a classification issued by Pulse.

The site said that the UAE enjoys one of the best road networks in the world, with at least three lanes on each road, indicating that the roads are safe and comfortable, with barriers surrounding potentially dangerous sections for drivers’ safety.

Singapore came in first place, followed by Switzerland in second place, and Austria in third place.

The UAE has the best road network globally. According to the Global Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum, the UAE provides the best roads in the index of road quality.

The Ministry of Interior Development replaced traditional lights with power-saving LED lamps on all federal roads spanning 710 km. The LEDs are less pollutant to the environment with less carbon emission than traditional lights. They also have a longer life that hits 10 years and save 50 per cent of consumed energy.

The Main Roads in UAE

The UAE continues to construct and maintain roads in accordance with international standards, using the best technology that fits the country's environmental conditions. The roads' projects aim to improve efficiency of traffic and connect parts of the country with a modern road network. The UAE has a road network, which connects different emirates with each other. These roads include:

— E11 - It is the longest road in the UAE; it stretches from Al Silah in the emirate of Abu Dhabi and ends in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah. It has various alternate names: Sheikh Maktoum Road in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai and Sheikh Muhammad bin Salem Road in Ras Al Khaimah.

— E311 or Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road - It was known as Emirates road. The road links Dubai to the rest of the emirates.

— E611 or Emirates Bypass road - It is 110 km long. It provides an alternative route to Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed roads for drivers from Ras Al Khaimah, Umm Al Quwain, Ajman and Sharjah, heading to Abu Dhabi without having to go through downtown Dubai.

—  Sheikh Khalifa highway - It links Dubai and Fujairah; shortening the distance by 20 to 30 km as opposed to older routes.

— Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed road - It links the villages in the eastern region.

— Dubai-Fujairah road - It passes through the Hatta mountain range and goes through the emirates of Dubai, Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah.

— Dubai-Al Ain road – it links Dubai with Al Ain city.

— Sheikh Zayed Bridge - It is 842 metres long and 64 metres high. It is the third traffic route connecting the mainland to the island of Abu Dhabi.