UAE's Transport Transformation by 2026

How Everyday Transportation Will Change in the UAE by 2026

In the United Arab Emirates, people are spending more and more time in traffic jams – in 2025, residents were stuck in traffic for an average of 45 hours due to congestion, compared to 35 hours in 2024. The increasing population and vehicle traffic have prompted the federal government, Dubai, and Abu Dhabi to embark on comprehensive transportation developments. In the coming years, transportation in the country could completely transform with faster, greener, and smarter solutions.

New National Highway: The Fourth Federal Expressway

The government has announced the construction of a new 120 kilometer long, 12-lane expressway capable of handling up to 360,000 trips daily. This is part of a Dh170 billion transportation development program aimed at easing congestion. The new highway will join the existing three main federal roads – E11 (Al Ittihad), E311 (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed), and E611 (Emirates Road), which already serve more than 850,000 vehicles daily between Dubai and the northern emirates.

Flying Taxis: The Future Arrives from the Air

By 2026, flying taxi services could be launched in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Following the successful November 2025 test flight of the first eVTOL (electric, vertical takeoff and landing) carrying four passengers and a pilot, vertiports are already being built – especially around Dubai International Airport, near Zabeel Dubai Mall, at Atlantis The Royal on Palm Jumeirah, and at Dubai Marina.

Abu Dhabi is set to launch its own eVTOL service in 2026, establishing more than 10 vertiports. The travel time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai could be reduced from 2 hours to 30 minutes with the air taxi. Ras Al Khaimah is also part of this development: flying taxi operations could start there in 2027, with the Dubai–Ras Al Khaimah route taking just 15 minutes.

Dubai Metro: The Blue Line is Coming

By 2029, Dubai Metro will get a new 30-kilometer section with the introduction of the Blue Line. The network will expand from 64 stations to 78, and the number of trains will increase from 140 to 168. The Blue Line will connect the Red and Green lines in two directions: one branch will be 21 km from Creek Interchange to Dubai Academic City with 10 stations, and the other 9 km from Centrepoint Interchange to International City 1, with four stations.

This expansion will significantly improve transportation options between residential, business, and leisure zones and reduce road congestion.

Etihad Rail: Connecting the Emirates by Train

From 2026, UAE residents will have the option to travel by train: the Etihad Rail passenger service will be launched, connecting all seven emirates. The Abu Dhabi–Dubai route will take just 57 minutes, and the full 900 km network can carry up to 400 passengers per train at 200 km/h. This will not only save time but also reduce carbon emissions by taking numerous cars off the roads.

High-Speed Rail Between Abu Dhabi and Dubai

A new high-speed railway of 350 km/h is also being constructed between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, linking the two cities with six stations (such as Reem Island, Yas Island, Zayed Airport, Al Maktoum area, Jaddaf). The travel time will be just 30 minutes, and the project aims to ensure seamless connectivity between economic, tourism, and residential zones.

New Road Projects and Developments in Dubai

By 2027, Dubai will carry out 72 transportation projects, including 226 km of new roads, 115 bridges and tunnels, and 11 major transportation corridors. Additionally, the federal government is expanding existing main roads: Etihad Road will become 12 lanes, Emirates Road will increase its capacity by 65%, while the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road is expected to experience a 45% traffic reduction following the developments. The expansion of the Emirates Road is already underway, with a budget of Dh750 million, expected to be completed within two years.

Smart Vehicles and Robotaxis in Abu Dhabi

In November 2025, Abu Dhabi introduced the world's first modular, reconfigurable smart vehicles, capable of connecting or detaching according to traffic demands. In the same year, the first commercial robotaxi services – without human drivers – were launched. The licenses were first granted to WeRide, and the service started on Yas Island, later expanding to Al Reem and Al Maryah areas. The city is also creating a dedicated testing center for autonomous vehicles.

Dubai Becoming a Pedestrian-Friendly City

The Dubai Walk Master Plan aims to create a modern pedestrian network of 6,500 km by 2040, covering 160 areas. The plan includes 3,300 km of new sidewalks, renovation of 2,300 km, and planning of 900 km of future walkways.

Future Loop: A Forward-Looking Walking Corridor

The Future Loop, planned around the Museum of the Future, is a 2 km long, climate-controlled elevated walkway connecting 10 key locations, such as the DIFC, Emirates Towers, and the Dubai World Trade Centre. The 30,000 square meter area will feature air-conditioned sections, green zones, and shading systems for comfort. The Future Loop will integrate into the city’s transportation system, close to metro and tram stations, bicycle paths, and new transportation hubs.

Summary

In the coming years, the UAE's transportation map will undergo a radical transformation. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are investing tremendous amounts in building smart, eco-friendly, and fast alternatives. Flying taxis, high-speed trains, the expanding metro network, and smart vehicles will not only make transportation smoother but also lay the foundation for a more livable, sustainable future. Those stuck in traffic today could reach their destinations by air in a few years – and this is no longer science fiction, but a transportation policy reality in the UAE.

(Source based on federal government measures.)