Source : WAM
During 2025, the United Arab Emirates’ infrastructure sector saw the launch of a wide range of strategic projects designed to align with the nation’s economic growth goals and support its comprehensive development across multiple sectors.
These initiatives reflected a unified national vision aimed at improving quality of life, enhancing stability, and promoting well-being for all residents.
Among the most prominent announcements was a high-speed rail line connecting Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The project will reduce travel time between the two cities to approximately 30 minutes, with trains operating at speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour. Over the next 50 years, the rail link is expected to contribute more than AED145 billion to the national economy.
During the UAE Government Annual Meetings held last November, national road development programmes valued at over AED170 billion were unveiled, extending through to 2030. These programmes focus on upgrading the federal road network and improving traffic movement between the emirates.
At the emirate level, the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre (ADPIC) signed public-private partnership agreements worth AED22 billion in 2025. By last October, the number of public-private partnership projects under development had surpassed 600.
Dubai announced several major infrastructure initiatives, including the AED1.5 billion Al Fay Street development project and the construction of new entry and exit points to Dubai Islands from the Bur Dubai side via a 1,425-metre bridge costing AED786 million.
The emirate is also implementing stormwater drainage works in four areas at a cost of AED1.439 billion under the Tasreef project. In addition, work is progressing on the 30-kilometre Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will feature 14 new stations and serve around one million residents.
Further projects worth AED7.6 billion include the operation of four main transmission stations with a capacity of 132 kilovolts, along with the extension of 228 kilometres of underground power cables.
In Sharjah, several projects were completed and launched during the year. These included the inauguration of the Al Layyah Canal in the Al Khalidiya suburb, which offers new public spaces and service facilities, and the opening of the Airport Station in the Umm Fannin area with a capacity of 220 kilovolts at a cost exceeding AED500 million. The emirate also completed the extension of the main water pipeline from Kalba to Wadi Al Helo, valued at AED43.77 million, launched the Independence Square project, and approved AED42 million for internal road works in Al Ramaqia and Al Suwaihat.
Ajman witnessed the inauguration of the Sheikh Zayed Street development project in the Al Helio area. The project spans 2.8 kilometres and cost AED63 million. Meanwhile, the Emirates Council for Balanced Development announced the commencement of the Masfout Gate project, which aims to enhance key facilities and connect natural and heritage sites through integrated walking paths.
In Ras Al Khaimah, the international airport revealed plans to develop a dedicated VIP terminal and private aircraft hangars in partnership with Falcon Executive Aviation. Covering more than 18,000 square metres, the project will strengthen infrastructure supporting private aviation and tourism.
In Umm Al Qaiwain, the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure launched a AED750 million project to upgrade Emirates Road. The initiative includes expanding the road to five lanes in each direction and constructing six new bridges, which will significantly improve traffic flow and reduce travel time by up to 45 percent.
Fujairah also recorded major progress, with the Public Works and Agriculture Department starting the ninth phase of the internal roads project, extending 31 kilometres across multiple areas. Additionally, the Fujairah F3 independent power plant began commercial operations, delivering a generation capacity of 2.4 gigawatts.
