ABU DHABI // The new 62-kilometre motorway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai was opened to traffic on Tuesday, and was named in honour of the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
The Dh2.1 billion Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Road will share traffic with Sheikh Zayed Road to ease congestion between the two cities.
Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, Deputy Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, inaugurated the road on Tuesday and announced it had been named after Sheikh Mohammed.
“Thanks to his initiatives and inspiring patriotism, the UAE has been able to earn top positions in various spheres,” Sheikh Hazza said.
The inauguration was carried out under the instructions of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.
“This historic project was managed and carried out by two Emirati engineers, which reflects the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed for greater roles, responsibilities and opportunities for the youth to enable them to innovate,” Sheikh Hazza said.
The motorway begins where Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road ends in Seih Shuaib, on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border, and has a capacity for 8,000 vehicles an hour with four lanes in each direction.
It passes through the green belt at Al Maha forest, Khalifa Port Industrial Zone and Bida Khalifa.
The road intersects with Al Ajban Road and bypasses Shahama, Zayed Military Camp and Al Falah, all the way to the Sweihan Road interchange.
It also directly links to Yas Island, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi airport and Al Ain Road.
There will be two new petrol stations, one on each side, between interchanges 1 and 2.
anwar@thenational.ae
