The UAE’s infrastructure strategy gained momentum in 2025 with wide-ranging transport, utilities, and urban development initiatives designed to support rapid economic expansion while enhancing quality of life for residents.
High-Speed Rail and Major Transport Projects
The centrepiece of the year’s announcements was a high-speed rail link between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, engineered to reduce travel time between the two cities to approximately 30 minutes, with trains operating at speeds of up to 350 kilometres per hour. The project is projected to deliver an economic contribution exceeding AED145 billion over the next 50 years, underscoring its long-term strategic significance for regional connectivity.
At the federal level, national road development programmes valued at more than AED170 billion through 2030 focus on improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and strengthening inter-emirate connections. These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach to managing growth-related mobility challenges.
Dubai’s Transport Infrastructure Expansion
Dubai advanced several flagship projects during 2025. The AED1.5 billion redevelopment of Al Fay Street and new access points to Dubai Islands via a 1,425-metre bridge from Bur Dubai demonstrate the emirate’s commitment to urban accessibility. The 30-kilometre Dubai Metro Blue Line expansion will add 14 stations and serve approximately one million people, addressing long-term capacity needs.
Supporting infrastructure investments included the Tasreef stormwater drainage system, costing AED1.439 billion, alongside additional power infrastructure projects valued at AED7.6 billion, creating an integrated approach to urban development.
Emirates-Wide Development Programme
Abu Dhabi intensified its infrastructure pipeline, with the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre signing public-private partnership contracts worth AED22 billion during 2025. More than 600 PPP projects were under development by October, reflecting the emirate’s growing collaboration with the private sector to deliver large-scale assets.
Other emirates advanced their own strategic upgrades:
These coordinated investments across all seven emirates underscore the UAE’s commitment to infrastructure as a cornerstone of its growth strategy, supporting economic competitiveness, enhanced mobility, and improved living standards nationwide.
