Dr. Abdullah bin Mohammed Belhaif Al Nuaimi, Minister of Public Works, announced that his ministry is in the process of hiring a consultant to study implementation of seven key road projects in the emirates of Sharjah, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah, with a total budget of Dh780 million.

The projects include the development of the Sharjah-Al Dhaid Road, the 14-km Al Ittihad Road in Ras Al Khaimah, extension of Emirates Road from Al Tawaeen to Ras Al Khaimah Ring Road, and Kalba Ring Road to Al Hail (Phase I), apart from Sham Border Ring Road, and Khor Fakkan Western Ring Road (Phase II).

'Road projects constitute one of the core enablers of sustainable development and drivers of economic growth and social welfare. Roads facilitate cross-emirate transportation and movement between major cities and entry and exit points. Adoption and application of highest international standards positioned the UAE among the world's top ranking countries in quality of roads,' the minister said.

The ministry, he added, had included a number of projects in its strategic goals for completion of the federal road network in implementation of the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, for building a highly safe and quality road network to protect lives of people and connect all parts of the country.