Work on the Madinat Zayed-Al Mirfa Road, a 52.2-km-long network connecting areas within the UAE capital Abu Dhabi and the Al Dhafra region, is moving at a steady pace with nearly 63 per cent of the project already completed, said a report.

It is being developed by the Department of Transport in Abu Dhabi and managed by Abu Dhabi General Services (Musanada) with an allocated budget of around Dh645 million ($176 million), reported state news agency Wam.

This road will provide a shortcut, connecting Madinat Zayed, Al Mirfa and Habshan, and help reduce travelling times and improve the transportation of people and goods, it stated, citing a top official.

These projects are part of the efforts to develop local infrastructure projects, which will help to strengthen the economy and society of the Al Dhafra region, and meet the needs of its residents, in terms of services and facilities, according to the highest safety and security standards, while providing integrated transport services and solutions and adopting environmentally-friendly technologies," remarked Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region.

He was speaking after reviewing the completed stages of the 52.2-km road, under the framework of Abu Dhabi’s plan to establish a leading world-class road and transport network, stated the report.

Sheikh Hamdan said these developments are key to realising their ambitious plans, meet their present needs and future aspirations.