Abu Dhabi government has opened a new 62-km highway linking the UAE capital to Dubai in line with its 2030 objectives of establishing a complete and connected transportation network for the emirate's residents, said a report.

The highway, named the 'Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Road', was inaugurated by Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the deputy chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, on Tuesday (November 29).

This is one of the biggest infrastructure projects implemented under Abu Dhabi 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan (Capital 2030), an initiative launched by the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), reported the state news agency Wam.

"The highway has been named after Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in recognition of the leading and historic role he is playing in the journey of development and growth taking place across the UAE," said Sheikh Hazza after the inauguration.

"Thanks to his initiatives and inspiring patriotism, the UAE has been able to earn top positions in various spheres," he noted.

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, and Sheikh Dhiyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan were also present at the ceremony.

The inauguration of the strategic artery was in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, said the report.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Highway connects with Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highway, which, according to Sheikh Hazza "reflects, in a wonderful way, the integral relationship between the two great leaders and national figures who shoulder the responsibility for fostering growth and development in the UAE in implementation of the strategic vision of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan for earning a place for the UAE among advanced nations, in terms of quality of services, infrastructure and other vital sectors."

The project, launched in the first quarter of 2014, has been completed one month ahead of schedule to mark the 45th UAE National Day, said the report.

"This historic project was managed and carried out by two Emirati engineers - Hamdan Al Mazrouie and Shamsa Al Shamsi - which reflects the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for greater roles and responsibilities and opportunities for the youth to enable them to innovate," remarked Sheikh Hazza.

As a strategic artery, it can absorb additional traffic, especially during peak hours. Providing an alternative to the current Abu Dhabi and Dubai main road, the new highway will alleviate traffic congestion and bring down the number of accidents, said the report.

The new road also provides access to Abu Dhabi city and its international airport, as well as to Yas and Saadiyat islands, it added.

The road begins at the end of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road in Seih Shuaib, on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi border. It then passes through the Forestry Green Belt, Al Maha Forest, Khalifa Port Industrial Zone,and Bida Khalifa, intersecting with Al Ajban Road and bypassing Al Shahama, Zayed Military Camp and Al Falah area, all the way to the Sweihan Road interchange. The new road runs parallel and provides additional capacity to the existing Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway.

The road will also foster the development of new residential areas, such as South Al Shamkha, North Al Wathba, Al Falah and the aid further development of existing areas, such as Al Shamkha, Al Shawamekh and Bani Yas.

The new main road will cater for the Khalifa Industrial Zone at Taweelah, in addition to facilitating connectivity to Al Ain as it links up with Abu Dhabi-Al Ain main road and the rest of the main road network in the emirate of Abu Dhabi.