A major AED5.3bn (USD1.4bn) highway project which will improve transport links in the Western Region of the UAE is set to be completed by the middle of this year. The Al Mafraq-Al Ghweifat highway project is the first phase of the highway and was completed last year. The project includes the construction of 16 new interchanges as well as extensive improvement work of up to 246km of roads stretching from Mafraq to the border with Saudi Arabia and the industrial hub in Ruwais. The project also encompasses the construction of new lanes in both directions for the roads between Mafraq and Baynounah forest area and between Baraka and Ghuwaifat, and an underpass for camels in areas close to Silaa and Ghuwaifat. (Arabian Business)