Abu Dhabi General Services (Musanada) has announced the opening of a new 52.2-km road that links Marfaa City to Madinat Zayed area in Al Dhafra Region.

Built at a cost of Dh636 million ($173 million), the Al Falahi Al Yasi Road will help cut the distance between the two cities by about 50 per cent, reported state news agency Wam.

It was inaugurated by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Dhafra Region in the presence of Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Department of Transport (DoT) and other senior officials.

Speaking at the launch, Sheikh Hamdan said: "Since its establishment, the UAE has been keen to develop an integrated infrastructure in line with best international safety standards in a way that contributes to fuelling the country's economic growth and ensuring social welfare and economic wellbeing for its people."

He lauded the significant efforts made by DoT and Musanada in accomplishing Abu Dhabi government's comprehensive development vision, supporting public sector institutions and developing scalable solutions with specific focus on efficiency, quality and dedicated customer care, stated the report.

The new road opening coincides with the 47th National Day celebrations, it added.