Dubai Traffic Alert: Lane Closures This Week on Emirates Road and Near Al Maktoum International Airport.
Dubai: Motorists in Dubai should prepare for temporary daytime traffic disruptions this week, with three lanes on Emirates Road (E611) and the Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel scheduled to close for six consecutive days.
According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), the temporary restrictions will take effect from Monday, October 26, until Saturday, October 31, 2026, to facilitate highway testing by autonomous taxi operators.
The closures will be enforced daily between 9am and 4pm, potentially affecting daily commuters, drivers travelling between emirates and passengers heading to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).
Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys carefully, monitor real-time traffic conditions and allow additional travel time to avoid unexpected delays.
Here is everything drivers and airport passengers need to know about the affected roads, closure schedules, alternative routes and Dubai’s ongoing driverless taxi testing programme.
Which Dubai Roads Will Be Closed This Week?
The RTA has confirmed two temporary traffic restrictions as part of the autonomous vehicle testing arrangements.
- Emirates Road (E611): Three traffic lanes opposite Al Maktoum International Airport will be temporarily closed.
- Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel: The tunnel will be completely closed to traffic in both directions.
Both restrictions will remain in effect during the designated daytime hours through October 31.
Drivers using these routes should pay close attention to temporary road signs, follow official traffic instructions and check current road conditions before beginning their journeys.
Dubai Road Closure Dates and Timings
The temporary traffic arrangements will follow the schedule below:
- Start date: Monday, October 26, 2026.
- End date: Saturday, October 31, 2026.
- Daily closure hours: 9am to 4pm.
- Affected locations: Emirates Road (E611), opposite Al Maktoum International Airport, and the airport tunnel.
Motorists travelling through the affected areas during these hours may encounter slower traffic and longer journey times.
Where possible, drivers should consider adjusting their departure times or selecting alternative roads based on live traffic conditions.
Which Alternative Routes Can Dubai Motorists Use?
The most convenient diversion will depend on a driver’s starting location, destination and direction of travel.
Motorists should consult live navigation applications before selecting an alternative route, as nearby roads could also experience increased congestion while the restrictions remain in place.
Drivers are also advised to follow RTA directional signs and any temporary diversion instructions installed around the affected locations.
Passengers travelling to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) should allow additional time for their journeys, particularly if their usual route passes through Emirates Road or the airport tunnel.
Checking traffic updates shortly before departure can help motorists identify the most suitable available route and reduce the risk of delays.
E311 – Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road
Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) is a major highway connecting Dubai with Sharjah and the northern emirates.
Depending on where motorists are travelling from and their intended destination, E311 could provide an alternative to certain sections of Emirates Road (E611).
However, E311 is not a direct substitute for every journey to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC). Drivers should review their route and estimated travel time before switching highways.
E44 – Al Khail Road
Al Khail Road (E44) connects several important residential, business and commercial districts across Dubai.
The highway may offer a convenient option for motorists making journeys across the city while the temporary restrictions are in place.
However, its usefulness will depend on the driver’s departure point and destination.
Passengers heading towards DWC should check whether Al Khail Road provides a practical connection to their intended airport route before choosing it as an alternative.
E11 – Sheikh Zayed Road
Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), one of Dubai’s busiest and most important highways, may also serve as an alternative for certain journeys.
The road connects major areas across the emirate and could help some motorists avoid affected sections of E611.
However, drivers travelling to Al Maktoum International Airport may need to use additional connecting roads, potentially increasing their overall journey time.
Motorists should therefore consult live navigation services before deciding whether E11 is the most suitable option.
Check Real-Time Traffic Conditions Before Choosing a Diversion
There is no single alternative route that will be suitable for every driver affected by the temporary closures.
Before starting their journeys, motorists are encouraged to:
- Monitor live traffic updates through reliable navigation applications.
- Compare estimated journey times on E311, E44 and E11 where these roads offer practical alternatives.
- Follow RTA diversion signs and instructions from traffic authorities.
- Avoid sudden lane changes near restricted sections and never attempt to enter closed roads.
Important: The RTA’s announcement confirms the temporary lane restrictions and airport tunnel closure. However, it does not officially designate E311, E44 or E11 as diversion routes.
Drivers should prioritise official road signage and real-time traffic guidance when planning their journeys.
Flying From Al Maktoum International Airport? Essential Travel Advice
Passengers travelling to or from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) should prepare for possible delays in road access during the temporary closure period.
The restrictions affecting Emirates Road and the airport tunnel could increase travel times, particularly between 9am and 4pm from October 26 to 31.
Airport passengers are advised to plan their journeys well in advance and consider alternative transport arrangements where appropriate.
Can Public Transport Help?
Travellers may be able to use Dubai’s Metro and bus services for part of their journey, depending on their departure location.
However, Al Maktoum International Airport does not have a direct Dubai Metro connection, meaning passengers may need to combine public transport with a taxi or another suitable transfer service.
Checking available routes and transfer requirements beforehand can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Travel Tips for DWC Passengers
- Depart earlier than usual: Allow additional time for congestion and possible road diversions.
- Review your route: Check real-time navigation updates shortly before leaving.
- Follow official signs: Use approved diversions and comply with temporary traffic instructions.
- Confirm flight information: Check your flight status and the airline’s recommended airport arrival time.
- Plan taxi journeys carefully: Road congestion may also affect taxis and ride-hailing services.
The announced road closures relate to highway testing activities and do not automatically indicate any disruption to airport flight operations.
Passengers should check directly with their airlines for information about flight schedules.
How Can Dubai Commuters Avoid Traffic Delays?
For commuters who regularly travel through the affected sections of Emirates Road, public transport could provide an alternative during the six-day restriction period.
Depending on their destination, residents may find it more convenient to use the Dubai Metro, public buses or a combination of transport services.
Motorists and commuters should consider the following:
- Check whether Metro or bus services cover a practical portion of their usual route.
- Consider combining public transport with a taxi for the final part of the journey.
- Review the latest RTA service information before travelling.
- Allow additional time for transfers and possible changes to travel arrangements.
Not every destination near Al Maktoum International Airport is directly accessible by Metro or bus, so travellers should verify available connections rather than assuming a direct service exists.
Why Is Dubai Closing These Roads?
The temporary road restrictions are being introduced to support highway testing of autonomous taxis as Dubai continues expanding its driverless transportation network.
The trials will allow autonomous vehicle operators to conduct testing on selected road sections as part of the emirate’s broader smart mobility programme.
Dubai has been working towards the wider commercial introduction of self-driving vehicles, with the aim of developing more advanced, technology-driven transport services.
Commercial autonomous taxi operations have already been introduced in areas including Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with services accessible through platforms such as Uber and the Apollo Go app.
The latest highway tests represent another stage in Dubai’s efforts to expand autonomous mobility and prepare its transport infrastructure for wider driverless vehicle operations.
The latest highway trials mark another important milestone in Dubai’s efforts to introduce autonomous vehicles into everyday traffic conditions and expand the use of driverless transport.
What’s Next for Dubai’s Driverless Taxi Services?
Dubai is accelerating the expansion of its autonomous taxi network under the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy, gradually moving beyond testing towards commercial passenger services.
The initiative aims to make driverless taxis a practical part of the emirate’s transport system while supporting the development of smarter and more efficient mobility solutions.
Where Can Passengers Book a Driverless Taxi in Dubai?
Commercial autonomous taxi services are already operating in selected areas, with plans for further expansion.
- Operating areas: Driverless taxi services are available in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah.
- Service operators: Apollo Go and WeRide are participating in the rollout alongside local transport partners.
- Booking options: Passengers can reserve WeRide autonomous taxis through Uber, while Apollo Go offers bookings through its dedicated application.
- Fleet expansion: The initial commercial rollout includes 100 autonomous taxis, with additional vehicles expected to be introduced gradually as demand increases.
- Additional partners: Pony.ai is also participating in the RTA’s broader autonomous mobility development programme.
Beyond passenger taxis, the UAE is exploring the wider adoption of self-driving technology across other transport services, including delivery vehicles.
How Much Progress Has Dubai Made With Robotaxis?
Figures published by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in August 2026 highlight the progress achieved by the emirate’s autonomous taxi programme.
According to the authority, the initiative has recorded:
- More than 4 million kilometres travelled by autonomous vehicles since the programme began.
- 7,613 passenger journeys successfully completed.
- 144 autonomous vehicles in the fleet, including 48 actively operating.
- Approximately 50 passenger trips daily.
- 97% customer satisfaction, based on RTA figures.
The figures demonstrate the programme’s growing operational experience as Dubai prepares for the broader introduction of autonomous transport services.
Dubai’s 2030 Target: 25% of Transport Trips to Be Autonomous
Under its long-term transport strategy, Dubai aims to make 25% of all journeys autonomous by 2030.
The emirate is gradually integrating driverless taxis into its wider mobility network to complement existing public transport, conventional taxis and shared transportation services.
The initiative comes amid continued growth in demand for transport across Dubai.
According to RTA figures released in August, public transport, shared mobility services and taxis carried approximately 348 million passengers during the first six months of 2026.
That represents an average of around 1.9 million passengers per day, highlighting the importance of expanding transport capacity and introducing new mobility technologies.
Autonomous taxis are expected to form part of Dubai’s evolving transport infrastructure as the city works towards its long-term self-driving mobility objectives.
Will Driverless Taxis Be Available Near Al Maktoum International Airport?
The latest autonomous vehicle highway trials near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) represent another step towards expanding the geographical reach of Dubai’s driverless transport network.
Testing in the airport area could help operators gain experience navigating different road environments as the technology continues to develop.
However, the RTA has not announced a confirmed launch date for commercial robotaxi services around DWC.
For now, the road restrictions are intended to facilitate testing rather than signal the immediate introduction of passenger services in the area.
Dubai Road Closures: Key Reminders for Motorists
Drivers should remain aware of the temporary restrictions affecting Emirates Road and the Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel.
The closures will continue daily from 9am to 4pm until Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Motorists using Emirates Road (E611), as well as passengers travelling to Al Maktoum International Airport, are encouraged to:
- Check live traffic conditions before starting their journeys.
- Allow extra travel time to account for possible congestion and diversions.
- Follow official RTA road signs and temporary traffic instructions.
- Consider alternative routes based on real-time navigation guidance.
- Explore public transport options for part of their journey where suitable.
Although the restrictions are temporary, planning journeys in advance can help commuters and airport passengers minimise disruption while Dubai continues testing the next generation of autonomous transportation.
