Dubai Ride, Etihad Rail construction and road restrictions could impact weekend journeys across the UAE.
Dubai: Motorists in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are advised to plan their weekend journeys in advance, as road closures, lane restrictions, changes to Salik toll charges and updated speed limits are set to affect several routes from Friday, October 30, to Sunday, November 1.
In Dubai, drivers should prepare for traffic diversions linked to Dubai Ride 2026 on Sunday, alongside extended Metro operating hours, designated parking arrangements and variable Salik rates.
Meanwhile, construction work linked to Etihad Rail will result in overnight road closures on Emirates Road between Dubai and Sharjah.
In Abu Dhabi, temporary lane restrictions are expected on major routes, including Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Five roads in Dubai will also have new speed limits from November 1.
Here is a guide to the road changes, parking arrangements and public transport updates motorists should know before heading out.
Dubai: Salik charges, road closures, parking and Metro timings
Dubai Ride 2026, scheduled for Sunday, November 1, will bring changes to road access, toll charges and public transport services across the city.
Salik variable toll charges on November 1
Motorists travelling through Salik gates will be charged variable toll rates, depending on the time they pass through.
The applicable rates are:
- Peak hours – Dh6: 6am to 10am and 4pm to 8pm.
- Low-peak hours – Dh4: 10am to 4pm and 8pm to 1am.
- Off-peak hours – Free: 1am to 6am.
A 5 per cent VAT is applicable to all toll transactions.
Dubai Metro services begin at 3am for Dubai Ride
To help cyclists and spectators get to the event, the RTA has announced extended Metro operating hours.
- Metro services will start at 3am on Sunday, November 1.
- The RTA has set the round-trip Metro fare at Dh30.
- Passengers are advised to check their nol Card balance before travelling.
Where to park for Dubai Ride
The RTA has designated three main parking areas for participants:
- Dubai World Trade Centre
- Dubai Mall
- Zabeel
Parking arrangements for individual starting gates include:
- Gate A – Museum of the Future: Dubai World Trade Centre parking.
- Gate B – Al Satwa: No dedicated parking is available. Participants are advised to cycle to and from the event.
- Gate C – Coca-Cola Arena: Nearby RTA parking facilities are available.
- Gate D – Business Bay: No dedicated parking is available. Participants are advised to cycle to and from the event.
- Gate E – Lower Financial Centre Street: Dubai Mall Cinema and Fashion parking.
- Gate F – Dubai Mall: Dubai Mall Cinema and Fashion parking.
Parkin and Parkonic: Other parking choices
Motorists can also look at nearby parking facilities managed by Parkin and Parkonic.
Parkin locations:
- City Walk Barrierless Parking
- 336AP Trade Centre Second
- 335AP Trade Centre First
Parkonic locations:
- Dubai Opera
- Souk Al Bahar
- Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
All parking is subject to availability and the respective operators’ terms and conditions. Participants should factor in extra time to find a parking space and reach their registered Dubai Ride starting gate.
Dubai Ride: Road closures and traffic diversions
Sheikh Zayed Road and nearby areas will see traffic restrictions as Dubai prepares to host the cycling event.
Key event timings are as follows:
- Date: Sunday, November 1
- Route opens: 6.15am
- Latest permitted start: 7.30am
- Route closes: 8am
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai
Cyclists can choose between two routes: a 12km course along Sheikh Zayed Road or a 4km family-friendly route through Downtown Dubai. Registration is mandatory, but taking part is free.
Motorists are advised to check the RTA’s official channels for the latest information on road closures and alternative routes before setting off.
New speed limits on five Dubai roads from November 1
Revised speed limits will take effect on five roads across Dubai from Sunday, November 1. While the permitted speeds will increase on three roads, two others will have lower limits.
The updated speed limits are:
- Al Asayel Street: Increased from 60km/h to 80km/h.
- Al Mustaqbal Street: Increased from 60km/h to 70km/h.
- Latifa bint Hamdan Street: Increased from 60km/h to 70km/h.
- Al Rebat Street: Reduced from 100km/h to 90km/h.
- Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street: Reduced from 80km/h to 70km/h.
The revised limits cover designated stretches in both directions. The RTA has said road signage will be amended and speed cameras adjusted to reflect the changes.
Drivers should pay close attention to the updated signs, especially along routes where the permitted speed is being lowered.
Dubai–Sharjah traffic: Overnight closures on Emirates Road
Motorists heading from Dubai towards Sharjah should expect overnight restrictions on Emirates Road (E611) while Etihad Rail carries out infrastructure work.
The closure schedule is as follows:
- Road: Emirates Road (E611), Dubai-to-Sharjah direction.
- Hours: 1am to 5am daily.
- From: Friday, October 30.
- Until: Sunday, November 15.
The affected locations include Maleha Street, Emirates Road and the area around Sharjah Mosque.
The four-hour overnight closures form part of Etihad Rail’s ongoing work to expand its passenger rail network. Motorists should plan their journeys ahead, allow additional travel time and follow the marked diversions.
Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road: Lower speed limits and traffic diversions
Drivers heading towards Abu Dhabi on Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road (E22) will encounter a road closure and traffic diversion, as well as reduced speed limits along affected sections.
The changes are scheduled to start at midnight on Saturday, October 31, and will remain in effect until 5am on Saturday, January 30, 2027.
Speed limits will be lowered from 160km/h to 140km/h and 120km/h on the designated stretches. Motorists should follow the updated road signs and comply with the revised limits.
Abu Dhabi traffic: Temporary closures and lane restrictions
Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a series of temporary road closures and lane restrictions across the emirate, affecting several major routes between Friday, October 30, and Monday, November 2.
The planned restrictions include:
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11)
A section of the road near Al Mirfa, heading towards Al Ghweifat in the Al Dhafra Region, will be closed during the following periods:
- Saturday, October 31: 6am to 9am.
- Sunday, November 1: 6am to 9am.
- Friday, November 6: 6.30am to 8.30am.
Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20)
The right-hand lanes in both directions will be closed, affecting traffic travelling:
- Towards Abu Dhabi.
- Towards Sweihan.
The restrictions will begin at midnight on Saturday, October 31, and continue until 6am on Monday, November 2.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge
The right-hand lane heading towards Abu Dhabi will be closed from midnight on Saturday, October 31, until 6am on Monday, November 2.
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (E12)
The right-hand lane heading towards Saadiyat Island will be closed from 2pm on Friday, October 30, until 6am on Monday, November 2.
Najm Suhail Street, Mohamed Bin Zayed City
The road will be closed from 10pm on Friday, October 30, until 3am on Monday, November 2.
Truck restrictions on E11 towards Al Mirfa
Truck movements along Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11), heading towards Al Mirfa, will be restricted on Saturday, October 31, between 6am and 9am.
Motorists and truck operators are advised to factor these restrictions into their travel plans and follow all road signs and traffic instructions.
ADIPEC 2026: Restrictions on trucks and labour buses
Further traffic measures will be introduced on Abu Dhabi Island during ADIPEC 2026, running from Monday, November 2, to Thursday, November 5.
The restrictions are as follows:
- Trucks: Movement prohibited throughout the day, 24 hours a day.
- Labour buses: Movement restricted between 6.30am and 8pm.
- Exemptions: Vehicles operated by logistics and general cleaning companies.
A Park and Ride facility will be provided for event visitors, while parking at ADNEC will be limited to vehicles with valid permits.
What motorists should know before setting off
With major events, construction activity and traffic restrictions planned across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, motorists should take a few precautions before travelling:
- Check the latest road closures and diversion routes before starting their journey.
- Allow additional travel time, particularly around Dubai Ride routes.
- Check applicable Salik toll rates and updated speed limits.
- Consider using the Metro when travelling to Dubai Ride.
- Follow official traffic announcements and instructions issued by authorities.
Drivers should also be aware that some restrictions will remain in place beyond the weekend, including the overnight closures on Emirates Road and ongoing works on Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road.
Checking official updates before each journey can help motorists plan alternative routes, avoid delays and prepare for any changes to traffic arrangements.
