New Truck Restrictions Improve Dubai Traffic

Faster Transit and Higher Safety on Dubai Roads – New Truck Restrictions Bring Change

Recently, significant progress has been made in Dubai's traffic system: the flow of traffic has noticeably improved, and the number of accidents has decreased on two key highways after new truck restrictions were introduced during peak hours starting January 1, 2025. This measure primarily targeted traffic on Emirates Road and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, and according to the latest data, it has already resulted in remarkable outcomes.

Faster Transition on Key Highways

Statistics released by the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police show that the average vehicle speed on Emirates Road has increased by 26 km/h, while on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road by 19 km/h since the beginning of the year. This improvement has not only accelerated traffic flow but also significantly reduced travel times, especially during the afternoon peak period.

The essence of the modified regulation is that truck traffic is prohibited daily between 5:30 PM and 8:00 PM on the section of Emirates Road between Al Awir Road and the Sharjah border. This period regularly generates heavy traffic when cars, minibuses, and other light vehicles try en masse to leave the city or head into it.

Dramatic Drop in Traffic Incidents

Statistics indicate that the traffic regulation has made transport not only faster but also safer. While 75 traffic incidents were recorded on these routes in 2024, the number dropped to 37 in 2025—a nearly 50% decrease. This is a significant result, especially in a city with a dynamically increasing population and vehicle fleet.

Improved Compliance and Oversight

The truck restrictions are strictly monitored by authorities. Between November 2024 and June 2025, compliance improved by 7.7% on Emirates Road and by 5% on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. Simultaneously, the number of traffic permits issued during peak hours decreased by 97%, indicating a stricter control system and more conscious truck management.

These results clearly demonstrate that the restrictions have not just been implemented but are being enforced effectively. The capacity of alternative routes and the technical foundations of the new traffic regulations were also established based on carefully prepared plans.

Wide-Ranging Cooperation Behind Measures

The decision was not made independently by the transport authority—the Dubai Police, the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Airports, and DP World also participated in the preparatory processes. Coordination between different organizations ensured that truck restrictions do not disrupt logistics operations, especially cargo transportation from ports and airports.

The basis of the regulation was thorough engineering and traffic safety studies, which took into account traffic density, accident statistics, and the load-bearing capacity of alternative routes.

Campaigns and Signs Aid Compliance

Authorities have placed a strong emphasis on informing users. Multilingual warning signs, guiding signals, and targeted communication campaigns are helping truck drivers and fleet managers to become aware of the rules in time. Such campaigns can effectively reduce the number of violations and contribute to the development of a long-term culture of transportation.

The Goal: Safer and More Sustainable Transportation

According to the Dubai Police operations directorate, one of the main objectives of the new system is to reduce conflicts between trucks and passenger vehicles, which often lead to accidents. The separation during peak times significantly reduced overlaps, thereby lowering the chance of collisions.

Moreover, the initiative is environmentally beneficial. Reducing congestion contributes to lower unnecessary fuel consumption, which in turn reduces harmful emissions. The sustainability goals are thus met not only economically but also ecologically.

Future Plans and Expansion Possibilities

Based on the current results, it is not ruled out that similar restrictions may come into effect on other major roads in Dubai in the future. According to an RTA statement, the temporal and spatial regulation of truck traffic is a tool that can help the city's mobility strategy in the long run.

The goal is not only faster and safer travel but also building a system capable of handling the growing traffic load in the future. As Dubai's population and economy rapidly expand, developing and optimizing the transportation infrastructure remains of paramount importance.

Conclusion

Dubai sets an example of how technological-based, extensive institutional collaboration along with user-friendly communication can achieve real change in transportation. The new truck restriction regulation has already noticeably improved the traffic situation on the emirate's key roads and contributed to creating a safer and more livable urban environment.

To prepare for future challenges, we can expect similar, data-driven measures to be introduced, further strengthening Dubai's path of development to become one of the world's most modern and efficient cities.

(Based on a press release from the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).)