Temporary Road Closures Planned in the UAE

Traffic Changes in UAE: Temporary Road Closures on Emirates Road and Other Key Routes

Motorists traveling on the roads of the United Arab Emirates can expect new traffic restrictions in mid-August. Authorities have announced several temporary closures, primarily as part of infrastructure development. The restrictions affect one of the major highways, Emirates Road (E611), between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, as well as other busy streets in the city of Al Ain.

Where and When Are the Closures Expected?

1. Emirates Road (E611) – Towards Dubai

The two right lanes on Emirates Road, leading towards Dubai, will be temporarily closed. This closure begins at midnight on Saturday, August 16, 2025, and lasts until 5 a.m. on Monday, August 18. This section is one of the most crucial links between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, significantly impacting morning and evening peak traffic.

2. Al Ain – Intersection Closures

The intersection of Zayed Bin Sultan Street and Hessa Bint Mohammed Street in Al Ain is also set to be closed from August 16 to 18. This measure aims to make the junction safer and more efficient during the development works.

3. Al Badia Intersection – Al Jamea Road and Al Muzawwad Road

Temporary closures of the Al Badia intersection have already been in place since July 25, causing congestion in the direction leading towards Dubai. Development work here has not yet been completed, and further traffic restrictions may occur in the near future.

4. Sweihan Road (E20) – Towards Abu Dhabi

Several sections of Sweihan Road will be affected by temporary closures. From 11:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, the right lane will be closed. Following this, between Saturday, August 16, and Sunday, August 17, both left lanes will also be non-passable going towards Abu Dhabi.

What Impact Does This Have on Traffic?

Both Emirates Road and Sweihan Road are key routes, especially for daily commuters traveling between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The partial lane closures could lead to increased congestion, longer travel times, and a demand for alternative routes. The restrictions affecting Al Ain primarily influence local transport and internal traffic.

Authorities advise residents and visitors during the affected period to:

Plan ahead and leave earlier.

Use real-time traffic apps (like Google Maps, Waze) to avoid closed road sections.

Utilize public transportation where available to ease traffic load.

Follow posted road signs and construction warnings.

What’s Behind These Changes?

The development of UAE’s transportation infrastructure is ongoing and a high-priority area. The current restrictions aim to improve the long-term capacity, safety, and efficiency of the roadways. To avoid busier times, work is typically scheduled for weekends and nighttime hours. During the closures, intensive machine and manual work takes place, including road resurfacing, lighting, and traffic control system enhancements, as well as new lane constructions.

What Alternative Routes Are Available?

In case of the Emirates Road (E611) closure, the following routes might offer reasonable alternatives:

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) - a parallel highway also connecting Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain Road (E66) - particularly beneficial for those starting near Al Ain heading towards Dubai.

Al Faya – Sweihan – Abu Dhabi Route – primarily a detour option for those in agricultural areas.

However, it's important to note that these routes could also become overloaded during the closures, so all commuters are advised to check in advance and be flexible with route planning.

What Can We Expect in the Future?

The Ministry of Transport in the UAE and mobility authorities of the emirates will continue investments aimed at developing the infrastructure. This might include:

The creation of new junctions,

Expanding highways,

Installing intelligent traffic control systems,

Expanding public transportation, including tram lines and bus networks.

All these contribute to making transportation smoother, more sustainable, and safer in the long term—even if it involves temporary inconveniences.

Summary

The road closures scheduled from August 16 to 18 may cause temporary difficulties for commuters, but they serve the long-term benefit of improving the road network. Emirates Road, Sweihan Road, and several junctions in Al Ain are affected, so it's wise to stay informed on current traffic news and plan accordingly. Those who can, are advised to opt for public transport or alternative routes to minimize time loss.

(Source of the article: Dubai Police statement.)