UAE's Bold Road Safety Overhaul 2025

New Speed Limits for 2025 – Key Highway Changes Implemented

In the United Arab Emirates, significant speed limit changes have been enforced in 2025 to enhance road safety and ensure the smooth flow of traffic. With residents spending hours on the roads daily, knowing these updated rules is essential to avoid fines and black points.

The modifications aim not only to enhance traffic safety but also to streamline road transportation. Below, we present the four main road sections where new speed limits are in effect—this includes the abolition of the minimum speed limit in the far left lane, a relief to many.

1. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road (E311) – Minimum Speed Cancelled

From April 14, 2025, Abu Dhabi authorities abolished the previously enforced 120 km/h minimum speed limit on the far left lane of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Road (E311). Previously, travelling below this limit incurred a 400 dirham fine. As part of the new regulations, the road markings indicating this minimum limit have been removed.

The modification primarily aims to facilitate the movement of heavy vehicles and ease the burden on drivers who found the mandatory minimum pace challenging. However, the maximum speed limit remains at 140 km/h on this road section.

2. E20 (International Airport Road) – Speed Reduction

Also, from April 14, the speed limit on E20, commonly known as International Airport Road, has changed. The previous 120 km/h limit has been reduced to 100 km/h, marking a 20 km/h decrease.

The new regulation aims to enhance the road's safety and better align with the local traffic conditions. Violators here also face fines and black points, making compliance with the updated speed limits critical.

3. E11 (Sheikh Zayed Road) – New Speed Limit 140 km/h

The E11, the longest route in the UAE—which connects Abu Dhabi to Dubai and passes through the emirates of Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah—also received a new speed limit.

The previous limit of 160 km/h has been reduced to 140 km/h, effective from April 14, 2025. According to the transport authorities, this decision was made to enhance traffic safety, considering the increasing number of residential areas along the road and dense vehicle traffic.

Within Dubai city, the E11 road section is known as Sheikh Zayed Road and is one of the city's busiest and most well-known main routes.

4. Ras Al Khaimah – Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Street

In January 2025, authorities in the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah reduced the speed limit on a key section of Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Street. From Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Roundabout (Al Riffa) to the Al Marjan Island Roundabout, the former 100 km/h speed limit was lowered to 80 km/h.

The decision became effective on January 17 to reduce the number of accidents arising from speeding. Accordingly, the radar-enforced speed limit was adjusted: the new value is 101 km/h, compared to the previous 121 km/h.

Summary

The introduction of new speed limits clearly shows that the UAE takes road safety and the continuous modernization of regulations seriously. For those driving, it's crucial to be aware of these changes—particularly the abolition of the E311's minimum speed limit and the reduced speeds of the E11, E20, and Ras Al Khaimah road sections.

(The source of this article is the Dubai Police announcement.)