Motorists travelling across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah during the October 30 to November 1 weekend faced several traffic changes, including temporary road closures, lane restrictions, revised Salik charges and updated speed limits. Dubai Ride 2026 also affected access to key roads, parking facilities and public transport services, requiring residents and visitors to plan their journeys in advance.
The latest UAE traffic updates this weekend included extended Dubai Metro operating hours, designated parking arrangements for cycling event participants and overnight restrictions on Emirates Road between Dubai and Sharjah. Abu Dhabi also announced temporary closures on important routes, while five Dubai roads received revised speed limits from November 1.
Here is a breakdown of the major traffic changes, toll charges and travel arrangements covered in the latest UAE road news.
Dubai Traffic Updates: Salik Changes on November 1
One of the major Dubai traffic updates concerned variable Salik toll charges on Sunday, November 1, during Dubai Ride 2026. Motorists passing through Salik gates were required to pay according to the applicable time-based rates.
However, the event arrangements changed the usual Sunday toll schedule. The Dh6 peak-hour rate applied only during the morning period, while the evening peak period remained at Dh4.
The announced Salik charges were:
| Time | Salik charge |
| 6am to 10am | Dh6 |
| 10am to 4pm | Dh4 |
| 4pm to 8pm | Dh4 |
| 8pm to 1am | Dh4 |
| 1am to 6am | Free |
A 5% VAT applied to toll transactions. Motorists were advised to check their travel timings and Salik account balances before using toll roads.
These event-specific arrangements should not be confused with the regular variable toll schedule on other days. Drivers should always check the applicable rates before travelling.
Dubai Metro Timings Extended for Dubai Ride 2026
To help participants and spectators reach Dubai Ride, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) introduced extended Metro operating hours.
On Sunday, November 1, Dubai Metro services began at 3am, earlier than the usual Sunday operating schedule. The announced round-trip Metro fare was Dh30.
The extended service was intended to make it easier for cyclists and visitors to reach the event without relying entirely on private vehicles.
Passengers were advised to:
- Check their nol Card balance before travelling.
- Confirm their nearest Metro station and event starting gate.
- Allow additional time for station access and event arrangements.
- Follow RTA announcements for service information.
Using public transport was a practical alternative for visitors travelling towards Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai, where traffic restrictions were expected.
UAE Parking Rules: Where to Park for Dubai Ride
Parking arrangements were another important part of the weekend travel updates. The RTA identified three main parking facilities for Dubai Ride participants: Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai Mall and Zabeel.
The recommended parking locations varied depending on the event’s starting gates.
| Dubai Ride starting gate | Parking arrangement |
| Gate A – Museum of the Future | Dubai World Trade Centre parking |
| Gate B – Al Satwa | No dedicated parking; cycling to and from the event was advised |
| Gate C – Coca-Cola Arena | Nearby RTA parking |
| Gate D – Business Bay | No dedicated parking; cycling to and from the event was advised |
| Gate E – Lower Financial Centre Street | Dubai Mall Cinema and Fashion parking |
| Gate F – Dubai Mall | Dubai Mall Cinema and Fashion parking |
Additional parking options were available through Parkin and Parkonic.
Parkin facilities included:
- City Walk Barrierless Parking
- 336AP Trade Centre Second
- 335AP Trade Centre First
Parkonic facilities included:
- Dubai Opera
- Souk Al Bahar
- Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai
Parking availability depended on the facilities and their respective terms and conditions. Participants were encouraged to arrive early and leave enough time to reach their registered starting gates.
Dubai Road Closures for Dubai Ride 2026
Dubai Ride brought temporary traffic restrictions to Sheikh Zayed Road and surrounding areas on Sunday, November 1. The event involved cycling routes through Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai, affecting motorists travelling through these locations.
The key event timings were:
| Event detail | Schedule |
| Date | Sunday, November 1 |
| Route opening | 6.15am |
| Latest starting time | 7.30am |
| Route closure | 8am |
| Main locations | Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai |
Participants could choose between a 12km route along Sheikh Zayed Road and a 4km family-friendly route through Downtown Dubai. Registration was compulsory, although participation was free.
Participants could choose between a 12km route along Sheikh Zayed Road and a 4km family-friendly route through Downtown Dubai. Registration was compulsory, although participation was free.
New Speed Limits on Five Dubai Roads from November 1
Another significant development in the UAE traffic updates this weekend was the introduction of revised speed limits on five Dubai roads from November 1, 2026.
The RTA and Dubai Police confirmed that speed limits would increase on three roads and decrease on two. The changes applied to specified sections in both directions.
| Road | Previous speed limit | New speed limit |
| Al Asayel Street | 60km/h | 80km/h |
| Al Mustaqbal Street | 60km/h | 70km/h |
| Latifa bint Hamdan Street | 60km/h | 70km/h |
| Al Rebat Street | 100km/h | 90km/h |
| Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street | 80km/h | 70km/h |
The RTA confirmed that speed limit signs would be updated and speed cameras reprogrammed to reflect the new limits.
Drivers should pay close attention to road signs rather than relying on previously familiar speed limits. This is particularly important on Al Rebat Street and Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, where the permitted speeds were reduced.
Dubai–Sharjah Traffic Updates: Emirates Road Overnight Closures
Motorists travelling between Dubai and Sharjah also faced overnight restrictions on Emirates Road (E611) because of ongoing Etihad Rail infrastructure work.
The closures affected the Dubai-to-Sharjah direction and were scheduled from October 30 to November 15, 2026.
| Detail | Information |
| Affected road | Emirates Road (E611) |
| Direction | Dubai towards Sharjah |
| Closure timings | 1am to 5am daily |
| Start date | October 30, 2026 |
| End date | November 15, 2026 |
| Affected areas | Maleha Street, Emirates Road and Sharjah Mosque area |
The four-hour overnight restrictions formed part of the ongoing work to expand the Etihad Rail passenger network.
Drivers using this route during the affected hours were advised to follow diversion signs and allow additional travel time. Since the restrictions continued beyond the November 1 weekend, motorists needed to consider them when planning journeys in the following days as well.
Abu Dhabi Road Closures and Lane Restrictions
Abu Dhabi Mobility announced several temporary road restrictions from October 30 to November 2, affecting major routes across the emirate.
The key changes included:
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11): The road near Al Mirfa towards Al Ghweifat in the Al Dhafra Region was scheduled for temporary closures on October 31 and November 1, from 6am to 9am. A further closure was announced for November 6, from 6.30am to 8.30am.
Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20): The right lanes in both directions, towards Abu Dhabi and Sweihan, were scheduled to close from midnight on October 31 until 6am on November 2.
Sheikh Zayed Bridge: The right lane towards Abu Dhabi was scheduled for closure during the same period, from midnight on October 31 until 6am on November 2.
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (E12): The right lane towards Saadiyat Island was scheduled to close from 2pm on October 30 until 6am on November 2.
Najm Suhail Street: The road in Mohamed Bin Zayed City was scheduled to close from 10pm on October 30 until 3am on November 2.
Truck movement restrictions also applied on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road towards Al Mirfa on October 31, between 6am and 9am.
ADIPEC 2026: Additional Traffic Restrictions in Abu Dhabi
Further restrictions were announced for Abu Dhabi Island during ADIPEC 2026, scheduled from November 2 to November 5.
Truck movements were restricted 24 hours a day, while labour buses faced restrictions between 6.30am and 8pm. Vehicles belonging to logistics and general cleaning companies were exempt from these restrictions.
A Park and Ride service was planned for event visitors, while parking at ADNEC was reserved for vehicles with valid permits.
Motorists travelling towards Abu Dhabi Island during the exhibition were advised to check the latest traffic instructions and consider alternative transport arrangements.
How Motorists Can Prepare for UAE Weekend Traffic Updates
With events, roadworks and temporary restrictions affecting several emirates, planning ahead can help drivers avoid unnecessary delays.
Here are some practical precautions:
- Check road closures: Review official RTA and Abu Dhabi Mobility announcements before starting your journey.
- Plan around Salik charges: Check applicable toll rates and consider whether changing your travel time could reduce costs.
- Follow revised speed limits: Pay attention to updated road signs, particularly on the five affected Dubai roads.
- Use public transport: Consider the Metro when travelling to busy event areas.
- Check parking availability: Confirm parking arrangements before heading to major events.
- Allow extra travel time: Build in additional time when travelling through construction zones or roads affected by diversions.
Conclusion
The weekend of October 30 to November 1 brought several important transport changes across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. From Dubai Ride road closures and special Salik arrangements to overnight Emirates Road restrictions and revised speed limits, motorists had multiple updates to consider before travelling.
Some restrictions, including the Emirates Road closures and Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road works, were scheduled to continue beyond the weekend. Checking official announcements and following road signs remain essential for safer and more predictable journeys.
For more UAE automotive news, traffic updates and road infrastructure developments, connect with Miss Auto UAE.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the major UAE traffic updates for the October 30 to November 1 weekend?
The main updates included Dubai Ride road closures, special Salik toll arrangements, extended Metro timings, parking changes, overnight Emirates Road restrictions and temporary lane closures in Abu Dhabi.
What were the Salik charges on November 1, 2026?
The announced rates were Dh6 from 6am to 10am, Dh4 from 10am to 4pm and 4pm to 8pm, Dh4 from 8pm to 1am, and free from 1am to 6am. A 5% VAT applied.
Which Dubai roads received new speed limits from November 1?
Al Asayel Street, Al Mustaqbal Street, Latifa bint Hamdan Street, Al Rebat Street and Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street received revised speed limits.
Was Emirates Road closed between Dubai and Sharjah?
Overnight restrictions affected the Dubai-to-Sharjah direction on Emirates Road (E611), from 1am to 5am daily between October 30 and November 15, 2026.
How can motorists check the latest Dubai traffic updates?
Motorists can follow official announcements from the RTA, Dubai Police and Abu Dhabi Mobility for road closures, diversions, speed limits, parking arrangements and public transport updates.
