Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a new 100km/h speed limit on part of E311, replacing the existing 120km/h limit on the affected stretch. The change starts on Monday, September 14, 2026, and applies to traffic travelling in both directions. Drivers using the road should follow the new signs and adjust their speed accordingly.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Road (E311), Abu Dhabi
- Organisation: Abu Dhabi Mobility
- Status: New 100km/h limit starts September 14, 2026
- Who is affected: Drivers using the designated E311 section
- Business impact: Possible changes to journey times for commuters and commercial road users
- What’s next: Motorists should follow the revised speed limit and updated road signage
Drivers on a section of E311 in Abu Dhabi will need to slow down from Monday, September 14, 2026, as Abu Dhabi Mobility reduces the maximum permitted speed from 120km/h to 100km/h. The change applies in both directions on the designated part of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Road, covering the approaches around Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street. Motorists should check the road signs and adjust their speed as soon as the new limit comes into effect.
Where will the new E311 speed limit apply?
The new speed limit does not apply to the entire E311 across Abu Dhabi.
According to Abu Dhabi Mobility, the change covers a specific section of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Road between the approaches around Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street.
The maximum permitted speed on this designated stretch will fall to 100km/h, compared with the previous 120km/h limit.
The revised limit applies to vehicles travelling in both directions.
For drivers, the main change is straightforward: vehicles using the affected section must stay within the newly posted 100km/h limit once the change takes effect.
When does the 100km/h limit start?
The new speed limit comes into effect on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Abu Dhabi Mobility has reminded motorists to follow the updated speed-limit signs and other traffic instructions along the road.
Drivers who regularly use E311 for commuting should be particularly mindful of the change from the first day of implementation. The road is an important connection for people travelling around Abu Dhabi, so motorists may need to adjust their usual driving speed on this part of their route.
The authority has not publicly attributed the change to a specific incident in the information currently available, so drivers should rely on the official signs and announced limit rather than assumptions about the reason behind the adjustment.
Another Abu Dhabi road change affects E11
The E311 speed-limit update comes alongside a separate temporary traffic measure announced for Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street (E11).
Abu Dhabi Mobility announced the temporary closure of the two left-hand lanes heading towards Al Shahama.
The closure began at 12am on Sunday, September 13, and was scheduled to continue until 5am on Monday, September 14.
This means drivers using the route during the affected period need to pay attention to the temporary road layout and allow additional time where necessary.
Although the E11 lane closure and E311 speed-limit reduction affect different roads and have different timings, both updates are relevant to motorists travelling around Abu Dhabi during the weekend and start of the working week.
How is Abu Dhabi improving traffic management?
The latest road update is part of a wider push towards more data-led traffic management across Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Mobility uses traffic monitoring and intelligent transport systems to manage vehicle movement, monitor road conditions and improve the efficiency of the road network.
The authority has also introduced smart traffic-management measures at selected locations. These include systems designed to regulate vehicle flow at road entrances based on real-time traffic conditions.
In recent years, Abu Dhabi has continued investing in technology-led mobility solutions as the emirate manages growing demand on its road network.
The Darb toll system is another part of the emirate’s wider transport infrastructure. Abu Dhabi Mobility added two new toll gates in 2026, expanding the network used to manage traffic movement on key routes.
These developments show how road management in the emirate increasingly combines physical infrastructure, traffic monitoring, digital systems and road regulations.
What does the E311 change mean for commuters?
For most drivers, the immediate change is simply the lower maximum speed.
However, people who use the affected section regularly may notice a difference in their usual journey patterns. Drivers travelling at the previous 120km/h limit will need to reduce their speed to comply with the new restriction.
The practical impact on journey times will depend on the driver’s starting point, destination, traffic conditions and the amount of time spent on the affected stretch.
Commercial drivers, delivery vehicles and commuters who use E311 frequently should also make sure their planned routes and travel schedules take the revised limit into account.
The most important step is to follow the posted speed limit rather than relying on older information or familiar driving habits.
The change matters because E311 is an important road for people travelling around Abu Dhabi, and even a change on one section can affect regular commuters, commercial drivers and other road users.
Residents and visitors should watch for the updated signs from September 14 and avoid assuming that the previous 120km/h limit still applies.
The latest announcement also highlights the importance of checking Abu Dhabi Mobility’s traffic updates before travelling, particularly when temporary lane closures or road changes are in place.
For drivers, there is no complicated adjustment required: the affected E311 section will have a new maximum speed of 100km/h from Monday.
FAQs
What is the new speed limit on E311 in Abu Dhabi?
The speed limit on the designated section of E311 will be reduced from 120km/h to 100km/h from September 14, 2026.
When will the new E311 speed limit start?
The new 100km/h speed limit takes effect on Monday, September 14, 2026.
Does the new speed limit apply to all of E311?
No. The change applies to the specified section of E311 around the approaches to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street.
Does the new E311 limit apply in both directions?
Yes. Abu Dhabi Mobility said the revised speed limit applies to traffic travelling in both directions on the affected section.
Are there other road changes in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. A separate temporary lane closure was announced on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Street (E11), affecting two left-hand lanes towards Al Shahama from September 13 to September 14.
Drivers using the affected section of E311 in Abu Dhabi should prepare for the new 100km/h speed limit from September 14. The change applies in both directions, and motorists should follow the updated road signs when travelling through the area.
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