Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police will introduce truck movement restrictions across several roads and areas in Dubai from October 1, 2026. The rules include round-the-clock restrictions on selected roads, 16-hour daily restrictions on others and three peak-hour windows on urban roads. Emirates Road is exempt from this latest decision.
The measures are aimed at improving traffic flow, reducing congestion and supporting road safety while allowing the logistics sector to continue moving goods across the emirate.
- Location: Key roads and areas across Dubai
- Organisations: RTA and Dubai Police
- Effective: October 1, 2026
- Who is affected: Truck drivers, transport companies, freight operators and truck owners
- Business impact: Companies will need to plan routes and delivery schedules around restricted hours
- What’s next: Awareness campaigns, alternative routes and expanded truck rest facilities
Dubai will introduce new truck movement restrictions from October 1, 2026, covering several major roads, urban streets and residential areas across the emirate. The Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Police said the measures are designed to improve traffic flow, reduce journey times and strengthen road safety.
The restrictions vary by location. Some roads will have truck bans throughout the day, while others will have restrictions from 6 am to 10 pm or during three daily peak periods. Emirates Road will remain exempt from the new October 1 decision.
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Which Dubai roads will have truck restrictions from October?
The restrictions will differ depending on the road and traffic conditions.
Al Qudra Street, Al Meydan Street, all crossings and Airport Tunnel will be subject to round-the-clock truck movement restrictions.
A 16-hour restriction, from 6 am to 10 pm, will apply to Sheikh Zayed Road and Beirut Street, as well as residential areas including Al Mizhar, Muhaisnah and Oud Al Muteena.
Meanwhile, urban roads including Airport Street, Oman Street and Damascus Street will have restrictions during three daily peak periods:
- 6:30am to 8:30am
- 1pm to 3pm
- 5:30 pm to 8 pm
RTA said the timings have been set according to the traffic corridor, location and congestion levels.
Is Emirates Road included in the new truck ban?
No. Emirates Road is exempt from the October 1, 2026 decision.
This is particularly relevant for freight and logistics operators because Emirates Road has previously been subject to separate truck restrictions. RTA introduced an evening restriction on the road towards Sharjah from January 2025 as part of its efforts to manage peak-hour traffic.
RTA later reported that traffic incidents on the affected corridors fell to 37 in 2025 from 75 in 2024, while average vehicle speeds increased following the restrictions. The authority said the measures were based on traffic volumes, incident data and technical studies of the road network.
The latest October announcement, however, specifically states that Emirates Road is excluded.
What do the restrictions mean for truck drivers and companies?
Truck drivers and freight companies will need to plan journeys around the applicable restriction periods and use permitted alternative routes.
RTA and Dubai Police are launching an awareness campaign to inform truck drivers, transport and freight companies and truck owners about the new timings and available routes.
RTA has also advised drivers to use designated truck rest areas during restricted periods instead of stopping on main roads, residential streets or unauthorised parking areas.
For essential operations that require a truck to travel during a restricted period, companies can apply for the Mobility Permit for Heavy Vehicles in Banned Times and Roads through RTA’s Right-of-Way Department.
This means businesses handling deliveries, freight and other commercial transport will need to factor the restrictions into route planning and delivery schedules from October.
Dubai is expanding truck rest areas to support the restrictions
The new restrictions come alongside a wider expansion of Dubai’s truck infrastructure.
RTA said it has completed 14 of 16 truck rest stops across six strategic locations. These facilities are positioned near major roads and logistics areas where truck movements are high.
In July 2026, RTA announced the addition of 364 parking spaces across seven truck rest stops, taking the total capacity at those facilities to 1,007 truck parking spaces. The authority described the expansion as a 56% increase in its July announcement.
The rest-stop network is intended to give drivers designated places to wait during restricted periods. Facilities include rest and accommodation areas, prayer rooms, restaurants, retail outlets, fuel stations and vehicle maintenance services.
RTA said more than 150,000 trucks use Dubai’s rest stops every month, while the emirate records around 400,000 truck journeys every day.
The authority is also working with the private sector on additional permanent rest areas. In April 2026, RTA announced three integrated truck rest areas with a combined capacity for 490 trucks and heavy vehicles.
For Dubai residents, the restrictions are expected to change when and where heavy vehicles can use some of the emirate’s busy roads.
The main focus is managing the overlap between heavy vehicles and other traffic during busy periods. For logistics operators, the change means more careful route and delivery planning.
The measures also form part of Dubai’s wider investment in transport and logistics infrastructure. With hundreds of thousands of truck journeys taking place daily, designated rest facilities and planned movement windows are increasingly important for keeping freight moving while managing congestion.
RTA has said the restrictions are being implemented with consideration for the commercial transport and logistics sector, with alternative routes and rest areas available to support operations.
FAQs
When will Dubai’s new truck restrictions start?
The new truck movement restrictions will take effect across specified roads and areas of Dubai from October 1, 2026.
Is Emirates Road affected by the October 1 truck restrictions?
No. Emirates Road is specifically exempt from the latest October 1 decision announced by RTA and Dubai Police.
Which Dubai roads have 24-hour truck restrictions?
Al Qudra Street, Al Meydan Street, all crossings and Airport Tunnel are among the locations subject to round-the-clock truck movement restrictions.
What are the peak-hour truck restriction timings?
On roads including Airport Street, Oman Street and Damascus Street, restrictions apply from 6:30 am to 8:30 am, 1 pm to 3 pm and 5:30 pm to 8 pm.
Can trucks travel during restricted hours?
Companies with essential operations requiring movement during restricted periods can apply for the relevant Mobility Permit for Heavy Vehicles in Banned Times and Roads through RTA.
Dubai’s new truck movement restrictions will take effect from October 1, covering key roads and urban areas with different restrictions based on traffic conditions. At the same time, RTA is expanding truck rest facilities and alternative arrangements to support the freight sector.
Truck drivers and transport companies should check their routes, plan journeys around the applicable timings and use designated rest areas where required.
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