Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility) has announced temporary road closures across key routes in the Al Dhafra Region to carry out essential maintenance and improvement works. The closures, which start from Wednesday, November 12, 2025, will affect parts of Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road (E45) in Madinat Zayed and Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11) heading towards Ghuweifat.
Motorists have been advised to drive with extra care, follow traffic signs, and use the alternative routes provided to ensure smoother traffic flow during the maintenance period.
What’s Happening
The first closure will take place on Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road (E45) in Madinat Zayed, where certain intersections will be partially closed from 12:00 a.m. on November 12 until 6:00 a.m. on November 13, 2025.
The affected areas include intersections near Sikkat Al Khayl Street and Obaid Bin Mariman Al Ameri Street. To ensure traffic continuity, AD Mobility has established detour routes that will redirect vehicles away from the construction zones without major disruptions.
Simultaneously, a partial right-lane closure will take place on Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road (E11) — the primary highway leading towards Ghuweifat, near the Saudi border. This closure begins at 12:00 a.m. on November 12 and will remain in effect until 6:00 a.m. on November 22, 2025.
The ongoing works are part of scheduled infrastructure maintenance efforts aimed at ensuring the roads remain safe, efficient, and durable under high traffic loads.
Necessity for closure
Routine maintenance is essential to keep the UAE’s transport network running efficiently. The Al Dhafra Region, being home to long stretches of intercity roads, often requires resurfacing, repainting, and infrastructure updates due to heavy commercial traffic and extreme desert conditions.
By scheduling these upgrades overnight, AD Mobility aims to minimize disruption for daily commuters and transport operators who rely on these roads during peak hours. The authority’s proactive maintenance approach reflects Abu Dhabi’s wider commitment to enhancing road safety and reducing accident risks caused by worn-out surfaces or outdated traffic layouts.
In addition, the planned closures are expected to support ongoing road improvement projects across the emirate that focus on sustainability, modern traffic management systems, and driver safety.
Timings, Locations, and Details
Here’s a quick summary of what motorists need to know:
- E45 (Sheikha Salama Bint Butti Road, Madinat Zayed):
Partial intersection closures near Sikkat Al Khayl Street and Obaid Bin Mariman Al Ameri Street.
Duration: From 12:00 a.m. on November 12 to 6:00 a.m. on November 13, 2025. - E11 (Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed International Road, heading towards Ghuweifat):
Partial right-lane closure for maintenance and improvement works.
Duration: From 12:00 a.m. on November 12 to 6:00 a.m. on November 22, 2025.
AD Mobility has deployed clear signboards and diversion maps to guide motorists safely through alternate routes. Drivers are encouraged to check for live updates through navigation systems before starting their journeys, especially for long-distance travel between Abu Dhabi city, Liwa, and Ghuweifat.
What Officials Said
According to AD Mobility, these closures are part of ongoing efforts to maintain road quality and ensure safety for all drivers. The authority urged motorists to stay alert and follow traffic regulations while traveling through the affected areas.
In its public announcement, AD Mobility emphasized:
“Motorists are urged to drive with caution, follow traffic signs, and use alternative routes where available to ensure safety for all road users.”
The department’s statement aligns with Abu Dhabi’s broader transport strategy to provide a seamless, sustainable, and safe mobility network. Regular maintenance not only improves travel comfort but also helps prevent long-term road damage and unexpected breakdowns.
Impact on Everyday Life in Al Dhafra and Beyond
While the closures are temporary, they may affect certain groups of road users more than others. For commuters in Madinat Zayed, local detours may result in slightly longer travel times, especially during morning and evening peak hours.
For freight operators and long-distance travelers heading towards the Saudi border via Ghuweifat, the partial lane closure on E11 could slow traffic flow, particularly for heavy vehicles. Logistics companies should plan deliveries and adjust schedules accordingly.
Despite the inconvenience, the works are expected to bring lasting benefits — smoother roads, safer intersections, and improved traffic efficiency once the upgrades are completed. This proactive approach also reflects Abu Dhabi’s ongoing investment in maintaining its road infrastructure to world-class standards.
Local Context
The Al Dhafra Region is one of Abu Dhabi’s largest and most significant areas, linking the capital with western towns and the Saudi border. The E11 and E45 routes are vital for tourism, trade, and community travel. By conducting timely maintenance, authorities ensure the region continues to support the UAE’s economic and transport needs without long-term disruptions.
Residents of Madinat Zayed, Liwa, and surrounding areas are encouraged to stay informed about closure timings and follow official advisories. These short-term closures are part of a broader plan to modernize Abu Dhabi’s road systems and improve safety for the thousands of vehicles that traverse these highways daily.
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