In a move aimed at making roads safer and reducing accident rates, Abu Dhabi Mobility has officially announced new speed limits for two of the emirate’s busiest highways. Starting April 14, 2025, authorities will lower the speed cap on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road (E11) to 140 km/h and on Abu Dhabi-Sweihan Road (E20) to 100 km/h.
The decision comes as part of the emirate’s broader initiative to enhance road safety and improve driver behaviour across the capital.
Why the Change? The Push for Safer Roads
Abu Dhabi has been consistently working to reduce road traffic fatalities, and speed regulation plays a critical role in achieving that goal. According to official figures and global studies, high-speed driving significantly increases the risk and severity of road accidents.
The recent update reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to its Vision Zero strategy, a global road safety framework that aims to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and serious injuries. Officials hope that by reducing the speed limits on these high-traffic routes, the overall number of accidents—particularly those caused by excessive speed—will decline.
Which Roads Are Affected?
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— ?????? ?????? | AD Mobility (@ad_mobility) April 9, 2025
????? ?????? ??? ???? ?????? – ?????? E20 ?? 120 ??? 100 ?? / ???? ??????? ?? ????? 14 ????? 2025. pic.twitter.com/Y9EpDAQQkF
— ?????? ?????? | AD Mobility (@ad_mobility) April 9, 2025
Here’s what drivers need to know about the new speed limits taking effect on April 14:
- Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road (E11):
- Old Limit: 160 km/h
- New Limit: 140 km/h
- Stretch Affected: Applies to segments within Abu Dhabi emirate boundaries
- Abu Dhabi–Sweihan Road (E20):
- Old Limit: 120 km/h
- New Limit: 100 km/h
- Stretch Affected: Applies to the entire route under Abu Dhabi’s jurisdiction
Motorists should adjust their driving habits to match the new speed limits.
What Authorities Are Saying
Abu Dhabi Police and Abu Dhabi Mobility have both urged drivers to stay updated on the changes and follow posted speed limits to ensure public safety. Enforcement will begin on April 14, with violations likely to attract penalties under the UAE’s federal traffic laws.
A spokesperson from Abu Dhabi Mobility emphasized:
“Speeding is a leading cause of road fatalities, and these new speed limits are designed to protect lives. We encourage all drivers to comply with the regulations for their own safety and that of others on the road.”
Speed and Safety: A Delicate Balance
Experts often point out that a 10–20 km/h reduction in speed limits can have a dramatic impact on road safety. According to the World Health Organization, pedestrians have an 80% chance of dying when hit by a car at 50 km/h, compared to just 10% at 30 km/h. These figures mainly apply to urban areas, but high-speed zones also follow the same logic, where even small speed reductions save lives.
The new caps on E11 and E20 are designed to give drivers more reaction time and reduce the severity of crashes when they occur. It also aligns with international best practices for motorway and intercity highway speed regulations.
A Step in the Right Direction
Abu Dhabi has made tremendous progress in road infrastructure over the years, often being recognized as one of the safest emirates to drive in across the UAE. However, speeding remains a persistent issue. In 2024 alone, a significant percentage of road accidents in Abu Dhabi were attributed to speed violations.
By adjusting the limits, the government aims to balance efficient travel with the growing need for safety. The new rules are expected to have a positive long-term impact on accident rates and driver behavior.
What Motorists Should Do Now
With the April 14 deadline approaching fast, drivers should:
- Check signage frequently, especially on E11 and E20
- Adjust GPS settings to avoid speed limit alerts based on outdated data
- Drive cautiously, particularly during transition weeks when some may still be unaware of the change
- Stay updated through official announcements from Abu Dhabi Police and Abu Dhabi Mobility
Drivers should also keep in mind that while speed buffer policies may allow a small margin over the limit, enforcement can vary and ignorance won’t be an excuse once the new limits are live.
It’s Not Just About the Law—It’s About Lives
As Abu Dhabi continues to grow and modernize, its road network must evolve with it. These changes are not just about limiting speed—they’re about saving lives. With two of the emirate’s major highways seeing a shift in regulations, it’s a timely reminder for all drivers to put safety first.
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