Quick answer
- Abu Dhabi Mobility is closing the Etisalat Underpass on Khalid Bin Sultan Street in Al Ain in two stages between 10 and 18 October 2026.
- Stage one of the Etisalat Underpass closure is listed from Saturday 10 to Wednesday 14 October 2026, 12:00am to 11:30pm.
- Stage two of the Etisalat Underpass closure is listed from Wednesday 14 to Sunday 18 October 2026, 11:30pm to 5:00am.
- The two right lanes of Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street in Al Ain are closed from 11:45pm on Friday 9 October to 6:00am on Monday 12 October 2026.
Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced two road closures in Al Ain: a staged closure of the Etisalat Underpass on Khalid Bin Sultan Street until 18 October, and the closure of two lanes on Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street until 12 October. Drivers using either road should expect delays and follow the diversion signs.
Two new Al Ain road closures are in place this week. Abu Dhabi Mobility, the Integrated Transport Centre, published both traffic notices on 9 October 2026, working with Abu Dhabi Police and Al Ain City Municipality. One affects the Etisalat Underpass on Khalid Bin Sultan Street, and the other affects Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street.
What Abu Dhabi Mobility announced
In its first notice, Abu Dhabi Mobility said the Etisalat Underpass on Khalid Bin Sultan Street in Al Ain will close in stages. The map it shared marks stage one and stage two in different colours along Khalid Bin Sultan Street, so the section affected changes between the two stages.
In a second notice, it announced a partial closure on Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street in Al Ain, where the two right lanes are closed for the weekend. The remaining lanes stay open, so traffic can still use the road, but with less space.
Al Ain road closures: key dates and times
| Road | What is closed | From | Until | Hours listed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khalid Bin Sultan Street (Etisalat Underpass) | Underpass, stage one | Saturday 10 October 2026 | Wednesday 14 October 2026 | 12:00am to 11:30pm |
| Khalid Bin Sultan Street (Etisalat Underpass) | Underpass, stage two | Wednesday 14 October 2026 | Sunday 18 October 2026 | 11:30pm to 5:00am |
| Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street | Two right lanes (partial closure) | Friday 9 October 2026, 11:45pm | Monday 12 October 2026, 6:00am | Continuous |
The times above are exactly as Abu Dhabi Mobility listed them. If you are unsure whether the underpass is open at a particular hour, follow the signs at the approach and allow for a detour.
What it means for drivers
The Etisalat Underpass closure is the longer of the two and runs for nine days in total, from 10 to 18 October. Drivers who normally use the underpass to pass under the junction on Khalid Bin Sultan Street should expect to be diverted to the surface roads while the work is under way, and to meet slower traffic around the closure.
Stage two is listed with overnight hours, from 11:30pm to 5:00am, which suggests the busiest daytime traffic will be less affected in the second half of the works. Even so, late evening and early morning commuters, delivery drivers and shift workers should plan for it.
On Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street, losing the two right lanes means merging earlier and a narrower road through the work zone. The closure covers the weekend and ends at 6:00am on Monday 12 October, before the start of the working week.
Practical tips for driving in Al Ain this week
- Check the timings before you leave. Use the table above and Abu Dhabi Mobility’s notices to see which stage of the underpass closure is in force.
- Follow the diversion signs and instructions from police on site, even if your navigation app suggests another route.
- Merge early on Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street. Move out of the right lanes well before the work zone instead of cutting in at the last moment.
- Slow down near the works. Road crews and equipment may be close to live lanes, especially at night.
- Leave extra time for school runs and the commute, particularly during stage one of the underpass closure.
Drivers in Abu Dhabi should also take care when reversing in traffic. Read our story on the Abu Dhabi reversing fine, which carries Dh500 and 4 black points. For closures across the country, see our UAE road closures tracker, which lists current official closures in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
FAQs
Which roads are closed in Al Ain this week?
Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a staged closure of the Etisalat Underpass on Khalid Bin Sultan Street and a closure of the two right lanes on Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street. Both are in Al Ain and were announced on 9 October 2026.
When will the Etisalat Underpass in Al Ain reopen?
Abu Dhabi Mobility listed the second stage of the closure as running from Wednesday 14 October to Sunday 18 October 2026, 11:30pm to 5:00am. Drivers should follow the signs on site and check Abu Dhabi Mobility for any change to these dates.
Is Shakhbout Bin Sultan Street fully closed?
No. Abu Dhabi Mobility described it as a partial closure of the two right lanes. The closure runs from 11:45pm on Friday 9 October to 6:00am on Monday 12 October 2026.
Who announced the Al Ain road closures?
The closures were announced by Abu Dhabi Mobility, the Integrated Transport Centre, which tagged Abu Dhabi Police and Al Ain City Municipality in both notices.
Where can I check other UAE road closures?
Our UAE road closures tracker lists current official closures and diversions in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah. Abu Dhabi Mobility also posts traffic notices on its official social media accounts.
More for drivers: UAE Driving Guide
