Quick answer
- Dubai’s RTA is closing three lanes on Emirates Road (E611) opposite Al Maktoum International Airport, plus the whole Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel in both directions.
- The Al Maktoum Airport Tunnel closure runs every day from Monday 26 October to Saturday 31 October 2026.
- The closures apply from 9am to 4pm each day, so early morning and evening trips are not affected.
- The RTA says the roads are being used for highway tests by autonomous (self-driving) taxi companies, and asks drivers to plan ahead and follow road signs.
The Roads and Transport Authority has announced an Al Maktoum Airport Tunnel closure in both directions, together with three closed lanes on Emirates Road (E611) next to the airport, from 26 to 31 October 2026 between 9am and 4pm. Anyone driving around Dubai South and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) during the day this week should allow extra time or plan a different route.
What the RTA announced
In an official traffic notice published on 25 October, the RTA said it will close three lanes on Emirates Road (E611) at the section opposite Al Maktoum International Airport. At the same time, the Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel will be shut completely, for traffic heading in both directions.
The restrictions are temporary and run for six days, from Monday 26 October to Saturday 31 October 2026. They are in place only between 9am and 4pm each day. Outside those hours, the lanes and the tunnel are expected to operate as normal.
According to the authority, the closures are needed so that companies running autonomous taxis can carry out tests on a highway. The RTA’s Arabic notice gives the same dates and hours and urges motorists to plan their journeys in advance and follow the guidance signs on the road.
Al Maktoum Airport Tunnel closure: key dates and times
| Day | Date | Closure hours | What is closed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 26 October 2026 | 9am to 4pm | 3 lanes on E611 and full tunnel |
| Tuesday | 27 October 2026 | 9am to 4pm | 3 lanes on E611 and full tunnel |
| Wednesday | 28 October 2026 | 9am to 4pm | 3 lanes on E611 and full tunnel |
| Thursday | 29 October 2026 | 9am to 4pm | 3 lanes on E611 and full tunnel |
| Friday | 30 October 2026 | 9am to 4pm | 3 lanes on E611 and full tunnel |
| Saturday | 31 October 2026 | 9am to 4pm | 3 lanes on E611 and full tunnel |
| Location | Restriction | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates Road (E611), opposite Al Maktoum International Airport | 3 lanes closed | Not specified by the RTA |
| Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel | Fully closed | Both directions |
We are tracking this and every other major closure in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah on our Dubai road closures tracker, which is updated as new official notices are issued.
What it means for drivers
Emirates Road is one of the main routes linking the southern edge of Dubai with the rest of the city and the northern emirates, so losing three lanes during the working day is likely to slow traffic on this stretch. Drivers who normally use the airport tunnel to reach Al Maktoum International Airport or the surrounding Dubai South area will need to use another way in while it is closed.
The timing works in favour of most commuters. Because the closures start at 9am and end at 4pm, the usual morning rush before 9am and much of the evening return should not be touched. The people most affected will be those making daytime trips: delivery and logistics drivers, airport staff on day shifts, visitors heading to DWC, and anyone travelling to meetings or appointments in the area.
The RTA has not published a specific diversion route in its notice. Instead it has asked motorists to follow the signs placed on site, so expect temporary signage, cones and possibly lane shifts as you approach the airport section of the E611.
Why autonomous taxis are being tested here
The RTA says this week’s closures are for highway testing by self-driving taxi operators. Highway runs test how an autonomous vehicle copes with higher speeds, merging and lane changes, which is a different challenge to the slower city streets where driverless rides are already running in parts of Dubai. If you want to know how those services work today, read our guide to booking a driverless taxi in Dubai on Uber.
Practical tips for the week
- Travel outside 9am to 4pm if you can. The closures only apply in this window, so an earlier or later trip avoids them completely.
- Check your navigation app before you leave. Live traffic maps should reflect the closed tunnel and reduced lanes once the restrictions start each morning.
- Leave extra time for airport trips. If you are dropping off or collecting someone at Al Maktoum International Airport during the day, build in a buffer.
- Follow the signs on site. The RTA has asked drivers to obey the guidance signs, which will show the open lanes and any temporary routing.
- Keep your distance from test vehicles. You may see autonomous taxis on the road nearby. Drive normally, avoid sudden lane changes around them and do not stop to take photos.
FAQs
When is the Al Maktoum Airport Tunnel closed?
The tunnel is closed every day from Monday 26 October to Saturday 31 October 2026. Each day the closure runs from 9am to 4pm, according to the RTA.
Is the tunnel closed in both directions?
Yes. The RTA says the Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel will be fully closed in both directions during the closure hours. Outside 9am to 4pm it is expected to be open as usual.
How many lanes are closed on Emirates Road (E611)?
Three lanes are closed on Emirates Road (E611) at the section opposite Al Maktoum International Airport. The rest of the carriageway stays open, but drivers should expect slower traffic through this stretch during the day.
Why are the roads being closed?
The RTA says the closures allow autonomous taxi companies to carry out highway tests. The restrictions are temporary and limited to six days.
Is there an official diversion route?
The RTA has not named a specific diversion in its notice. It has asked motorists to plan their trips in advance and follow the guidance signs on the road to reach their destinations.
More for drivers: UAE Driving Guide
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