Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has confirmed the temporary closure of the Emirates Road exit towards Abu Dhabi. The exit, accessed from Dubai–Al Ain Road, will remain closed while improvement works are carried out by Dubai Municipality.
Along with the exit closure, one lane for vehicles coming from Dubai will also be affected. The partial disruption is part of ongoing maintenance designed to improve safety standards and ease traffic flow along this key highway.
#RTA informs you of the closure of the Emirates Road exit towards Abu Dhabi for those coming from Dubai – Al Ain Road, and the closure of one lane for traffic coming from Dubai, in conjunction with road works carried out by Dubai Municipality. Please plan your journey in advance…
— RTA (@rta_dubai) September 1, 2025
Purpose of the roadworks
The Emirates Road upgrade is in its final stage, with work being completed across multiple sections of the route. Maintenance teams are resurfacing lanes, repairing cracks, and enhancing junctions to create a smoother and safer driving experience.
The project is part of Dubai’s wider infrastructure improvement plan, which focuses on reducing travel times, supporting inter-emirate connectivity, and improving overall road efficiency.
Guidance for motorists
Authorities have advised commuters to:
- Allow additional travel time during peak hours.
- Use alternative routes where possible.
- Follow temporary road signs and diversions for a safer journey.
The RTA has also thanked drivers for their patience and cooperation, stressing that short-term closures are essential for long-term improvements.
The Emirates Road upgrade is crucial

Emirates Road is one of the UAE’s most important highways, linking Dubai with Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and the Northern Emirates. Every day, thousands of commuters and heavy vehicles use this route to move between emirates, making it a lifeline for both business and personal travel.
In recent years, rising traffic volumes have highlighted the need for upgrades. The upgrades aim to fix damage and prepare the highway for future traffic.
Long-term benefits for commuters
Once completed, the Emirates Road improvement works are expected to:
- Reduce congestion during peak travel times.
- Shorten average journey times between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Enhance road safety by improving surface conditions and expanding merging distances.
- Support the freight and logistics sectors, ensuring faster and safer transport of goods across the UAE.
The upgrades also tie into Dubai’s broader road and transport strategies, which aim to accommodate population growth, improve public safety, and keep the city’s transport infrastructure aligned with international standards.
Impact on daily travel
While the closure is temporary, it does affect many regular commuters who depend on Emirates Road for their daily journeys. Drivers heading from the Dubai–Al Ain Road towards Abu Dhabi may face slight delays or be required to take alternative exits.
To minimize disruption, authorities have strategically scheduled maintenance work, phasing closures, and planning weekend activity to reduce weekday pressure. They have assured the public that crews are carrying out all works as efficiently as possible, working extended hours to complete tasks quickly.
For motorists, the best approach is to check routes in advance, leave earlier than usual, and stay updated through RTA’s official communication channels.
Part of Dubai’s wider road network improvements
The Emirates Road works are one element of a much larger road infrastructure programme underway across Dubai. The RTA recently confirmed multiple upgrades across 40 different locations in the city, including junction enhancements, improved service roads, and new lanes designed to ease traffic pressure.
These projects collectively form part of Dubai’s transport master plan, which places strong emphasis on building resilient infrastructure, reducing congestion, and supporting sustainable mobility.
RTA’s call for cooperation
The RTA continues to urge motorists to remain patient and cooperative. The authority has reminded the public that safety remains its top priority and that these measures are essential to ensure the Emirates Road remains a reliable route for years to come.
In its latest statement, the RTA also thanked drivers for following diversion signs, adjusting travel schedules, and showing understanding during this critical phase of road maintenance.
Dubai’s temporary closure of the Emirates Road exit to Abu Dhabi is part of a much larger vision for safer, faster, and more efficient road travel across the city. While commuters may face some short-term inconvenience, the works are paving the way for long-term benefits, including shorter travel times and improved safety standards.
Motorists are encouraged to plan journeys wisely, allocate extra time, and remain alert to traffic updates. Once completed, these improvements will strengthen Dubai’s position as a city with world-class infrastructure that keeps pace with its growth and ambitions.
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