Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has completed 20km of road maintenance across five major routes as part of its annual preventive maintenance programme. The work covered Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road, Emirates Road, Lehbab Road, Dubai–Al Ain Road and Al Rebat Street. RTA used laser inspection technology and artificial intelligence to assess road conditions and identify damage. The completed works aim to maintain road quality, support traffic movement and improve safety for motorists.
- Location: Five major roads across Dubai
- Organisation: Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
- Status: 20km of maintenance completed on 3 November 2026
- Who is affected: Daily commuters, motorists and commercial vehicle operators
- Business impact: Supports road connectivity and the movement of people and goods
- What’s next: RTA will continue its preventive road inspection and maintenance programme
Which Dubai Roads Have Recently Undergone Maintenance?
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority has completed 20km of road maintenance across five major routes, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311) and Emirates Road (E611). The programme also covered Lehbab Road, Dubai–Al Ain Road and Al Rebat Street.
The work focused on slow lanes along major highways and formed part of RTA’s annual preventive maintenance programme. The authority completed the repairs to maintain road conditions, support traffic capacity and improve safety across Dubai’s road network.
The maintenance covered the following routes:
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311): Sections in both directions towards Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
- Emirates Road (E611): Sections along the major highway.
- Lehbab Road: The free-flow lane for motorists travelling from Al Ain towards Lehbab, along with turning lanes at the Jebel Ali–Lehbab interchange.
- Dubai–Al Ain Road: Sections included in the annual maintenance programme.
- Al Rebat Street: Maintenance work as part of the 20km project.
According to RTA, completing these works marks the end of its annual preventive maintenance plan for key roads and highways.
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How Does RTA Use AI and Laser Technology to Detect Road Damage?
RTA uses laser scanning and artificial intelligence to inspect road conditions and identify damage before it becomes more serious. The technology helps detect cracks, potholes and other road surface defects that may require maintenance.
Unlike an approach that relies only on visible damage or complaints from motorists, RTA conducts inspections throughout the year. The collected information helps maintenance teams assess road conditions, identify sections requiring attention and plan repair schedules.
RTA has also adopted LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology for road asset management. Announced on 9 April 2025, the system uses laser pulses to collect detailed information about road infrastructure and improve the accuracy of data used in digital twin platforms.
According to RTA, LiDAR can deliver up to 95% accuracy compared with traditional visual assessments. It can also assess up to 80km of roads daily, while supporting inspections of other road assets, including traffic signals, lighting poles and road signs.
The technology allows RTA to monitor infrastructure without requiring vehicles to stop for manual inspections. It also helps the authority prioritise maintenance based on the condition of individual road assets.
What Is RTA’s New AI Strategy for Dubai?
RTA is expanding artificial intelligence across its operations through an updated strategy launched on 1 November 2026 by Mattar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors.
The strategy covers 41 areas across RTA’s agencies, sectors and departments. Its first two implementation waves focus on 11 business areas, including roads, traffic, vehicle licensing, customer services and road maintenance.
RTA has identified 40 AI products under the initial rollout, with 11 already completed. The authority also plans to generate more than AED 300 million in annual added value over the strategy’s two-and-a-half-year implementation period.
Other targets include:
- Moving 50% of RTA’s operations and services to an Agentic AI ecosystem.
- Reducing traffic congestion by 3% to 5%.
- Cutting complaint and case processing times by 20% to 30%.
- Reducing waiting times at Customer Happiness Centres by 14% to 16%.
The strategy shows how RTA plans to use AI beyond road inspections, including traffic management, public transport operations and customer services.
How Is Dubai Maintaining Its Wider Road Network?
The latest 20km project is part of RTA’s wider approach to monitoring and maintaining Dubai’s transport infrastructure.
In August 2026, RTA reported that 95% of its road network assets were classified as excellent under its Road Network Asset Condition Index (ACI).
The index measures the structural and operational condition of road assets using a score-based assessment system. It helps RTA identify deterioration, prioritise maintenance requirements and monitor infrastructure quality.
The assessment also considered the use of LiDAR, artificial intelligence, automated data extraction and Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
RTA monitors more than 38 categories of road assets, including pavements, traffic signs, safety barriers, lighting poles and traffic signals. This allows the authority to assess different infrastructure components rather than focusing only on road surfaces.
Regular assessments are important as Dubai continues to expand its residential communities, commercial districts and transport connections.
Will There Be Traffic Diversions on E311 and E611?
RTA has not announced any new road closures or traffic diversions linked to the completion of the 20km maintenance programme.
However, the authority explained that traffic diversions during maintenance periods are planned following comprehensive studies and in line with international best practices. These arrangements aim to minimise disruption while maintaining the safety of motorists and road workers.
Nabeel Mohammed, Director of Roads and Facilities Maintenance at RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said the authority follows a proactive approach to assessing road conditions and scheduling maintenance throughout the year.
RTA also advised motorists to exercise caution when passing through maintenance areas and follow directional signs where diversions are in place.
Drivers can check official RTA traffic announcements for separate road closures, temporary diversions and travel updates.
Regular road maintenance helps Dubai preserve its transport infrastructure as the emirate continues to grow.
For daily commuters, well-maintained roads support safer and more reliable journeys across residential areas, business districts and neighbouring emirates.
Businesses and commercial vehicle operators also depend on road infrastructure for deliveries, logistics and daily operations. Preventive maintenance helps RTA identify road damage early and schedule repairs before conditions deteriorate further.
The use of AI, laser scanning and LiDAR also gives RTA more detailed information about the condition of its infrastructure. Combined with the authority’s wider AI strategy, these technologies will continue to support road maintenance, traffic management and transport planning across Dubai.
FAQs
1. Which five Dubai roads have undergone maintenance in November 2026?
RTA completed maintenance across Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311), Emirates Road (E611), Lehbab Road, Dubai–Al Ain Road and Al Rebat Street.
2. How much road maintenance has RTA completed?
RTA completed 20km of annual maintenance and rehabilitation work across five major routes in Dubai.
3. Does RTA use artificial intelligence to detect potholes?
Yes. RTA uses artificial intelligence and laser inspection technology to identify potholes, cracks and other road damage. The inspection findings help maintenance teams decide where repairs are required.
4. Are there new road closures on E311 and E611?
The 3 November 2026 announcement confirms the completion of maintenance work but does not mention new closures on E311 or E611. Motorists should check RTA’s official channels for separate traffic updates.
5. What is RTA’s Road Network Asset Condition Index?
The Road Network Asset Condition Index is an assessment system used by RTA to measure the structural and operational condition of road infrastructure. In August 2026, RTA reported that 95% of its road network assets were classified as excellent.
RTA’s completion of 20km of road maintenance across five major Dubai routes highlights the importance of regular infrastructure inspections and preventive repairs. With AI, laser scanning and LiDAR supporting road assessments, the authority continues to strengthen its approach to maintaining Dubai’s transport network.
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