Road network in the United Arab Emirates

The UAE's highways are an example for many countries in terms of quality, organization and infrastructure. The country's road network is notable for its development and thoughtfulness. It connects important urban centers, ports and airports.

The highways make it easy for citizens and visitors to get around. This greatly increases the level of mobility. Below we will try to understand which roads are considered the largest in the country. We will separately highlight the nuances that drivers need to take into account.

Highways of the UAE, the quality of roads

Roads in the Emirates are rightfully included in the list of the best. They win by many indicators. When creating road surfaces, the peculiarities of the climate are taken into account, due to which the structure is subjected to heavy loads. Against this background, the construction of highways is given utmost attention.
The most popular highways include:

1. E311 - Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed;
2. E611 - EmiratesRoad;
3. E84 - Fujairah to Dubai;
4. E11 - Sheikh Zayed;
5. E22 - Abu Dhabi Al Ain;
6. E44 - Al Hale Road.

The road surface in all cases is perfect and meets a number of criteria:

• resistance to temperature variations;
• large widths and multiple lanes;
• clarity of markings;
• excellent lighting on all sections;
• thoughtful navigation.

Each of the highways on the UAE map has an extremely well thought out layout. The roads are made in such a way that the surface can withstand the activity of traffic, type of terrain and wind strength.

Important

For convenience, stands are often mounted near the road, which indicate the following information:

• traffic jams
• speed limit
• availability of repairs

Safety features are provided on roads. They include barriers that do not allow the car to fly out of the highway. They act as a buffer. Cameras are also installed to record traffic violations, Special attention is paid to lighting. It is perfectly organized even on small roads. Any violations of drivers are immediately detected, forcing them to pay fines.

The country's highways unite the largest cities. They include Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ajman, Ras El Khaimah, etc. The smartness of the network ensures that you get quick access to airports, port areas and industrial plants. Each of the roads has a complete set of attributes ranging from quality of pavement to infrastructure.

The UAE government is not resting on its laurels. Thanks to funding, a lot of work is being done to develop the road network. New interchanges are being created. Tunnels and overpasses are being built, which make traffic convenient and fast. AI-based systems are being introduced. They help keep traffic flows under control and control their movement.

The UAE government is not resting on its laurels. Thanks to funding, a lot of work is being done to develop the road network. New interchanges are being created. Tunnels and overpasses are being built, which make traffic convenient and fast. AI-based systems are being introduced. They help to keep traffic flows under control and control their movement.

Expressways

There are several expressways in the OEA for 2025. They stand out with the best infrastructure and are considered the most important in organizing traffic flow.

Al Khail Road (E44)

The importance of the highway can hardly be overestimated, as it connects Dubai and the eastern part of the UAE. The road starts near Business Bay, and further goes in a southeastern direction. On its way it passes such cities as Al Qail, Al Qoz, Jebel Ali and others. At the end, it approaches Oman and Hatta.

Features of the highway:

• speed limit - up to 100 km/h;
• number of lanes - five;
• radar response speed - 121 km/h;
• presence of buffer - yes, 20 km/h.

On the road can be found a lot of signage and emergency exits. If desired, drivers will be able to enter the highway E66, E11 or E311. When using the highway, you should take into account the presence of speed limits. Congestion is possible in the morning and evening. This is especially true for sections that are adjacent to business areas. Different types of vehicles meet here, so it is important to be attentive when realigning at speed.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Highway (E311)

The highway is rightly considered one of the main highways in the country. It unites different parts of the UAE. Its total length is 558.4 kilometers. The highway starts in the northern part (Ras El Khaimah) and leads to Abu Dhabi. It also allows you to get to Sharjah, Dubai and other cities.

There are no tolls to pay for driving on the road, so it is often chosen by tourists. Radars and surveillance cameras are installed along the entire route. Electronic scoreboards are installed. Often there are overpasses and underpasses. Lighting is organized at a high level. There are places for stopping and exits in case of an accident. If desired, you can exit to E88, E66, E44 or E611.

Features of the speed limit:

• upper threshold - 110 km/h;
• number of lanes - two;
• radar action - 131 km/h;
• buffer - 20 km/h;

The road is actively used and useful for unloading the general flow. Passenger, cargo and commercial vehicles regularly move here. It is worth being attentive to the rearrangement in the left lane. Aggressive drivers with expensive cars are often found here. It is important to pay attention to the information on the scoreboard, because the junctions on the highway are very complicated.

Fujairah-Dubai Highway (E84)

The highway is considered one of the most important highways. It connects Fujairah in the eastern part of the country with the business capital. The highway passes along the Indian Ocean promenade and mountainous terrain. While driving along it, one can enjoy the beautiful view while passing through resorts, ports and gordas. 

The total length of the road in the Arab Emirates is about 120 kilometers. It is considered the direct and fastest route from the ocean to Dubai. The highway was opened back in 2018 and today it is considered one of the most popular.

The total number of lanes is two to three in each direction. Quality asphalt is laid here. There are excellent markings and many signs in English and local language. There are often gas stations and observation decks along the way. While driving along the highway, you can enjoy views of desert valleys, rocky mountains and oasis areas.

The speed limit is up to 120 km/h, but in mountainous areas it is lower, up to 80 km/h. When driving on descents and ascents, it is important to be extremely careful. It is worth considering the many tunnels and sharp turns. In recent years, the highway has undergone reconstruction. This has led to better lighting and improved safety.

Emirates Bypass (E611)

The highway runs from the northern to the southern part of the UAE. It starts from Al Rahmaniyah and ends in Abu Dhabi. The road crosses many inland areas of the country and seven emirates. It also passes through Dubai.  The highway is considered a great solution when you need to bypass dense traffic.

The highway has four to six lanes in both directions. The speed limit here is 110 km/h. It also has a buffer of 20 km/h, which does not apply everywhere. The highway has many interchanges in several levels. There are parking lots, gas stations and other elements of infrastructure.

The road has a low load, but during peak hours there can be congestion. Most often this applies to the places of connection with E311 and E66. This road is often used by slow truck drivers, who tend to travel in the right lane.

Abu Dhabi - Al Ain Highway (E22)

The highway connects the capital and Al Ain. It starts in the east of Abu Dhabi and is over 125 kilometers long. The highway passes through deserts, oases and sparsely populated regions. At the same time, the highway is well lit and is often used by tourists. It allows you to quickly get to places of interest.

The road is characterized by clear markings and 2-lane traffic in each direction. Every 10-20 km there are gas stations, rest areas and services. Throughout the entire length there are radars that control speed. The limits on different sections are from 100 to 160 km/h.

The highway is busy in the morning and evening. Many sections are straight. This creates monotony and increases fatigue. It is worth being prepared for sandstorms and wind gusts.
On the plus side, the highway is constantly being optimized. Work is underway to improve safety, install new information boards. The number of exits and residential areas is increasing.

Specifics of driving on Emirates highways

When driving on OEA roads, it is important to remember the speed limits. For example, on the main roads it can reach 140 km / h and higher. Often there is a buffer of 20 km / h. The exception is the capital of the country. On rural highways, the limit is about 100 km / h, and in the city - up to 80 km / h.

When driving on the highway in the UAE, take the following points into consideration:

Cameras on the roads are fully automated. They are installed every 3-5 km and work 24/7. At the same time, almost all violations are recorded, not just for speed limits.The road junction is extremely complex. It is important to look at the information signs and follow the recommended speed to avoid missing the exit.

It is important to look carefully in your mirrors before changing lanes. Highway traffic can be chaotic, and there are many daredevils on the highways. The left lane should only be used for detours or fast driving.

The presence of drivers from different countries causes some chaos on the roads. Many bring their own habits and understanding of the rules from their homeland. Such peculiarity requires a longer adaptation.

Controlling the distance between yourself and the car ahead is an important safety element. Be sure to use your turn signals for any change of direction. Also take into account the presence of blind spots.

The complex infrastructure creates problems for tourists. There are many tunnels and interchanges. They often have many levels and are confusing. To avoid problems, it is important to use a GPS navigator.

In the UAE, fines are extremely high, which are charged automatically. As a punishment, “black” points can be applied. If there are a lot of them, the driver can be deprived of his license.
Weather conditions are extremely difficult. The temperature can reach up to +50 degrees Celsius. In the spring and fall periods, sandstorms and fogs are encountered. All of this requires extra attention.
The UAE highway has a lane for emergency vehicles. Only police, tow trucks and ambulances can drive on it. A large fine is imposed for driving on it.

When driving on the roads of the country, be sure to plan places for stops. This allows you to rest and continue your journey with renewed vigor. It is important to overtake only from the left side. Make sure that the maneuver is safe. If visibility is poor, it is better to abandon such a decision.

Conclusion

Roads in the UAE are rightly considered to be among the best. The road network of the country is actively developing, and the country's leadership is working on the development of infrastructure. New interchanges are created, places for recreation, service stations and gas stations are added.

But it is important to remember the peculiarities of compliance with speed limits and other requirements. Violation of the rules often leads to heavy fines and even loss of license.