Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced major traffic changes on two of the capital's busiest roads, starting this weekend. The Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road (E22) will be closed from midnight on Saturday, October 31, 2026, with the closure, diversions and reduced speed limits remaining in place until 5am on Saturday, January 30, 2027 — nearly three months of altered driving conditions.
During this period, speed limits on sections of the highway will drop from 160km/h to as low as 140km/h or 120km/h. Authorities are urging motorists to pay close attention to updated road signage and to allow extra time for journeys along the corridor.
A second, shorter closure affects Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Street (E12), where the right lane heading towards Saadiyat Island will be shut from 2pm on Friday, October 30 until 6am on Monday, November 2.
Abu Dhabi Mobility has not detailed the reason behind the works, but has asked drivers to follow all posted diversions and avoid speeding through the affected sections. With winter travel season approaching and city traffic typically increasing, authorities expect higher congestion during peak hours on both routes while the works are under way.
Traffic experts recommend checking live navigation apps before setting out so drivers can adjust their route in advance if needed.