UAE Highways: A Comprehensive Guide to the Nation’s Road Network: Shaikh Zayed Road Dubai
The United Arab Emirates is renowned for its rapid development and top-notch infrastructure, and its highways are a testament to this advanced system. With well-designed communication routes, traveling between different regions is both easy and efficient. This robust transportation network significantly enhances urban mobility, making it effortless for UAE residents to navigate the country.
Major Highways in the UAE
E11
The E11 highway, the longest in the UAE, spans 558 kilometers, connecting almost all emirates except Fujairah. It runs from Al Silah in Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah, linking key areas like Al Majaz in Sharjah, Bur Dubai in Dubai, and Abu Dhabi International Airport. The E11 is known by different names in each emirate:
- Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road, Abu Dhabi
- Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
- Sheikh Muhammad bin Salem Road, Ras Al Khaimah
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311)
This 140-kilometer road connects Dubai with other emirates. Starting in Abu Dhabi at Al Shamkha, it travels through suburbs like Arabian Ranches and Dubai Silicon Oasis, entering Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and eventually merging with E11 in Ras Al Khaimah.
Sheikh Zayed Road
A major component of E11, Sheikh Zayed Road is Dubai’s busiest road. It begins near Zabeel Royal Palace and passes landmarks such as Dubai Mall, Dubai World Trade Centre, Burj Khalifa, and Emirates Towers. It also features three Salik toll gates.
Al Khail Road (E44)
Connecting Hatta and Dubai, Al Khail Road is also known as Dubai-Hatta Highway or Al Aweer Road. It offers access to Oman and provides scenic drives through diverse terrains.
Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road (E95)
This highway, running along the UAE-Oman border, connects eastern villages to major cities and joins E90, linking Al Ain to the UAE-Saudi Arabia border.
Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E84)
Also called Dubai-Fujairah Road, this route provides a quick connection between Dubai and Fujairah, reducing travel time compared to previous routes.
Emirates Road (E611)
Running parallel to E11 and E311, Emirates Road is ideal for travel between Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain, avoiding Downtown Dubai.
Best Driving Routes in the UAE
Jebel al Jais, Ras Al Khaimah
The highest mountain in the UAE, Jebel al Jais offers a thrilling drive with rugged terrain and sharp turns.
Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain
Known for its 7.3-mile winding road and 60 corners, Jebel Hafeet offers a challenging and scenic drive.
Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta
A short yet exciting road with sharp curves and steep inclines, providing an adrenaline-filled driving experience.
Al Taween, Ras Al Khaimah
Featuring steep inclines and hairpin turns, Al Taween offers a challenging drive with limited views of rugged mountains.
Liwa Oasis
This road stretches alongside the Rub Al Khali desert, ideal for testing driving skills on sand dunes.
Kalba, Sharjah
Offering a straightforward drive with scenic coastal views, Kalba-Sharjah road becomes exciting with its S-bends and a long tunnel.
Speed Limits and Regulations
In the UAE, highways generally have speed limits between 100 km/h and 120 km/h, while city limits range from 60 to 80 km/h. Always follow traffic regulations, use turn signals, and maintain a safe following distance.
FAQs
What is the total length of Sheikh Zayed Road?
Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) stretches approximately 55 kilometers from the Trade Center Roundabout to the Abu Dhabi border.
Are there tolls on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi Highway (E11)?
The E11 itself is toll-free, but some other roads, including Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, use the Salik toll system.
How long does it take to travel from Dubai to Abu Dhabi via E11?
Typically, the journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
What are the alternate routes to avoid traffic on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road?
Consider using Emirates Road (E611), Al Khail Road (E44), or Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) to avoid traffic.
Are there any rest stops along Emirates Road (E611)?
Yes, Emirates Road has several rest stops and service areas for refueling and refreshments.
Is there a speed limit on Al Khail Road?
The maximum speed limit on Al Khail Road is generally 100 km/h.
What are the peak traffic hours on Sheikh Zayed Road?
Peak traffic hours are typically from 7:30 am to 9:30 am and from 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
How many lanes does Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road have?
The road generally has 4 to 6 lanes in each direction, with some sections including bus and HOV lanes.
Are there plans for smart technology in traffic management?
Yes, the UAE is investing in smart traffic management technologies, including AI and IoT sensors.
Where does Sheikh Zayed Road start and end?
It starts near the World Trade Center Roundabout and extends south to the Abu Dhabi border.
What is the total length of roads in the UAE?
The UAE has approximately 19,000 kilometers of roads.
What is the fastest road in the UAE?
The Emirates Road (E611) is considered the fastest.
Can motorcycles use major highways in the UAE?
Yes, motorcycles are permitted on major highways.
Are there regulations for oversized vehicles?
Yes, oversized vehicles require specific permissions and are subject to size and weight limits.
Are there mobile apps for real-time traffic updates?
Yes, apps like Waze, Google Maps, and the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) app offer real-time traffic information.
Conclusion
Familiarity with UAE highways shows only a part of this complex intercity system. These highways not only make it easy for people to access different parts but are also very useful commercial routes for transporting goods and services throughout the country. The highly advanced infrastructure allows these access routes to be expanded as needed. Also, its regular and timely repairs and maintenance will make the citizens not face any problems using these highways. Therefore, driving in different parts of the United Arab Emirates will not only not be boring but will tempt you to travel everywhere in the country!
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