Dubai’s Emirates Road and airport tunnel to see six days of lane closures for autonomous taxi tests

Dubai motorists will face daytime traffic disruption this week as three lanes on Emirates Road (E611) and the Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel close for six days. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) confirmed the restrictions will run from Monday, October 26, to Saturday, October 31, 2026, to allow autonomous taxi companies to conduct highway tests.

The closures will be in place daily from 9am to 4pm, potentially affecting commuters, motorists travelling between emirates, and passengers heading to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

Affected roads and timings

The RTA has announced two temporary traffic restrictions: on Emirates Road (E611), three lanes will be closed opposite Al Maktoum International Airport; and the Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel will be fully closed in both directions. The restrictions apply daily from 9am to 4pm until October 31.

Motorists should follow directional signs, check traffic conditions before setting off, and allow extra time for their journeys.

Alternative routes

Drivers travelling through the area during these hours should consider alternative routes where appropriate and check live traffic updates before leaving. The most suitable alternative will depend on the starting point, destination, and direction of travel.

E311 connects Dubai with Sharjah and the northern emirates and may offer an alternative to parts of E611, though it is not a direct replacement for every journey to DWC. Al Khail Road serves several residential and commercial areas across Dubai and may be useful for some cross-city journeys, but its suitability depends on the starting point and destination. Sheikh Zayed Road, one of Dubai’s main highways, may be an option for some journeys, but reaching DWC from E11 may require additional connections and a longer drive.

There is no single alternative route suitable for every motorist affected. Before leaving, drivers should check live traffic conditions using a navigation app, compare journey times using E311, E44 and E11 where relevant, follow RTA diversion signs and traffic instructions, avoid last-minute lane changes, and not enter restricted sections. The RTA notice confirms the lane closures and tunnel shutdown but does not identify these highways as officially designated diversions.

Advice for airport passengers

Passengers travelling to or from Al Maktoum International Airport should allow extra time, as the E611 lane closures and tunnel shutdown could affect road access during the restriction hours. Consider public transport: check RTA Metro and bus connections for part of the journey, allow extra time for transfers, and plan the route in advance, as there is no direct Metro connection to DWC. Leave earlier, check the route via live traffic conditions, follow diversion signs, check flight details and the airline’s recommended airport arrival time, and allow extra time for taxis as congestion could affect ride-hailing journeys. The announced road restrictions do not, by themselves, indicate any disruption to flight operations.

Public transport may be a practical option for commuters who want to avoid driving through the affected area. Check Metro and bus routes to see whether they cover part of the journey. Depending on the starting point, consider combining public transport with a taxi for the final leg. Check the latest service information and allow sufficient time for transfers. Do not assume there is a direct Metro or bus connection to every part of DWC.

Dubai’s driverless taxi expansion

The closures will allow autonomous taxi companies to conduct highway testing as Dubai expands its driverless transport network. The tests form part of the emirate’s wider push towards smart mobility and the commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles. Dubai has already launched commercial autonomous taxi services in areas including Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah, with vehicles available through Uber and the Apollo Go app.

Dubai is expanding its driverless taxi services as part of the Dubai Self-Driving Transport Strategy, moving from testing towards commercial passenger journeys. Commercial services are operating in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. Operators Apollo Go and WeRide are part of the rollout, with support from local transport partners. WeRide taxis are available through Uber, while Apollo Go rides can be booked through its own app. The initial rollout includes 100 autonomous taxis, with plans to expand in stages as demand grows. Pony.ai is also involved in the RTA’s wider autonomous mobility programme. The UAE is also working towards broader use of autonomous vehicles, including taxis and delivery vans.

Figures released by the RTA in August 2026 show the progress of Dubai’s driverless taxi services: more than 4 million kilometres travelled since launch, 7,613 passenger trips completed, 144 vehicles in the fleet including 48 in active operation, around 50 trips a day completed, and 97% customer satisfaction according to the RTA. Dubai aims to make 25% of all transport trips autonomous by 2030. Robotaxis are being integrated into the emirate’s wider transport network as demand for public transport, taxis and shared mobility grows. RTA figures released in August showed that public transport, shared mobility and taxis carried 348 million riders in the first half of 2026, averaging 1.9 million a day.

The latest highway testing near Al Maktoum International Airport supports Dubai’s plans to expand autonomous transport. However, the RTA has not confirmed when commercial robotaxi services will launch around the airport.

The E611 lane closures and Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel shutdown will remain in effect daily from 9am to 4pm until Saturday, October 31. If you commute along Emirates Road or are travelling to DWC, check live traffic updates, allow extra time and follow official diversion signs. Consider public transport for part of your journey where practical. The closures are temporary, but planning ahead could help commuters and airport passengers avoid unnecessary delays.

With inputs from WAM