Dubai Run, Etihad Rail stations, speed changes: November brings 8 major updates for UAE residents

As temperatures drop across the UAE, November will bring a series of changes and events for residents, from new Etihad Rail stations and adjusted speed limits to a month-long fitness challenge and the return of a winter festival.

Transport and infrastructure

Starting 1 November, speed limits on five Dubai roads will change. On Al Rebat Street, the limit will drop from 100 km/h to 90 km/h between Marrakech Street and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road. On Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, it will fall from 80 km/h to 70 km/h between 2nd December Street and Khalid bin Al Waleed Street. Limits will increase on Al Asayel Street from 60 km/h to 80 km/h between Oud Maitha Street and Al Meydan Street; on Al Mustaqbal Street from 60 km/h to 70 km/h between Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Meydan Street; and on Latifa bint Hamdan Street from 60 km/h to 70 km/h between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. The changes apply in both directions.

Etihad Rail will open two new stations on 30 November: Zayed City and Liwa, both in the Al Dhafra region. The opening was brought forward by one month following a decision by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra, to align with the start of the Al Dhafra festival season. Other stations in Al Dhafra will open on 20 December.

Fitness and community events

The Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) returns for its 10th edition, running from 31 October to 29 November. It will begin with Dubai Ride on 1 November, followed by Dubai Stand-Up Paddle at Hatta Dam on 7 and 8 November. The flagship Dubai Run is scheduled for 22 November, and the challenge will conclude with Dubai Yoga on 29 November.

Winter camping at Dubai’s Al Ruwayyah opens on 1 November and runs until 30 April 2027. The site now accommodates 600 camps, a 120% increase compared with previous seasons. For the first time, 50 dedicated caravan plots are available, along with 10 fully equipped camps for daily rental.

A bungee attraction will open at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Bay on 1 November, offering a 50-metre drop above the waterfront. It will run until 3 December and return for a second season from 10 January to 28 February 2027. Tickets start at Dh299, and bookings are available through abu-dhabi.platinumlist.net.

The Mother of the Nation (MOTN) Festival, named after Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, will mark its 10th anniversary from 28 November to 3 January 2027. Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and delivered by Brag, the 2026 edition is titled “World of Wonder” and introduces three themed zones in Abu Dhabi City, along with new rides, gaming activations and live entertainment.

Health, hospitality and leisure

The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm will reopen on 1 November after closing for a major refurbishment in mid-April. Guest rooms, spas and other services had been unavailable since 12 April. The hotel said its St. Regis Bar has been reimagined and is central to the reopening.

A ban on the veterinary use of ciprofloxacin takes effect on 1 November. The measure, aimed at combating antimicrobial resistance, follows the classification of fluoroquinolone antibiotics as Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIAs) for human medicine. The ban covers veterinary products and raw materials containing ciprofloxacin, affecting nine products – eight imported and one locally registered. Pet owners are advised to check veterinary medicine ingredients and consult a veterinarian if concerned.