Driving in the UAE? These six updated speed limits could save you from fines

Dubai: Speeding remains one of the most dangerous driving behaviours on UAE roads, with over 10 million violations recorded in 2024 alone, according to a recent statistic released by the Ministry of Interior (MOI). Authorities have repeatedly warned that excessive speed is a leading cause of deadly accidents, such as vehicle rollovers, run-overs, rear-end collisions, and vehicles veering off the road.

To avoid risking your life and the lives of others, the most effective measure is to follow posted speed limits, avoid sudden lane changes, and eliminate distractions while driving. To help you stay safe and avoid fines, here are the latest updates on speed limits across the UAE.

Speeding fines in the UAE

Despite strict enforcement, speeding continues to be a widespread issue. The UAE imposes heavy penalties for drivers who exceed speed limits:

• Exceeding by over 80km/h: Dh3,000 fine, 23 black points, and 60-day vehicle impoundment

• Exceeding by over 60km/h: Dh2,000 fine, 12 black points, and 30-day vehicle impoundment

• Exceeding by up to 60km/h: Dh1,500 fine, 6 black points, and 15-day vehicle impoundment

1. Abu Dhabi removes minimum speed limit on E311

The 120km/h minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road (E311) has been lifted, Abu Dhabi Mobility announced on Monday, April 14.

In a post on its official social media accounts, the authority said the change aims to “support the smoother movement of heavy vehicles.”

The maximum speed limit on the road remains unchanged at 140km/h.

The minimum speed limit was introduced in May 2023 and applied to the outer two left lanes in both directions. Motorists driving below the limit in these lanes faced a Dh400 fine.

2. Speed limits reduced on major roads in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Mobility announced two key changes that take effect from April 14, 2025. The speed limit on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road (E11) will drop from 160km/h to 140km/h, while the limit on Abu Dhabi–Sweihan Road (E20) will reduce from 120km/h to 100km/h. These updates were shared by the authority on its official X (formerly Twitter) account.

3. Red road markings highlight revised speed limits in Abu Dhabi

In 2024, Abu Dhabi City Municipality also introduced new red pavement markings to make revised speed limits more visible to drivers. Among the updated roads are:

• Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road (E-22) near Sas Al Nakhl, where the limit dropped from 120km/h to 100km/h.

• The same road near Baniyas Cemetery, where it decreased from 120km/h to 100km/h.

• Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E-10) near Sheikh Zayed Bridge, lowered from 120km/h to 100km/h.

• Sections of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road (E-12) between Jubail Island and Saadiyat, and on Saadiyat Island itself, with limits reduced from 140km/h and 120km/h to 120km/h and 100km/h, respectively.

4. Dubai updates speed limits on key routes

In Dubai, several roads saw speed limit changes in 2024 following an announcement by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police. The speed on Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street was increased to 100km/h between Dubai Al Ain Road and the Academic City Roundabout. However, from the roundabout to Al Khawaneej Street, the maximum speed was adjusted to 90km/h.

Al Amardi Street also saw changes, with the speed limit standardised to 90km/h between Al Khawaneej Street and Emirates Road. RTA updated signage and road markings to reflect the new limits.

5. Sharjah reduces speed on major corridor

In Sharjah, the speed limit on a key stretch of Al Wahda Road and Al Ittihad Road was reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h in 2024. The change applies to the section between the Abu Shaghara interchange and Al Taawun Bridge. The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority made the announcement in coordination with Sharjah Police.

6. Speed limit lowered on Ras Al Khaimah coastal route

Ras Al Khaimah also introduced a speed limit change earlier this year. Since January 17, 2025, Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Street - stretching from Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Roundabout (Al Rafaa) to Al Marjan Island Roundabout—has had its speed limit reduced from 100km/h to 80km/h. The road is a key route through several residential, commercial, and tourist areas, including Al Rifaa, Al Jazira Al Hamra, and Mina Al Arab.

In 2024, Ras Al Khaimah Police announced a speed limit change on Al Watan Road. The speed limit was increased from 100km/h to 120km/h to improve traffic flow.

This article was originally published on April 10, 2025 and has been updated since.