Drivers in Abu Dhabi will need to slow down on several major roads from February 9, after the emirate’s transport authority announced new, lower speed limits aimed at improving road safety.

The changes were confirmed on Wednesday by the Joint Traffic Safety Committee, which said the updated limits are part of ongoing efforts to reduce accidents and protect motorists, pedestrians, and road workers.

Roads affected by the new speed limits

Under the revised rules, speed limits have been reduced on the following routes:

• Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road (E22)
  From Al Nahda Interchange to Bani Yas Interchange, in both directions, the maximum speed has been reduced from 160km/h to 140km/h.
• Bani Yas Interchange to the Bridge Complex
  The speed limit has been lowered from 140km/h to 120km/h in both directions.
• Al Rawdah Road (E30)
  The maximum speed has been reduced from 120km/h to 100km/h in both directions.

Authorities have urged drivers to remain alert, follow updated road signage, and adhere strictly to the new limits to avoid fines and improve overall traffic safety.

Part of wider road safety changes

The latest update follows a series of traffic safety measures introduced across the capital over the past year.

Authorities said these measures aim to enhance road safety, improve traffic flow, and create safer driving conditions, particularly on high-speed roads that see heavy daily traffic.

Motorists have been urged to adhere to the revised speed limits and follow updated roadside signage to avoid violations once the changes come into effect.

If Palm Jumeirah Crescent is part of your daily routine, whether for walking, running or quick evening drives, there’s a new change you’ll want to know about.

Paid parking has now been introduced along the entire Palm Jumeirah Crescent, including the much-loved Palm Boardwalk, one of Dubai’s most popular waterfront paths.

Previously, free parking spots have been replaced by a ticketless, automated system operated by Parkonic, meaning residents now need to pay every time they park, at any hour of the day.

What’s changed?

• Parking now costs Dh10 per hour
• Charges apply 24/7, including weekends and holidays
• Covers all zones along the Crescent, including Zone P108
• Applies to People of Determination parking spaces

How to pay

• Automatic payment via Salik
• SMS payment using instructions on parking signs

The move is designed to reduce congestion and improve space turnover in one of Dubai’s busiest lifestyle destinations. Similar systems have already been rolled out in other residential areas across the city.

If you regularly spend time at Palm Jumeirah, it’s worth planning your visits and parking a little differently.

Getting around Dubai could soon become much faster and easier. The city has confirmed that work on the Dubai Loop, an underground high-speed transport system developed by Elon Musk’s Boring Company, is set to begin soon, starting in some of Dubai’s busiest areas.

The announcement was made by Matar Al Tayer, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), at the World Government Summit.

The project aims to cut travel times, reduce traffic congestion, and make daily commutes smoother, especially in high-density districts.

So, what exactly is the Dubai Loop?

The Dubai Loop is a network of underground tunnels where electric vehicles will transport passengers directly from one station to another, without stopping in between. Think of it as skipping traffic lights, junctions and road congestion altogether.

Once completed, the system will span 24 kilometres and could move up to 20,000 passengers every hour, with plans to expand capacity even further in the future.

Where will it start?

The first phase of the project will launch in key areas that many residents already commute through daily:

• Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC)
• Dubai Mall area

These locations were chosen because they see some of the heaviest traffic in the city, especially during peak hours.

When is it happening?

According to Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), construction on the first phase will start immediately once contracts are finalised.

• First phase: 6km (costing Dh600 million)
• Total project: 24km (Dh2.5 billion)
• Estimated completion: Around two years

How fast will it be?

Very fast. The vehicles inside the Dubai Loop could travel at speeds of up to 160km/h, meaning residents could move between major destinations in just minutes.

Why underground?

By going underground, Dubai avoids:

• Road closures and surface disruption
• Weather-related delays
• Expensive road expansion projects

The tunnelling technology used is also cheaper and faster than traditional road construction, helping the city deliver infrastructure efficiently.

How will this help residents?

For people living and working in Dubai, the Dubai Loop could mean:

• Shorter commutes in congested areas
• Less time stuck in traffic
• Better connections between business districts, malls and transport hubs
• A smoother “first and last mile” journey to metro stations

The system is expected to serve around 13,000 passengers daily in its early stages, with numbers growing as the network expands.

Has this worked elsewhere?

Yes. A similar underground transport system already operates in Las Vegas, where it has carried more than 2 million passengers since 2021. Dubai’s version will build on that experience, adapted for local needs.

What’s next?

Dubai Loop is part of the emirate’s broader push towards smart, sustainable transport. If successful, the network could expand to more areas of the city, helping residents get from A to B faster, without adding more cars to the roads.

For Dubai residents, this could mark the beginning of a new era of stress-free commuting beneath the city streets.