Dubai drivers using Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street can now expect significantly shorter journeys, after the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) completed Al Rowaiyah Street, a new 3.5-km direct link between the two major highways.

For daily commuters, the biggest impact is time. Travel time to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road has been reduced from around 10 minutes to just four minutes, a 60 per cent drop, easing congestion during peak hours.

Faster access for Silicon Oasis, Academic City

The new corridor improves entry and exit points for several high-density residential and education zones, including Dubai Silicon Oasis, Nadd Hessa, Dubai International Academic City and Warsan 4.

For residents commuting to work across Dubai, the direct connection removes the need for longer internal detours, helping streamline morning and evening traffic flows.

Increased capacity and smoother traffic flow

RTA confirmed that traffic capacity along Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street has increased by up to 40 per cent following the upgrade.

As part of the project, the former KHDA roundabout has been converted into a signalised intersection, improving safety and reducing bottlenecks at a previously congested junction.

For commuters navigating daily traffic across Dubai, the new Al Rowaiyah Street link is designed to deliver one key outcome faster, safer and more direct journeys between two of the city’s busiest arterial roads.

Abu Dhabi has confirmed new Darb toll gate and Mawaqif paid parking timings for Ramadan 2026, with revised hours set to take effect once the holy month officially begins.

Transport operator Q Mobility announced the updates on Monday, February 17, ahead of Ramadan, which is expected to start on Thursday, February 19, subject to moon sighting confirmation.

Here’s everything motorists in Abu Dhabi need to know.

Darb toll timings

Darb toll charges will apply from Monday to Saturday in two daily periods:

• First shift: 8am to 10am
• Second shift: 2pm to 6pm

Toll gates will be free to use all day on Sundays.

Motorists should plan journeys carefully during peak toll periods to avoid unexpected charges.

Public parking timings

Paid public parking (Mawaqif) will also operate in two shifts from Monday to Saturday:

• First shift: 9am to 6pm
• Second shift: 9pm to 2am

There will be a free parking window between 6pm and 9pm daily.

As usual, parking will be free on Sundays.

The updated parking hours will come into effect once Ramadan is officially announced in the UAE.

Alongside toll and parking changes, working hours for public and private sector employees in Abu Dhabi will also be adjusted during Ramadan, as per UAE labour regulations.

Dubai Police have issued a fresh warning to residents about a surge in online begging scams during the holy month of Ramadan, urging the public not to respond to suspicious donation appeals shared on websites and social media.

The Anti-Cybercrime Department at the General Department of Criminal Investigation said fraudsters and organised groups are exploiting the spirit of compassion and generosity that defines Ramadan, using fake causes and emotional stories to illegally collect money.

Authorities stressed that donations and zakat should only be made through officially licensed and authorised charitable organisations in the UAE to ensure funds reach genuine beneficiaries.

Online begging is a criminal offence under Federal Decree Law No. 34 of 2021 on Combating Rumours and Cybercrimes. Article 51 states that anyone found soliciting money through information technology means can face up to three months’ imprisonment and a fine of no less than Dh10,000, or one of the two penalties.

Residents are encouraged to report suspected cases by calling 901, using the Police Eye service on the Dubai Police smart app, or submitting a report via the official eCrime platform.

The warning forms part of Dubai Police’s annual “Combat Begging” campaign, launched under the slogan “An Aware Society Without Begging.” Running throughout Ramadan, the initiative aims to curb both individual and organised begging, raise awareness, and promote safe and regulated charitable giving.

The campaign is being carried out in cooperation with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai and the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department.

Dubai Police reiterated that protecting the spirit of generosity during Ramadan is a shared responsibility, calling on residents to remain vigilant and support only trusted, authorised channels when giving back this month.