Motorists in Abu Dhabi will see changes to their daily commute, as two new toll gates were activated today.

The move, announced by the Integrated Transport Centre, is part of ongoing efforts to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow across key routes in the emirate.

The new toll points will be located on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road in Ghantoot and on Karama Oasis Road at the entry and exit of Sheikh Zayed Road, areas identified through traffic studies as high-density corridors.

Dh4 per crossing

Drivers passing through these gates will be charged Dh4 per crossing, in line with existing toll rules. The system will operate 24/7, with current exemptions continuing for eligible groups, including senior citizens, People of Determination, low-income residents, and retired Emiratis.

To help motorists plan their journeys, authorities have also highlighted alternative routes. Drivers can divert via Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Road or Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, while those travelling through Ghantoot can use Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road.

What it means for drivers

For residents and expats, the new toll gates may mean slightly higher commuting costs, but they are designed to improve travel times and reduce bottlenecks, especially during peak hours.

Officials say the rollout reflects Abu Dhabi’s broader strategy to support urban growth and manage increasing traffic volumes, with the impact of the new gates set to be reviewed regularly.

The Consulate General of Pakistan in Dubai indicated that passport services, disrupted due to technical issues, are expected to resume on Monday, May 4.

The suspension, announced earlier this week by Pakistan’s missions in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh, stems from a major technical glitch that affected systems across multiple countries. Officials confirmed that all in-person processing would remain halted until further notice.

Roughly 800 to 1,000 expats rely on the consulate and embassy every day. That’s a huge volume, and delays have hit people needing passport renewals, visa processing, and residency-related paperwork. For several residents, it has directly affected their travel plans, legal status, and employment.

To ease the impact, missions have advised Pakistani citizens to use the online passport application system for renewals and new requests where possible. Those unable to access digital services are asked to wait for further guidance until operations are restored.

Dubai Police have issued a fresh reminder to residents to strengthen the security of home surveillance systems and internet-connected devices, warning that weak settings can leave users vulnerable to hacking, privacy breaches, and even cyber extortion.

The alert comes as part of ongoing awareness campaigns led by the General Department of Criminal Investigation, represented by the Cybercrime and Electronic Crime Department. Authorities noted that many cyberattacks exploit devices with default or weak configurations, making them easy targets.

Residents are advised to take simple but vital steps:

• •Change default passwords immediately after activating any device.
• •Use strong, complex passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols.
• •Regularly update operating systems and apps to patch security gaps.
• •Avoid sharing personal details or passwords with unverified sources.
• •Switch off surveillance systems when not in use, especially in private spaces.
• •Stay alert to suspicious links or apps from unreliable platforms.

Dubai Police emphasised that awareness remains the first line of defence against cybercrime. To support the public, residents can access advice through the e-Crime Hub and report incidents via official channels or by calling 901 for non-emergency cases.

Authorities reiterated that community cooperation is key to reducing cybercrime and protecting individuals, families, and property in the digital age.