Road Closures and Diversions: Comprehensive Guide to UAE Highway Changes over the Weekend
In the heart of August 2025, several road closures and traffic diversions are in effect across Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain due to ongoing infrastructure projects and metro expansion works. Here's a breakdown of the current situation:
Dubai
Motorists navigating Emirates Road will be pleased to know that, after months of slow traffic, major upgrades are nearing completion. The road is expected to fully reopen all lanes towards Sharjah and Abu Dhabi by August 25, restoring normal traffic flow. Roadworks in Al Barsha South, which began on August 6, are part of city improvement initiatives.
Sharjah
Commuters should be aware of the Al Majaz 3 road closure from August 7 to August 24 for the second phase of major infrastructure upgrades. This affects access to Al Majaz Waterfront, Al Qasba, and nearby commercial areas. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recommends using alternative routes such as Al Wahda Street or King Faisal Street.
Other overlapping projects in Sharjah include Etihad Rail developments on Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road, which are expected to conclude by August 30, 2025.
Abu Dhabi
Partial closures on Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street are scheduled from August 13 through August 18, 2025. Additionally, the intersection of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street and Al Falah Street is closed until August 11, 2025. Infrastructure works on Sweihan Road (E20) and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11) took place on August 9-10, 2025, from midnight to 3 PM. A partial closure on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street also occurred from August 9 to August 11, 2025.
Al Ain
Temporary closure at the intersection of Hazza Bin Sultan Street and Nahyan The First Street is scheduled until August 18, 2025.
Motorists are advised to plan their routes carefully, use designated detours, and follow updates from official RTA channels to manage travel disruptions caused by these projects. The closures reflect ongoing efforts in metro expansion, road upgrades, and infrastructure modernization across these emirates.
In Dubai, the traffic signal at the intersection of Al Qudra Road and the connecting road between Arabian Ranches and Dubai Studio City has been removed. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai has closed the entry and exit points of Al Barsha South from Umm Suqeim Street. Two new signal-free U-turns have been added as part of the Al Qudra Road construction.
In Sharjah, traffic changes in Academic City are taking place for Dubai Metro Blue Line works, but specific details about these changes were not provided. Alternative routes for traffic in Dubai include Street 31, Dubai Science Complex Exit, Al Hadaeq Street, and Hessa Street. The diversion route for traffic from Dubai Marina towards Jumeirah and Dubai Harbour on King Salman Street is Al Marsa Street, Al Khayay Street, Al Naseem Street, and King Salman Street.
In Abu Dhabi, a partial road closure will take place on Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11) from 12:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Saturday, 9 August, and Sunday, 10 August 2025. A partial closure on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street from Saturday, 9 August to Monday, 11 August 2025, and a partial closure on Sweihan Road (E20) in Abu Dhabi on Saturday and Sunday, 9-10 August 2025, from 12:00 AM to 3:00 PM, are also in effect.
The timeline for the completion of the road works and metro expansion projects in Dubai, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain was not specified in the text. However, it is clear that these projects are part of a larger effort to modernize infrastructure across the UAE. Motorists are encouraged to stay informed and plan their routes accordingly to minimize disruptions during this period of construction.
- The Al Barsha South roadworks in Dubai are part of city improvement initiatives and align with broader efforts to modernize infrastructure across the UAE, which can be considered as an industry and finance investment.
- In Sharjah, while the Al Majaz 3 road closure for infrastructure upgrades might cause news about traffic disruptions, the concluding Etihad Rail developments on Mleiha Road and Sharjah Ring Road by August 30, 2025, signify a robust future for transportation in the area.
- The ongoing construction projects in various emirates, such as the metro expansion works and road upgrades, exemplify the dedication of the science and technology sector to enhance the UAE's infrastructure and services for its growing population and economy.
