Speed Limits in UAE’s Seven Emirates

Did you know Speed Limits in UAE’s Seven Emirates are determined?

Based on the statistics from UAE traffic authorities, speeding is among the top three traffic offenses, particularly on major roads and highways.

Driving in the UAE demands a great deal of attention and precision, as the maximum allowable speed differs from one emirate to another. Failure to adhere to posted limits can result in hefty fines and even license suspension.

The following article from FindCarDubai provides an overview of road speed limits in the UAE. Armed with this useful information, you can drive more safely in this country.

Speed Limits in UAE’s Seven Emirates

In the UAE, road speed limits are set according to various factors, primarily targeting safety, traffic efficiency, and the road’s specific design and surrounding area.

The crucial factor is which category the road falls into urban routes, highways, or residential zones.

Across urban areas in the UAE, speed restrictions generally range from 40 km/h to 60 km/h. In specific zones such as residential areas, school districts, or places with significant pedestrian movement, the speed can be as low as to 30 km/h.

In less congested regions, maximum speed goes up to 80. km/h.

Wider roads with more lanes tend to have higher speed limits compared to narrower roads. A common issue is that drivers frequently overstep the speed limits on key highways in the UAE, even within 20 kilometers per hour buffer zones.

Buffer zone is an area that lets you drive up to 20 km/h over speed limit without being fined.

Road Speed Limit in Abu Dhabi

Highways: 120-140 km/h

Urban areas: 60-80 km/h

Residential areas: 40 km/h

The buffer zone does not apply in Abu Dhabi. It means that the number you see posted on road signs is the exact maximum limit without any additional allowance.

Speed Limit on Abu Dhabi Highways

• Sheikh Zayed Road (E11): Common speed limit is 120-140 km/h.
• Sweihan Road (E20): The current speed limit is 100 km/h, reduced from the previous limit of 120 km/h.
• Sheikh Khalifa Highway (E12- also known as the Abu Dhabi-Dubai highway): The limit ranges from 100 to 120 km/h.

Al Mafraq – Ghweifat International Highway

(E11 towards Saudi Arabia) and Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road (E22) are both the key highways with the maximum speed of 160 km/h. No buffer zone is enforced on these roads, meaning that even minor speeding results in hefty fines.

Road Speed Limit in Dubai

Highways: 100-120 km/h

Urban areas: 60-80 km/h

Residential areas: 25-40 km/h

On most roads in Dubai, there is a buffer zone that allows drivers to speed up to 20 km/h over the posted limit without facing traffic fines.

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Speed Limit on Key Highways in Dubai

• Sheikh Zayed Road (E11): Standard speed restriction is between 100 and 120 km/h, which can reach up to 140 with the application of a buffer zone.
• Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66): The maximum speed limit is 120 km/h and can be go up to 140 km/h.
• Emirates Road (E611): The limit ranges from 110 to 120 km/h, with a buffer allowing speeds up to 140 km/h.
• Al Khail Road (E44): The maximum limit is between 100-120 km/h. When buffer applies, the speed can be reached to 140 km/h.

Note that Sheikh Zayed is the fastest-paced road in Dubai, running through the city, connecting various crucial areas and featuring high-speed limits, especially in less congested sections.

Road Speed Limit in Sharjah

Highways: 120 km/h

Urban areas: 60-80 km/h

Residential areas: 30 -40 km/h

Sharjah retains the 20 km/h buffer zone, but be mindful of the posted speed limit as it may vary across highways.

Speed Limits on Key Highways in Sharjah

• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed (E311) Typically, the maximum speed is 120 km/h, but in certain areas especially around interchanges and urban zones, may have a reduced speed limit of 80 km/h or less. This leading highway links Sharjah to other major emirates such as Dubai, Ajman, and Abu Dhabi.
• Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road (E84): The maximum speed is around 120 km/h for most parts of the highway.
• Al Dhaid Road (E88): The limit is 100 km/h in most areas.
• Emirates Road (E611): The maximum speed is 120 with a 20 km/h buffer.
• Sharjah-Kalba Road (S112/E102): The typical speed limit is 120, except in some areas where it is reduced to 100 km/h.

Speed restriction in Ajman and other emirates like Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah follows the same standard procedure.

You can drive at speeds of 120-140 km/h on highways, 60 to 80 km/h in urban areas and 30 km/h in residential regions.

Fines for Exceeding Speed Limit

The UAE Ministry of Interior collaborates with local traffic authorities and is responsible for setting and enforcing speed limits.

Speed limits are regularly adjusted by considering road usage trends, construction projects, and safety campaigns.

The UAE police are very strict; any non-compliance with road regulations results in fines, black points, vehicle impoundment, and license suspension. Here’s a breakdown of typical penalties for exceeding the speed limit.

Summary

Excessive speed reduces a driver’s reaction time, increases the severity of crashes, and makes it more difficult to control vehicles.

Despite strict traffic laws and heavy penalties for speeding violations, the practice remains a significant risk on UAE roads.

As speed limits can change quickly, especially in urban areas or construction zones, maintaining full vigilance toward road signs is vital for safe driving.

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