Dubai Run, 2 new Etihad Rail stations: 8 things residents can expect in November

As autumn settles across the UAE, temperatures are gradually dropping, giving residents more opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities and seasonal attractions. November will bring several changes across the country, from revised speed limits on Dubai roads to new Etihad Rail stations and exciting winter events.

Residents can also look forward to the return of Dubai Fitness Challenge, the reopening of a luxury hotel on Palm Jumeirah, new camping facilities and the launch of a bungee-jumping attraction in Abu Dhabi.

Here are eight major changes, events and initiatives to look forward to across the UAE in November 2026.

1. Dubai to Change Speed Limits on Five Roads

From November 1, motorists will need to follow revised speed limits on five roads in Dubai. The changes will apply in both directions, with speed limits increasing on three roads and decreasing on two.

Roads with reduced speed limits:

Al Rebat Street: Reduced from 100 km/h to 90 km/h between Marrakech Street and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street: Reduced from 80 km/h to 70 km/h between 2nd December Street and Khalid bin Al Waleed Street.

Roads with increased speed limits:

Al Asayel Street: Increased from 60 km/h to 80 km/h between Oud Maitha Street and Al Meydan Street.

Al Mustaqbal Street: Increased from 60 km/h to 70 km/h between Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Meydan Street.

Latifa bint Hamdan Street: Increased from 60 km/h to 70 km/h between Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.

Motorists should check the updated road signs and follow the applicable speed limits to ensure safer journeys.

2. Dubai Fitness Challenge Returns for Its 10th Edition

Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) will run from October 31 to November 29, encouraging residents to embrace an active lifestyle through 30 minutes of daily exercise for 30 days.

The 10th edition will feature several major community events throughout the month.

Dubai Ride: November 1, bringing cyclists together for a large-scale community cycling event.

Dubai Stand-Up Paddle: November 7 and 8 at Hatta Dam.

Dubai Run: November 22, inviting participants to run through the city's streets.

Dubai Yoga: November 29, concluding the month-long initiative with a large-scale yoga session.

The challenge offers residents opportunities to participate in fitness activities, discover new sports and build healthier daily habits.

3. Two New Etihad Rail Stations to Open in Al Dhafra

UAE residents and visitors will have additional passenger rail connections in Al Dhafra as Etihad Rail prepares to open two new stations on November 30.

The Zayed City and Liwa stations will welcome passengers as part of the expanding national passenger rail network.

The opening dates have been brought forward by one month following a decision by Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Ruler's Representative in the Al Dhafra Region. The change will coincide with the start of the Al Dhafra festival season.

Other stations in the region are scheduled to open on December 20, further expanding rail connectivity.

4. The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm to Reopen

The St. Regis Dubai, The Palm, one of the prominent luxury hotels on Palm Jumeirah, is scheduled to reopen on November 1 following a major refurbishment.

The hotel closed its guest rooms, spa and other key facilities from April 12 to allow renovation work to take place.

A major highlight of the reopening is the redesigned St. Regis Bar, which the hotel has reimagined as a central part of the refreshed guest experience.

The reopening will give visitors another opportunity to experience the hotel's luxury hospitality, dining and leisure facilities.

5. UAE to Ban Ciprofloxacin for Veterinary Use

A ban on veterinary products and raw materials containing ciprofloxacin will take effect across the UAE on November 1.

The decision aims to combat antimicrobial resistance and preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics used to treat human infections.

Ciprofloxacin belongs to the fluoroquinolone group, which is classified as Critically Important Antimicrobials for human medicine because of its role in treating certain bacterial infections. Inappropriate use in animals can contribute to bacterial resistance and reduce the effectiveness of available treatments.

The ban covers nine veterinary products, including eight imported products and one locally registered product.

Pet owners should consult a licensed veterinarian if they have questions about existing treatments or alternative medicines for their animals.

6. Al Ruwayyah Opens Winter Camping Season

Dubai's Al Ruwayyah camping destination will welcome visitors for the 2026–2027 winter season from November 1 to April 30, 2027.

The destination is expanding its capacity to accommodate 600 camps, representing an increase of approximately 120 per cent compared with previous seasons.
New facilities include:

50 dedicated caravan plots, introduced for the first time.

10 fully equipped camps available for daily rental.

Additional camping capacity to accommodate more visitors during the cooler months.

The seasonal destination offers UAE nationals an opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities and desert camping away from the city's busy surroundings.

7. Bungee Jumping to Launch at Yas Bay Waterfront

Adventure enthusiasts will have a new attraction to explore in Abu Dhabi as Bungee at Yas Bay Waterfront opens on November 1.

The experience will offer a 50-metre plunge above the waterfront, combining a controlled free-fall with views of Yas Bay.

Tickets are available from Dh299.

The attraction is scheduled to operate from November 1 to December 3, 2026, before returning for a second season from January 10 to February 28, 2027.

Visitors can check availability and make bookings through Platinumlist Abu Dhabi.

8. Mother of the Nation Festival Returns to Abu Dhabi

The Mother of the Nation (MOTN) Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary from November 28, 2026, to January 3, 2027.

Named in honour of Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the festival will offer more than five weeks of family entertainment across three regions of Abu Dhabi.

The 2026 edition, themed World of Wonder, will introduce three new themed zones in Abu Dhabi City, alongside new rides, gaming activities and live entertainment.

Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi and delivered by Brag, the festival will offer visitors a range of seasonal experiences during the UAE's cooler months.

What UAE Residents Should Expect in November 2026

November will bring a mix of transport updates, road safety changes, public health measures and seasonal entertainment across the UAE. Motorists should take note of revised speed limits, while residents can plan ahead for fitness events, camping trips and winter festivals.

With new rail stations, outdoor attractions and major events returning, the month offers plenty of opportunities for residents and visitors to explore more of the country during the cooler season.