Driving in the UAE? These six updated speed limits could save you from fines
Dubai: One of the most dangerous driving behaviors on UAE roads remains speeding, with the Ministry of Interior (MOI) reporting over 10 million violations in 2024 alone. Authorities have repeatedly highlighted that excessive speed is a primary factor in life-threatening mishaps, including vehicle rollovers, run-overs, rear-end collisions, and vehicles veering off the road.
To avoid risking your life and the lives of others, the most effective measure is to follow posted speed limits, avoid sudden lane changes, and eliminate distractions while driving. To help you stay safe and avoid fines, here are the latest updates on speed limits across the UAE.
Speeding fines in the UAE
The issue of speeding persists despite lack of enforcement. The restrictions placed on drivers who exceed speed limits within the UAE are as follows
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Over 80km/h: Dh3000 fine, 23 black points, 60 day vehicle impound
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Over 60km/h: Dh2000 fine, 12 black points, 30 day vehicle impound
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Up to and including 60 km/h: Dh1500 fine, 6 black points, 15 day vehicle impound
1. Speed limits reduced on major roads in Abu Dhabi
As part of Abu Dhabi's Mobility Plans, two reductions took place on April 14, 2025. Speed limits on Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road drop from 160 km/h to 140 km/h, and on Abu Dhabi–Sweihan Road (E20), the limit falls from 120 km/h to 100 km/h.
2. Slow drivers face fines on Abu Dhabi’s fast lanes
A minimum speed limit exists for the two leftmost lanes of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road. They are expected to maintain speeds between 120 and 140 km/h. Not reaching the minimum could lead to a fine of dh400.Government agencies pointed out that minimum speed signs are posted on certain highways to mitigate risks associated with slow moving vehicles.
3. Red road markings highlight revised speed limits in Abu Dhabi
In 2024, Abu Dhabi City Municipality also reported implementing new red road markings to help drivers see the revised speed limits more clearly. These changes apply to the following roads:
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Abu Dhabi – Al Ain Road (E-22) close to Sas Al Nakhl, the speed limit has changed from 120km/h to 100km/h.
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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Street (E-311) close to Sweihan Bridge, the limit has been reduced from140km/h to 120km/h.
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The same road close to Baniyas Cemetery, the limit has decreased from 120km/h to 100km/h.
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Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E-10) close to Sheikh Zayed Bridge, the speed has been reduced from 120km/h to 100km/h.
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Parts of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road (E-12) between Jubail Island and Saadiyat Island, including Saadiyat Island, where the limits have changed from 140km/h and 120km/h to 120km/h and 100km/h and then 100km/h, respectively.
4. Dubai updates speed limits on key routes
Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street received an increase in top speed to 100km/h from Dubai Al Ain Road Interchange to the Academic City Roundabout, as well as a reduction to 90 km/h from the roundabout to Al Khawaneej Street. Also, Al Amardi Street received a modification and the speed limit was changed to a uniform 90km/h for the segment between Al Khawaneej Street and Emirates Road. Moreover, RTA changed speed limit signs and road markings in accordance with the new policies.
5. Sharjah reduces speed on major corridor
The speed limit for the highlighted section of Al Wahda Road and Al Ittihad Road in Sharjah was reduced from 100 km/h to 80 km/h in 2024. This change applies to the segment [{highlighted}] between the Abu Shaghara interchange and Al Taawun Bridge. This was announced by Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority in coordination with Sharjah Police.
6. Speed limit lowered on Ras Al Khaimah coastal route
Additionally, the region of Ras Al Khaimah implemented a change in speed limit at the beginning of this year as well. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Salem Street (Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Roundabout (Al Rafaa) to Al Marjan Island Roundabout) has had its speed limit reduced to 80km/h from 100km/h since January 17, 2025. The road serves as the main arterial road for the residential, commercial, and tourist zones including Al Rifaa, Al Jazira Al Hamra, and Mina Al Arab.
In 2024, a new speed limit was announced for Al Watan Road by Ras Al Khaimah Police. In a bid to streamline traffic, the speed limit was raised to 120km/h from 100km/h.
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