Dubai Implements Strict Peak-Hour Lorry Bans on Sheikh Zayed Road and Key Routes Starting October 1

Dubai will introduce peak-hour restrictions on lorries traveling along Sheikh Zayed Road and several other major routes beginning Thursday, October 1, as part of a joint initiative by the Roads and Transport Authority and Dubai Police to reduce traffic congestion and enhance road safety.

According to the RTA, the new traffic measures are designed to optimize the efficiency of the city's transport and logistics network. Emirates Road will remain exempt from these new regulations. Under the updated rules, lorries are completely barred from using Al Meydan Street, Al Qudra Street, Airport Tunnel, and all crossings at any hour.

Furthermore, trucks are prohibited from operating on Sheikh Zayed Road, Beirut Street, and specific residential areas including Oud Al Muteena, Muhaisnah, and Al Mizhar daily from 6:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Additional restrictions apply to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road between Ras Al Khor Road and the Sharjah border, as well as Damascus Street, Amman Street, and Airport Street during designated morning, midday, and evening peak hours.

The RTA has encouraged truck drivers, transport operators, and freight companies to strictly follow the restriction schedules, plan trips ahead of time, utilize approved alternative routes, and take advantage of the city's 16 truck rest stops, which feature over 1,000 parking spaces and serve approximately 150,000 heavy vehicles monthly.

These new regulations coincide with rising traffic volumes following the conclusion of the summer period, prompting authorities to continuously expand the local road infrastructure to accommodate a growing population. Recently, the Dubai government approved an 80-kilometer, 12-lane motorway project connecting Dubai to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi to further alleviate congestion and significantly reduce travel times.