A Roadmap of The Major Roads And Highways in UAE

Much like the sturdy bridges and the brilliant architecture across the UAE, the roads across the country are nothing short of magic. I mean, it’s only fitting that if you’re going towards a marvel, the highways in UAE leading up to it reflect the same. These roads feel like rhymes in a prophecy. It wouldn’t affect the spell if the words rhymed, but it sure is nice if they do. Similarly, the destinations and the country these roads make accessible wouldn’t change without them, but it sure is nice if it all seems equally brilliant. Infact, the beautiful highways in UAE are not just nice; they seem almost too good to be true.

Important Emirate Expressways And Highways in UAE

The UAE is no stranger to modern marvels, and the highways and routes across the country are nothing different. As a bonus, various scenic routes across the country come together to form a network of roads connecting cities with breath-taking journeys. Some of the most important routes are listed below. 

• E11 – From Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah

Journey through the UAE’s enchanting E-11, a highway connecting Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah. Uncover its magical transformations from Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road in Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, and Sheikh Muhammad bin Salem Road in Ras Al Khaimah. This 558 km mystical highway, the longest in the UAE, weaves tales of connectivity, starting from Al Silah in Abu Dhabi and reaching iconic destinations like Bur Dubai and Al Majaz. Explore the road’s magic as it nods to the Abu Dhabi International Airport. Discover the E-11’s symphony of names and landscapes, a grand tale-spinner connecting emirates. Join us on this legendary journey!

• The Backbone of Dubai’s Economic Hub: Sheikh Zayed Road

The Sheikh Zayed Road is the longest interlinking highway across the UAE, connecting all emirates except Fujairah. The expressway is lined with various upscale towering structures. E11 seamlessly connects to major business hubs, making it the heartbeat of Dubai’s economic activity. The route isn’t without its toll gates, with three of Dubai’s Salik gates strategically placed along its path.

• The Toll-Free Interlink: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road 

The Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) starts from Al Shamkha in Abu Dhabi and is a toll-free route. The road passes through suburban landscapes like Dubai Silicon Oasis and the Arabian Ranches. Serving as a lifeline for daily commuters, this route proves invaluable for those residing in Sharjah and working in Dubai. The road emerges as a strategic choice for the cross-emirate commute.  

• A Scenic Bypass Across the UAE: The Emirates Road

Compared to the bustling city routes of E11 and E311, the Emirates Road (E611) offers a picturesque alternative. Formerly known as the Bypass road, the corridor runs adjacent to E11 and E311. The road is a good alternative for those desiring to travel from Abu Dhabi to Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain without navigating through the urban labyrinth of Downtown Dubai and vice versa. Stretching over 110 kilometres, the route is a good detour for those who want a change of pace and crave a smooth journey without traversing Downtown Dubai. 

• The Diverse Dubai – Hatta Highway: Al Khail Road

The Al Khail road is interchangeably known as the Dubai-Hatta highway for its major role as the interlink between Dubai and the town of Hatta. The route also joins various other borders, adding to the strategic road network across the UAE. Starting from the Dubai Sports City and Jumeirah Village Triangle intersection on the E311, E44 navigates through the industrial charm of various cities. These include Ras Al Khor and the evolving developments of Dubai International City. Stretching over 118 kilometres, the Al Khail Road is one of Dubai’s busiest highways, joining Oman. 

• Bridging Dubai to Al Ain: Dubai Al Ain Road

Newly transformed in 2018, the Dubai-Al Ain Road is now known as the Tahnoun Bin Mohammad Al Nahyan Road. The road links the vibrant cityscape of Dubai to the serene charm of Al Ain; this expressway commences its journey at the Wafi mall junction on the E11. Running perpendicular to the E611, E311, and E44 routes, the Dubai- Al Ain Road (E66) gracefully weaves through the expansive landscapes of the UAE. Stretching over approximately 128 kilometres, the E66 interlink is a prominent thoroughfare that parallels E611, E311 and E4 highways. The road ends in Al Ain city, close to the tranquil Al Hili area, inviting travellers to explore the region’s cultural richness.

• Easy Getaway to Fujairah’s Weekend Escape: Sheikh Khalifa Highway 

Known as the Dubai-Fujairah Road, the Sheikh Khalifa Highway stretches 40 kilometres and was unveiled for public use in 2011. This expressway, marked as E84, is the most expeditious route connecting Dubai and Fujairah, boasting a travel distance 20 to 30 kilometres shorter than alternative pathways. Frequented primarily by those seeking a swift weekend getaway to Fujairah, E84 is also an integral part of the Dubai to Fujairah Bus route. Operational since 2011, the road trims substantial kilometres off previous routes, making it a preferred choice for commuters. Whether embarking on a weekend escape or a daily commute, Sheikh Khalifa Highway beckons as a swift and scenic corridor, ensuring you reach your destination efficiently and easily. 

• Quiet And Crucial: Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Road

A road less travelled, the E95 is a major highway nonetheless. Originating from Al Ain, the highway is easy to navigate and runs parallel to the Oman-UAE border. All major roads, including the E95, bear the “E” prefix and a corresponding number, facilitating seamless navigation. So, as you traverse the less-travelled yet crucial Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Road, appreciate the quiet grandeur of a highway that bridges the eastern villages to the beating heart of the UAE’s major cities, eventually uniting with the E90 on its journey to the UAE-Saudi Arabia border.

A Drive Like No Other: Best Routes

There is little around the UAE that falls short of inspiring awe. The UAE is filled with countless experiences, and with its reputation as a supercar has some of the finest driving routes across the planet. From broad coastal areas to high mountains and wild deserts to beautifully paved roads stretching as far as the eye can see, every drive is an opportunity to enhance your motor skills amidst spectacular landscapes.

• Drive To The Summit: The Jebel Al Jais Mountains

Jabal Al Jais, the majestic pinnacle of the UAE, isn’t merely celebrated for its breathtaking height. The road ascending to its summit, winding through the Al Hajar Mountains, is a testament to engineering brilliance and a haven for driving enthusiasts. This comprehensive guide unveils the exhilarating journey along the Jebel Jais Mountain Road, where each twist and turn reveals unparalleled scenic beauty and presents adrenaline-pumping challenges.

Jebel Al Jais reigns as the loftiest mountain in the UAE, soaring to an impressive 6,268 feet, nestled within the rugged embrace of the Hajar Mountains. Straddling the border between Oman and the UAE, Jebel Al Jais is hailed as one of the finest driving roads in the UAE. Thus boasting a landscape adorned with rocky terrain, sharp hairpin turns, and sweeping corners that promise an unparalleled driving experience.

• Discover Ancient Murals and Nature: Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain

For those seeking a rendezvous with the ancient tales woven into the fabric of the UAE, Jabal Hafeet beckons with the echoes of the Hafit Period of the Bronze Age. As an outlier of the Hajar Mountains in Eastern Arabia, this mountain, also known as Mount Hafeet, is a testament to nature’s grandeur. Unearth the secrets of this era as you explore the foothills adorned with a cluster of significant beehive tombs, marking the landscape with a historical imprint. The monument is a part of the Sheikh Zayed Network of Protected Areas in 2018. As part of a national park since 2017, this solitary peak in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi invites visitors to embrace a sanctuary where nature and history converge in an enchanting embrace.

• Adventure and the Mountains: Hatta Fort Hotel, Hatta

Nestled within the majestic Hajar Mountains, this haven for adventure enthusiasts promises an unforgettable journey. You can unleash your adventurous spirit here as you navigate rugged bike trails, conquering the undulating terrain beneath the sun’s warm embrace. You can hike up to mountain peaks that whisper tales of ancient landscapes or choose to glide through serene waters as you kayak across the dam. By nightfall, you can retreat to your private terrace, where panoramic mountain views unfold beneath starlit skies, offering a perfect ending to your exhilarating Hatta adventure. 

• A Hidden Gem at Al Taween, Rak

Often hailed as one of UAE’s finest roads, the Al Taween route is surrounded by beautiful landscapes. A hidden gem, more or less, the route is an agreeable escape from crowded thoroughfares. However, adventurers ye be warned, you will have to be prepared for thrilling challenges as the temperature hikes to over 40 degrees and challenging hairpin turns demand resilience and skill. 

Al Taween beckons daring souls to test their mettle against its demanding terrain while relishing the unmatched serenity that comes with a road less frequented. Select your trusty steed wisely, for conquering the high-inclined streets of Al Taween requires a powerful companion. Navigate the twists and turns precisely, and feel the adrenaline rush as you ascend through this mesmerising terrain. 

• Pearl Diving Traditions and Cinema: Liwa Oasis

Tale as old as 1793, the Al Nahyan ruling family made Liwa their home before relocating to Abu Dhabi, leaving behind a rich tapestry of heritage. The people of Liwa, particularly the Bani Yas tribe, engaged in the age-old tradition of pearl diving along the coastal waters during the summer months. This history marks the oasis and adds to its importance, not to mention the list of popular movies shot around it. 

The expansive dunes east of Liwa, within the Rub’ Al Khali desert, have served as the iconic set for Star Wars: The Force Awakens to portray the desert planet Jakku. The mesmerising desert landscape of Liwa also took centre stage in the film Sonic the Hedgehog, providing a stunning backdrop for the adventure. Most recently, in the 2021 film Dune, the captivating desert scenes were filmed in Liwa, transforming its vistas into the mythical planet Arrakis.

• Sharjah Shores and The Gulf Of Oman

Nestled in the Gulf of Oman, Kalba is a city of historical richness and contemporary development in the Emirate of Sharjah. At the heart of Kalba lies the Kalba Mangrove Reserve, an eco-tourism resort developed by the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq). While it opens its doors to the public, the project has sparked concerns among conservationists and ecologists.

The city holds shell middens dating back to the fourth millennium BCE. You can also find remnants of the Umm Al Nar era settlement here. Under the visionary leadership of Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, several development projects have been set in motion for Kalba. These encompass the restoration of historical sites, the enhancement of the corniche, the renovation of public spaces, and the construction of new buildings. The Kalba Beach Corniche project, initiated in April 2021, focuses on improving rainwater drainage, creating a running track, and beautifying public spaces.

Responsible and Safe: UAE Speed Limits 

Speed limits on Dubai and UAE freeways range from 100 km/h to 120 km/h, with rural roads capped at 100 km/h. Urban dual carriageways can speed between 60 km/h to 80 km/h. Unlike Abu Dhabi, most emirates offer a 20 km/h buffer. For instance, highways in UAE with a 100 km/h limit, fines apply only beyond 121 km/h, excluding Abu Dhabi. Drive responsibly, follow lane rules, and maintain focus. Unified speed limits on UAE and Dubai highways are 100 km/h to 120 km/h and 60 km/h to 80 km/h in urban areas. Stay safe on the road!

Safe Travels!

As we conclude our exploration of the highways in UAE, it’s not just about reaching destinations; it’s about the tales spun by the asphalt, the symphony of engines humming in unison, and the landscapes unfold like chapters in a book. So, whether you’re chasing sunsets on the E11, navigating the hairpin turns of Al Taween, or gazing at the stars from Kalba’s Clocktower, always buckle up for more tales on the open road! These roads are not mere conduits, but narratives etched on the tarmac, inviting every traveller to become part of the story.

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