Dubai: Motorists travelling across Dubai are facing lengthy delays during Thursday morning’s rush hour, with congestion affecting three major highways and several connecting roads.
Traffic reported around 8:27am on October 8 showed heavy slowdowns on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Al Khail Road (E44) and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311). Emirates Road (E611), by comparison, was largely moving freely, apart from slower sections in several areas.
For commuters, the traffic is spread across several parts of the emirate rather than being confined to a single interchange.
E11 traffic builds through central Dubai
One of the main congestion points is Sheikh Zayed Road, where traffic is backed up between the Oud Metha Road–Sheikh Rashid Road intersection and Defence Roundabout.
Further along the route, additional delays are reported before the Al Manara Street exit in Al Safa. Nearby Sheikh Rashid Road (D75) is also heavily congested, while traffic through Karama on D88 is moving slowly.
Motorists travelling around central Dubai should also expect busy conditions on Al Safa Street (D71) near City Walk and Dubai Mall, with traffic affecting both directions.
Al Khail Road sees several bottlenecks
Al Khail Road (E44) is another major pressure point during the morning commute.
Heavy traffic stretches from Meydan towards Dubai Hills Estate, while additional bottlenecks are reported between Ras Al Khor and Dubai Design District.
Traffic is also slow near the Dubai Production City exit towards Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311), creating potential knock-on delays for motorists moving between the major corridors.
E311 faces long tailbacks
The congestion is also extensive on Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311).
A long stretch of traffic is reported from Sharjah towards Mirdif, with further pockets of congestion around Dubai International City and Global Village.
Drivers heading through the southern parts of the emirate may encounter another slowdown between Arabian Ranches and Dubai Production City, while Dubai South is also experiencing heavy congestion.
Emirates Road remains the better-moving major route
Emirates Road (E611) is currently providing relatively smoother movement compared with E11, E44 and E311.
However, the route is not completely clear. Slower traffic has been reported around Al Awir, Villanova and Arabian Ranches 3.
Motorists considering an alternative route should check live navigation conditions before changing course, since congestion can move quickly between connecting roads during peak hours.
New truck restrictions are in effect
The Thursday traffic picture also comes after the introduction of new truck movement restrictions across Dubai from October 1.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police announced the restrictions as part of efforts to improve traffic flow and road safety. Emirates Road is exempt from the decision.
The restrictions vary according to the road. RTA says some locations have round-the-clock restrictions, while Sheikh Zayed Road and Beirut Street, among others, are subject to restrictions from 6am to 10pm. Certain urban roads have restrictions during morning, afternoon and evening peak periods.
RTA has advised truck operators to plan journeys around the applicable restrictions and use permitted alternative routes or designated truck rest areas during restricted periods.
The current morning congestion, however, should not be attributed solely to the truck restrictions. The available traffic report identifies the locations of slow-moving traffic but does not establish a single cause for Thursday’s delays.
For commuters, the immediate priority is to allow extra journey time, monitor live traffic conditions and maintain a safe following distance, particularly when approaching congested sections and merging traffic.
What happened to Dubai traffic on October 8, 2026?
Heavy congestion was reported across several major Dubai roads during the Thursday morning rush, particularly on E11, E44 and E311.
Which Dubai roads have the heaviest traffic?
The main affected highways are Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), Al Khail Road (E44) and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road (E311). Several connecting roads are also experiencing slow traffic.
Is Sheikh Zayed Road affected?
Yes. Traffic is backed up between the Oud Metha Road–Sheikh Rashid Road intersection and Defence Roundabout, with additional delays near Al Safa.
Is Al Khail Road congested?
Yes. Heavy traffic is reported from Meydan towards Dubai Hills Estate, with other bottlenecks around Ras Al Khor, Dubai Design District and Dubai Production City.
Is E311 affected?
Yes. Long tailbacks are reported from Sharjah towards Mirdif, with additional congestion around Dubai International City, Global Village and other southern sections.
Which major Dubai road is moving more freely?
Emirates Road (E611) is comparatively free-flowing, although slower sections remain around Al Awir, Villanova and Arabian Ranches 3.
Are truck restrictions currently in effect in Dubai?
Yes. RTA and Dubai Police introduced truck movement restrictions across Dubai from October 1, 2026. Emirates Road is exempt, while restriction timings vary by road and location.
What should Dubai motorists do during heavy traffic?
Drivers should allow additional travel time, check live traffic information before leaving and maintain a safe following distance through congested areas.
