The drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi — along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) or Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road (E311) — is one of the most travelled in the country. It is also where drivers most often get a fine they did not expect.
The border changes the radar
In Dubai, radars on the main roads are commonly set about 20 km/h above the posted limit. Cross into Abu Dhabi and that margin is gone: The National confirmed in September 2026 that Abu Dhabi’s radars trigger at 1 km/h over the limit. A driver who has spent an hour at “limit plus 15” in Dubai keeps that habit — and the first Abu Dhabi camera records it.
Recent changes on the route
- 14 September 2026: the E311 between Tawi Al Qaymah Street and Al Khayr Street (about 6 km near Baniyas Cemetery) dropped from 120 to 100 km/h in both directions.
- April 2025: the 120 km/h minimum speed in the left lanes of the E311 was removed.
Fog
Early-morning fog is common on this corridor. Abu Dhabi then lowers limits on major roads, including the E311, to 80 km/h, and the radars follow automatically. Watch the electronic signs. See fog speed limits.
A calm way to drive it
Set cruise control to the posted limit, not the Dubai radar speed, before you reach the border — and let a warning tell you about each camera early enough that you never brake for one.
