There’s big news for motorists in the capital! The Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) will activate a variable speed limit system (VSL system) on Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Road starting today, October 27, 2025.
The authorities took to X to make the announcement. AD Mobility said the measure is designed to improve traffic flow and enhance road safety on one of the capital’s busiest corridors.
So if you frequent this route, definitely keep an eye out for the changing speed limits to avoid hefty fines.
What changes can you expect under the new Variable Speed Limits (VSL) system?
Under the new system, posted speed limits may change in the following situations:
- Adverse weather conditions (e.g. rain, fog, sandstorms)
- Peak-hour congestion
- Major events affecting traffic loads
- Roadworks or temporary lane closures
The authority urged motorists to cooperate and strictly follow the displayed limits, noting that real-time adjustments are intended to reduce collisions and cut congestion, not slow drivers arbitrarily.
VSL systems are increasingly implemented in various countries, particularly in regions with advanced infrastructure and a focus on intelligent transportation systems (ITS). Countries like the US have already implemented the same in Minnesota and Texas on highways such as Interstate 94 and Interstate 35W. Similarly, in Europe, countries like Germany and the UK have long utilised VSLs on freeways to manage speed and traffic flows in changing conditions.
All the speed limit changes introduced in Abu Dhabi
Earlier this year, the speed limit on Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street was lowered from 120 km/h to 100kmph.
In April, the 120km/h minimum speed limit on Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road (E311) was lifted. The maximum speed limit on the road remains unchanged at 140km/h.
The minimum speed limit was introduced in May 2023 and applied to the outer two left lanes in both directions. Motorists driving below the limit in these lanes faced an AED 400 fine.
The speed limit on this road was reduced to 100 km/h. Earlier, the limit used to be 120 km/h, making this a 20 km/h reduction. The road is also termed as International Airport Road (E20).
Also, from April 14, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed International Road saw a 20km/h reduction. With the previous limit on E11 set at 160 km/h, the new limit is 140km/h.
E11 is the longest road in the UAE, linking Abu Dhabi and Dubai and running through other emirates, including Sharjah, Ajman, and Ras Al Khaimah. It is also known as Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai.
Following recent road safety announcements, there was also another update on the speed limit near school zones. Abu Dhabi Police have urged motorists not to exceed the 30 km/h speed limit near school zones, emphasising that safe driving is crucial for protecting students as the new academic year begins.
Drive safe and watch this space for more updates!
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