Drivers on one of Dubai's busiest northern highways face a week of partial closures starting Monday, as authorities make way for autonomous taxi testing.
Three lanes of Emirates Road (E611) opposite Al Maktoum International Airport, along with the airport's tunnel in both directions, will be closed daily from October 26 to 31, between 9am and 4pm, according to Dubai traffic authorities.
The closures are being arranged so autonomous taxi operators can run testing on the stretch. Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys ahead of time and follow posted directional signage during the affected hours.
The trial is part of a wider UAE push into driverless transport. The country is aiming to have more than 10,000 autonomous taxis and delivery vans on its roads next year. Abu Dhabi has already become the first city in the Middle East and North Africa to roll out commercial Level 4 fully driverless vehicles, and Dubai has likewise begun commercial autonomous taxi operations of its own.
E611, commonly known as Emirates Road, is a key corridor linking Dubai with Sharjah and the northern emirates, and is typically heavily trafficked during the affected mid-morning to afternoon window. Commuters who regularly use this stretch, particularly those travelling to or from Al Maktoum International Airport, should expect delays and are encouraged to consider alternative routes or shift non-essential trips outside the closure hours.
The week-long trial reflects how quickly autonomous-vehicle testing has accelerated across the UAE over the past year, with both of the country's largest cities now running live trials on public roads.