Everything you need to get from Dubai to anywhere in the Emirates without a hassle.

It can be overwhelming to navigate the UAE's highway system. E-numbers, Sheikh names, and routes that change titles from emirate to emirate can make even seasoned drivers pause.

This guide breaks down into the UAE's major highways in depth, covering essential landmarks, traffic recommendations, toll information, and scenic sites, allowing you to travel smarter and safer.

Why Knowing These Highways Matters

The UAE boasts world-class roads which are modern, smooth, and well-connected. But without knowing which highway goes where, you’ll waste time, fuel, and patience.

• Avoid unnecessary tolls.

• Cut travel time during peak hours.

• Discover scenic routes for leisure drives.

• Plan your weekend trips efficiently.

Whether commuting, exploring, or road-tripping, understanding these highways is essential for every driver in the Emirates.

Major Highways You Need to Know

1. E11: The UAE’s Backbone

• Distance Covered: Approximately 550 km

• Emirates Covered: All except Fujairah

• Route Overview: Runs from Abu Dhabi in the south to Ras Al Khaimah in the north

Key Sections & Names:

• Dubai: Sheikh Zayed Road

• Abu Dhabi: Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road

• Ras Al Khaimah: Sheikh Muhammad Bin Salem Road

Landmarks Along E11

• Dubai: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Emirates Towers, Dubai Marina

• Sharjah: Industrial areas, University City

• Abu Dhabi: Yas Island, Ferrari World, Abu Dhabi Corniche

Tips for Drivers

• Expect heavy traffic during rush hours in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

• Salik toll gates in Dubai, plan your route to manage toll costs.

• Ideal for long-distance trips between emirates, but city sections are often congested.

2. E311: The Sharjah–Dubai Lifeline

• Distance Covered: Approximately 140 km

• Emirates Covered: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain

• Route Overview: Connects Dubai with northern emirates while avoiding most tolls

Key Landmarks

• Dubai Silicon Oasis

• Mirdif

• Arabian Ranches

• Sharjah Industrial Areas

Tips for Drivers

• Best for avoiding Salik gates on E11.

• Peak-hour traffic can build up near Dubai and Sharjah junctions.

• Smoother suburban driving than central Dubai roads.

• Good alternative when E11 is congested.

3. E611: The Emirates Bypass

• Distance Covered: Approximately 110 km

• Emirates Covered: Abu Dhabi to Sharjah (bypasses Dubai)

• Route Overview: Runs parallel to E311, offering a fast northern route without entering Dubai

Highlights

• Connects to major industrial zones

• Provides a fast route to northern cities like RAK and UAQ

• Less congested than E311

Driver Tips

• Ideal for weekend travelers heading north.

• Smooth drive, fewer junctions, less urban traffic.

• Limited amenities, keep an eye on exits.

4. E44: Al Khail Road

• Distance Covered: Approximately 134 km

• Emirates Covered: Dubai, Hatta and Oman border

• Route Overview: Scenic highway from Dubai into mountains, desert landscapes, and Hatta

Key Landmarks & Attractions

• Dubai Sports City (starting point)

• Dubai Industrial Zones

• Hatta Dam and Hatta Wadi Hub

• Hatta Kayaking & Mountain Biking Trails

• Oman border (passport required)

Driver Tips

• Scenic route with desert and mountain views

• Road narrows in certain Hatta sections

• Popular on weekends; expect heavy traffic

5. E66: Dubai–Al Ain Road

• Distance Covered: Approximately 150 km

• Emirates Covered: Dubai (Al Ain)

• Route Overview: Direct connection to Al Ain, the “Garden City”

Highlights

• Dubai , Wafi Mall / Oud Metha, Al Ain

• Al Ain Oasis & Heritage Village

• Al Ain Zoo & Jebel Hafeet

Driver Tips

• Ideal for day trips from Dubai

• Intersects with E11, convenient for combined routes

• Watch for agricultural vehicles near Al Ain outskirts

6. E77: The Eastern Route

• Distance Covered: Approximately 85 km

• Emirates Covered: Jebel Ali and the Eastern Villages

• Route Overview: Less-traveled route near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) and eastern border areas

Driver Tips

• Great for exploring less touristy areas

• Limited services; fuel up before long stretches

• Useful for logistics and industrial travel

7. E84: Sheikh Khalifa Highway (Fujairah Express)

• Distance Covered: Approximately 40 km

• Emirates Covered: Dubai and Fujairah

• Route Overview: Fastest route to Fujairah beaches, cutting 20–30 km from older routes

Highlights

• Fujairah beaches (Al Aqah, Snoopy Island)

• Mountain views along the Hajar Range

• Modern highway with smooth driving

Driver Tips

• Avoid weekends if you want to skip heavy traffic

• Scenic and short, perfect for a quick getaway

A Few Things You Should Know

Speed Limits

Most highways in the UAE have speed restrictions ranging from 100 to 120 km/h. Here is the essential part: Except for Abu Dhabi, every emirate has a buffer of 20 km/h.

Most highways in the UAE have speed restrictions ranging from 100 to 120 km/h. Except for Abu Dhabi, all emirates have a 20 km/h buffer, which means that if you exceed the limit of 100 km/h, you will not be punished until you reach 121 km/h. In Abu Dhabi, however, speed limits are strictly enforced with no buffer, thus if the limit is 100 km/h, it must be followed precisely.

The Name Game
Road names in the UAE change regularly. A road with one name yesterday may be renamed after a sheikh tomorrow. The most dependable way to navigate is to use the E-numbers, which are consistent and always printed on highway signage.

One Last Tip

Download a good GPS app (Google Maps or Waze work well here) and always check traffic before you leave. Even the best roadways get blocked during rush hour, particularly on weekends when everyone is headed to the same beach or mountain destination.