Road Closures and Accidents Snarl Traffic Across UAE and Qatar as Maintenance and Summits Disrupt Commutes

Key facts

• Abu Dhabi Mobility closed Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street from 9 to 22 December for essential maintenance.
• A road accident on Ras Al Khor Road in Dubai added to delays.
• Traffic backed up on Damascus Street in Sharjah's Industrial Area.
• Dubai Police reminded drivers to use indicators consistently for safety.
• Qatar's Ministry of Interior announced temporary closures for the Emergency Arab-Islamic summit on an unspecified date from 8:30 am.
• Ashghal closed the free right line on Onaiza Street from April 30 to May 5, 2026, midnight to 5 am, for street light repairs.
• severe congestion during morning rush.
• Ashghal urged drivers to observe speed limits and use alternative routes.

Maintenance Closures and Accidents Disrupt UAE Roads

A two-week partial closure on Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street in Dubai, announced by Abu Dhabi Mobility (AD Mobility), began on Tuesday, 9 December, and will continue until Monday, 22 December, as crews perform essential road maintenance. The authority posted on X, urging the public to "Please Use Alternate Routes" during this period to minimize disruption. Meanwhile, a separate road traffic accident on Ras Al Khor Road in Dubai compounded delays within the emirate. Real-time Google Maps data also showed slow-moving conditions on Damascus Street in Sharjah's Industrial Area, reflecting widespread pressure on the morning commute. Commuters traveling between severe congestion, with Google Maps indicating particularly sluggish traffic on the connecting highways during the morning rush hour. The maintenance work aims to ensure the continued integrity and safety of the road network.

Police Remind Drivers of Safety Protocols Amid Congestion

Amid the congestion, Dubai Police issued a reminder to drivers about road safety protocols, specifically urging motorists to use their indicators consistently. The authority stressed the importance of signaling when changing lanes or making turns, allowing other drivers to anticipate movement. The reminder comes as multiple incidents and closures strain the road network. any specific enforcement measures but emphasized that signaling is crucial for preventing accidents in heavy traffic.

Qatar's Summit Prompts Temporary Traffic Closures

In Qatar, the Ministry of Interior announced a temporary traffic closure on certain roads in conjunction with the country's hosting of the Emergency Arab-Islamic summit. The closure was scheduled to take effect from 8:30 am on the day of the summit, though the exact date was not specified in the announcement. The closures are intended to facilitate the smooth conduct of the summit, which brings together leaders from Arab and Islamic nations. Motorists were advised to plan alternative routes and expect delays in the affected areas.

Ashghal Repairs Street Lights on Onaiza Street with Nighttime Closure

The Public Works Authority, Ashghal, announced a temporary road closure of the free right line on a section of Onaiza Street in Doha. The closure affects traffic coming from the Onaiza Intersection heading towards Khalifa Boulevard Street. The closure, which began on April 30, will continue through Tuesday, May 5, 2026, operating from midnight to 5 am daily. Ashghal stated that the work is to complete street light repairs. Throughout this period, Ashghal urged road users to carefully observe speed limits and directional signs for their safety and to use nearby alternative routes to reach their destinations, as indicated on a map provided by the authority.

Regional Traffic Challenges Highlight Infrastructure Strain

The simultaneous closures and accidents in the UAE and Qatar underscore the challenges faced by rapidly growing urban centers in the Gulf region. In Dubai, the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street closure affects a major artery, while the Sharjah-Dubai corridor remains a perennial bottleneck. In Qatar, the summit-related closures add to ongoing infrastructure works, such as the Onaiza Street repairs. Authorities in both countries have emphasized the importance of maintenance and safety, but the disruptions highlight the need for coordinated traffic management and public communication. Real-time data from Google Maps has become a key tool for commuters navigating these disruptions, though authorities continue to rely on traditional advisories via social media and official channels.

Outlook: Commuters Advised to Plan Ahead as Works and Events Continue

With the Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street closure lasting until 22 December, and the Onaiza Street repairs extending into early May 2026, commuters in both Dubai and Doha face continued disruptions. The summit in Qatar adds an additional layer of uncertainty, though its closure is temporary. Authorities have not announced any further closures, but the pattern of maintenance and event-related traffic management suggests that such disruptions will remain a feature of urban life in the region. Drivers are advised to stay updated via official channels and to allow extra travel time. The emphasis on safety, from Dubai Police's reminder about indicators to Ashghal's call for speed limit compliance, reflects a broader effort to mitigate risks during periods of increased congestion and road works.

The bottom line

• Abu Dhabi Mobility closed Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street for 14 days starting 9 December for essential maintenance.
• A road accident on Ras Al Khor Road and congestion on Damascus Street added to delays in the UAE.
• Dubai Police emphasized the use of indicators for safety during heavy traffic.
• Qatar's Ministry of Interior closed roads for the Emergency Arab-Islamic summit from 8:30 am on an unspecified date.
• Ashghal closed the free right line on Onaiza Street from midnight to 5 am, April 30 to May 5, 2026, for street light repairs.
• Commuters between Sharjah and Dubai faced severe congestion during morning rush hour.