What is closed and when
The restrictions apply to three lanes of E611 opposite the airport, plus a full closure of the airport tunnel in both directions, between 9am and 4pm each day from Monday 26 October to Saturday 31 October. RTA urged motorists to plan journeys ahead and follow directional signs.
Gulf News advises passengers travelling to or from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) to allow extra time during the restriction hours.
What the tests mean
RTA has not named the companies taking part. It describes the work as highway testing, which goes beyond the city-street and zone-based trials reported earlier in Dubai. Time Out Dubai suggests the tests point to driverless taxis being introduced around the airport, but Gulf News notes that RTA has not confirmed when commercial robotaxi services will launch in that area.
What This Means for UAE Drivers
Drivers heading to or past Al Maktoum International Airport between 9am and 4pm this week should expect delays and use the diversions RTA signs. Travellers with flights from DWC should allow extra time, and operators of airport transfers, rental pick-ups and delivery routes in the area may want to schedule trips outside the 9am to 4pm window until Saturday.
Key Facts
- Closures run 26-31 October 2026, daily from 9am to 4pm.
- Three lanes of Emirates Road (E611) opposite Al Maktoum International Airport are closed.
- The Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel is closed in both directions.
- Purpose: highway testing for autonomous taxi companies; RTA has not named them.
- RTA has not confirmed when commercial robotaxi services will launch near the airport.
Sources
- Arabian Business (embedding RTA's post on X), "Dubai to close selected roads near airport for autonomous taxi testing," 26 October 2026
- Gulf News, "Dubai road closures this week for driverless taxi tests: Diversions, timings and travel tips," 26 October 2026
- Khaleej Times, "Dubai to close some E611 lanes, Al Maktoum airport tunnel amid autonomous taxi testing," 25 October 2026
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