Dubai new speed limits came into force on five roads on 1 November 2026. Limits went up on Al Asayel Street, Al Mustaqbal Street and Latifa bint Hamdan Street, and came down on Al Rebat Street and Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street.
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police announced the change on 21 October 2026. Each new limit covers a set stretch of road, in both directions. If you drive these roads on habit, or follow an old map, two of them can now catch you out.
The five roads and their new limits
These are the stretches named in the RTA announcement. Outside them, the existing limit stays as it was.
| Road | Stretch (between) | Old limit | New limit | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Al Asayel Street | Oud Metha Street and Al Meydan Street | 60 km/h | 80 km/h | Up 20 km/h |
| Al Mustaqbal Street | Sheikh Rashid Street and Al Meydan Street | 60 km/h | 70 km/h | Up 10 km/h |
| Latifa bint Hamdan Street | Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road | 60 km/h | 70 km/h | Up 10 km/h |
| Al Rebat Street | Marrakech Street and Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road | 100 km/h | 90 km/h | Down 10 km/h |
| Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street | 2nd December Street and Khalid bin Al Waleed Street | 80 km/h | 70 km/h | Down 10 km/h |
The five changes at a glance. Source: RTA and Dubai Police, 21 October 2026.
The RTA spells Oud Metha as “Oud Maitha” in its release. It is the same street.
Why the limits changed
The RTA says the changes follow an engineering and technical study run over recent months with an international consultant. They are based on the 2026 update to the Dubai Speed Management Manual.
The stated aims are to improve traffic flow, improve road safety and match each limit to the road’s design and real traffic conditions. The RTA sets limits using traffic volumes, design speed, how built up the road is, and actual driving speeds measured at the 85th percentile. Pedestrian activity and nearby facilities also count.
That is why the change can run either way, up on some roads and down on others.
The two roads to watch
The increases cannot add a fine. The reductions can.
On Al Rebat Street, the old 100 km/h is now 10 km/h over the limit. On Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah Street, the old 80 km/h is now 10 km/h over.
The RTA is replacing the speed signs on the affected stretches and reprogramming the speed cameras to the new limits. Radar thresholds are not published for each road, so the only safe speed is the one on the sign.
Under the federal fines schedule, exceeding the limit by not more than 20 km/h is AED 300. Exceeding it by not more than 60 km/h is AED 1500, with 6 black points and a 15-day vehicle impound. Our guide to RTA Dubai fines has the full table and how to check and pay.
The simple rule: drive to the number on the sign, not the number you are used to. Our Dubai safe driving guide covers the other habits that cause most fines.
Old habits, old maps
Three groups are most likely to get this wrong.
- Residents used to driving Al Rebat Street at 100 km/h.
- Tourists following a navigation app that may not have updated its speed data yet.
- Anyone using an old dashcam or speed alert that warns at the previous limit.
If your app or alert shows a different number to the sign, the sign wins. Slowing late for a new sign is also when lane mistakes happen, so keep your lane discipline as you adjust.
What it means if you drive a rental car
The fine follows the car, and the rental company is the registered owner. Rental companies usually pass any fine on to the renter under the terms of the rental agreement.
Before you set off, read the fines section of your agreement. Check whether a handling charge applies, and how and when fines are charged, especially if your deposit is held after the rental ends. Then drive these five stretches at the posted limit.
If you are comparing cars for your stay, you can browse rental cars from dealers in Dubai on OneClickDrive.
Questions people are asking
Do the new limits apply in both directions?
Yes. The RTA says all five changes apply in both directions on the named stretches.
Has the whole road changed, or only part of it?
Only the stretch between the two streets named in the table. Elsewhere on the same road, the existing posted limit still applies.
Why would Dubai raise a speed limit on safety grounds?
The RTA sets limits by engineering criteria, including design speed, traffic volumes and real driving speeds. Its study found some stretches suited a higher limit and others a lower one. It did not publish a reason for each road.
What if my navigation app shows the old limit?
Follow the posted sign. The RTA is replacing signs and reprogramming cameras to the new limits, and apps can take time to update their data.
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