What contractors need to know
Heavy vehicles in the UAE cannot use every road at every hour. Dubai and Abu Dhabi both restrict trucks on named roads and at peak times, and both offer permits for essential movements. Planning deliveries around these rules is now part of planning a construction programme.
This guide summarises the official positions as published by each authority, with links. Rules change, so always check the authority's latest notice before dispatch.
Dubai: rules from 1 October 2026
The RTA and Dubai Police announced new truck movement restrictions effective 1 October 2026. According to the Dubai Media Office announcement:
| Restriction | Roads and areas | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Round-the-clock ban | Al Qudra Street, Al Meydan Street, all crossings, Airport Tunnel | 24 hours |
| Daily ban | Sheikh Zayed Road, Beirut Street; residential areas of Al Mizhar, Muhaisnah and Oud Al Muteena | 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Peak-hour ban | Airport Street, Oman Street, Damascus Street | 6:30–8:30 AM, 1:00–3:00 PM, 5:30–8:00 PM |
| Exempt | Emirates Road | – |
Permits: companies that need to move trucks during restricted times can apply for the RTA's Mobility Permit for Heavy Vehicles in Banned Times and Roads through the RTA website and its Right-of-Way Department. The announcement states that permits are for essential cases only.
Dubai: Emirates Road towards Sharjah
Separately, the RTA introduced a truck ban on Emirates Road towards Sharjah during the evening peak, from 5:30 to 8:00 PM, between Al Awir Street and Sharjah, effective 1 January 2025. The October 2026 announcement states that Emirates Road is exempt from its decision; check with the RTA whether the 2025 evening-peak ban continues to apply on your route.
Abu Dhabi: restricted hours on city roads
The Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), part of Abu Dhabi Mobility, updated restricted movement hours for heavy vehicles – including freight vehicles, trucks, tankers and heavy equipment – on Abu Dhabi city roads, effective 27 January 2025, according to its announcement:
| Day | Restricted hours |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 6:30 – 9:00 AM and 3:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Friday | 6:30 – 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM |
Abu Dhabi: restricted corridors
The ITC has also banned truck movement on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road (E11) and Al Raha Beach Road (E10), directing trucks to alternative routes such as Al Fayah–Seih Shuaib Road (E75) and Al Haffar Road. Peak-hour truck restrictions apply on Al Rawdah Road (E30) in the Mussafah industrial area. Permit arrangements exist for some movements; check the ITC's latest notice for your route.
Ajman: heavy vehicle passage permit
The Ajman government provides a Heavy Vehicle Passage Permit that allows heavy vehicles to use roads where their movement is otherwise prohibited, within approved timings and conditions. Applications are made through the Ministry of Interior's services.
Other emirates
Sharjah, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah set their own rules for heavy vehicles on local roads. Before planning a delivery, check the latest notices from the relevant police force or transport authority.
Federal weight rules
Separate from movement restrictions, federal rules set maximum vehicle weights by axle configuration. See our axle-load guide for the official position and its status.
How to plan around the restrictions
- Map the route from pickup to site and note every restricted road on it.
- Find the open window when the route and the destination city both allow heavy vehicles.
- Match the site window to the road window; adjust whichever is more flexible.
- Use exempt or permitted routes where they exist, such as Emirates Road in Dubai.
- Apply for a permit only where a movement is essential and no alternative works.
- Check again before dispatch, because rules can change at short notice.
How Nafees Transport handles this
Every Nafees Transport dispatch is planned around the restrictions on its route. For the corridors most affected, see our Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Dubai to Sharjah route pages, and the Dubai to Abu Dhabi planning guide.
Need materials moved?
Nafees Transport is a Dubai-based transport company that moves construction and industrial materials, steel and rebar across all seven emirates. Send your requirement through the quote form or WhatsApp on +971 54 161 0526, Monday to Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM.
Sources
- Dubai Media Office – RTA and Dubai Police announce truck movement restrictions on roads across Dubai from 1 October (26 September 2026)
- RTA – Truck ban on Emirates Road towards Sharjah during evening peak, effective January 2025
- Abu Dhabi Mobility (ITC) – Update to restricted movement hours for heavy vehicles on Abu Dhabi roads (January 2025)
- Abu Dhabi Mobility (ITC) – Truck movement ban on Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Road and Al Raha Beach Road
- Ajman Government – Issue a Heavy Vehicle Passage Permit
Road rules change. Always check the latest notice from the relevant authority before dispatch.