Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced upcoming traffic disruptions to facilitate the testing of autonomous taxi technology. Starting October 26 and running through October 31, officials will close three lanes of the Emirates Road (E611) near Al Maktoum International Airport. Additionally, the airport’s tunnel will be fully shut in both directions during this period, with restrictions in effect daily from 9 am to 4 pm. Drivers are encouraged to plan their routes ahead of time and pay close attention to posted signage to avoid delays.

These tests align with the UAE’s ambitious goal to integrate thousands of self-driving taxis and delivery vehicles into the national transport grid by next year. As both Dubai and Abu Dhabi aggressively expand their driverless infrastructure, the region is rapidly becoming a global leader in Level 4 autonomous mobility. With commercial services already active in key areas like Umm Suqeim, Jumeirah, and Yas Island, these road closures represent a critical step toward the widespread adoption of driverless transport across the country.