Abu Dhabi city is about 140 km from Downtown Dubai, and the drive takes roughly 90 minutes outside rush hour. There are two main routes. Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) runs along the coast past Jebel Ali and is the more direct. The E311, called Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road in Dubai and Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Road in Abu Dhabi, runs further inland and is often quieter.
Speed enforcement changes on the way
Treat the posted limit as the limit everywhere, but especially once you reach Abu Dhabi. Abu Dhabi removed its speed tolerance in 2018, so its radars are set to the number on the sign. Limits also change as you cross from one emirate to the other near Ghantoot, so check the signs and reset your cruise control there.
On the Abu Dhabi section of the E311 the limit is 140 km/h, and the two left lanes have a minimum speed of 120 km/h. Driving slower than that in those lanes carries an AED 400 fine, so if you want to cruise at 110, stay to the right.
Fog
Between December and February, fog often settles over the coast road early in the morning. Abu Dhabi lowers the limit to 80 km/h on its electronic signs when it does, and the radars follow the new limit. If you see the signs change, slow down straight away. Give extra space too: tailgating is fined at AED 400 with 4 black points, and Abu Dhabi uses cameras that detect it.
Tolls: Salik and Darb
Dubai's Salik gates charge AED 6.30 at peak times and AED 4.20 off-peak, with nothing between 1 and 6 am. Abu Dhabi has its own system, Darb, at the bridges onto Abu Dhabi island. Darb charges AED 4 per crossing at peak times, 7 to 9 am and 5 to 7 pm from Monday to Saturday, and nothing outside those hours or on Sundays. Salik is recorded automatically and added to your bill at the official rate. If your plans include Abu Dhabi island at peak times, tell us when you book and we will explain how Darb is handled on your car.
Which car suits the drive
For a business day in the capital, a saloon with air suspension makes the drive restful: the Mercedes S500 or the BMW 750Li. For a family with luggage, a Range Rover Vogue or the Cadillac Escalade 2025 takes everyone and the bags. A supercar is fun for the drive itself, but most have room for one or two soft bags, so plan the luggage before you choose one.
Before you set off
- Keep your phone in its holder. Holding it while driving costs AED 800 and 4 black points.
- Use the left lane only to overtake.
- Plan a fuel stop if the tank is below half; a big SUV or a V8 sports car will use a lot of it at 120 km/h.
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