E22 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road to close for three consecutive nights
Abu Dhabi Mobility announces closure of the 125-kilometer E22 road toward the capital on August 19, 20 and 21 from midnight to 6am, affecting over 85,000 daily vehicles during peak periods.
E22 Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road to close for three consecutive nights
Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced the closure of E22, the Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Road, toward the UAE capital on the nights of August 19, 20 and 21. The closures will be in effect from midnight to 6am each night.
The 125-kilometer highway connects Abu Dhabi with Al Ain, passing through the desert of Al Wathba. During peak periods, the road sees over 85,000 vehicles daily, making it one of the emirate's busiest corridors.
The authority shared a map detailing the affected areas via its official X account, allowing motorists to plan alternative routes. Drivers may consider using the parallel E30 Al Rawdah Road, which also connects Abu Dhabi and Al Ain and serves as an alternative route, particularly for truck traffic.
Part of broader infrastructure improvements
The overnight closures reflect common practice for UAE road maintenance projects, with many infrastructure works scheduled between midnight and 6am to minimize disruption to daytime traffic and avoid the intense summer heat.
The E22 has been the focus of ongoing safety improvements throughout 2026. In February, Abu Dhabi Mobility reduced speed limits on certain sections of the road from 160 km/h to 140 km/h between Al Nahda Interchange and Bani Yas Interchange as part of traffic safety enhancements.
These works form part of Abu Dhabi's substantial investment in transport infrastructure. The emirate has allocated approximately Dh35 billion to 11 major road projects in 2026-2027, including more than 300 kilometers of new roads and upgrades to existing road networks, tunnels, and intersections.
Regular maintenance pattern
Road closures on the E22 are not unprecedented. Abu Dhabi Mobility has previously announced similar overnight closures on the highway, including a closure from August 19-22, 2022, when the leftmost lane alongside Al Ghanadeer Street and Baniyas West was closed from 10pm to 5am.
Abu Dhabi Mobility, formerly known as the Integrated Transport Centre, oversees all land transport, aviation and maritime activities in the emirate, and administers driver and vehicle licensing. The authority adopted its new brand identity as part of a strategic transformation in transportation management.
