ABU DHABI – Abu Dhabi authorities have introduced new traffic regulations prohibiting delivery motorcycles from using highways with speed limits of 120km/h or higher, following an increase in serious accidents involving delivery riders across the emirate.
The new rules, implemented by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) under Abu Dhabi Mobility, came into effect on May 15, 2026. The restriction applies to all roads with speed limits of 120km/h and above, including a section of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street between Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Tunnel in Abu Dhabi city.
Officials said the decision follows extensive traffic analysis and field studies that identified delivery riders as one of the most vulnerable groups on the road network. While overall road fatalities in Abu Dhabi declined by six per cent in 2025 compared to 2023, serious incidents involving delivery motorcycles remained a major concern.
According to ITC data, 72 serious delivery motorcycle accidents were recorded between 2023 and 2025. Research also revealed that roads with speed limits of 120km/h and above accounted for 22 per cent of delivery rider fatalities, despite representing less than five per cent of riders’ daily travel distances.
Dr Abdullah Hamad Al Ghafli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, said protecting road users remains a top priority. He noted that while the delivery sector is vital to the emirate’s economy and daily life, improving rider safety is essential.
To minimise operational disruption, authorities are working with delivery companies to redesign routes, relocate rider stations and reduce travel distances. Traffic simulations indicate that alternative routes are expected to add only four to seven minutes to average delivery times.
Additional safety measures include requiring delivery riders on 100km/h roads to remain in the right-hand lanes and providing dedicated rest areas to help reduce fatigue and heat-related risks.
The initiative forms part of Abu Dhabi’s wider “Delivery Riders Safety” programme, aimed at reducing accidents while supporting the continued growth of the delivery sector.
