RTA closes E611 lanes and Al Maktoum Airport Tunnel for autonomous taxi tests

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) will close three lanes of Emirates Road (E611) and the Al Maktoum International Airport Tunnel from 26 to 31 October. The closures are for highway testing by autonomous taxi companies. They apply daily between 9am and 4pm.

The lane closures are on Emirates Road, opposite Al Maktoum International Airport. The tunnel will be fully closed in both directions during the same hours.

The RTA announced the measures in a notice on social media. It urged motorists to plan journeys in advance, allow extra time and follow directional signs.

Khaleej Times noted that commercial autonomous taxi services have already started in Dubai, including in Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah. It also cited a senior UAE official who said earlier this month that more than 10,000 driverless taxis and delivery vans are expected on the country's roads next year, with orders already placed.

Drivers heading to or past the airport area on Emirates Road between 9am and 4pm on those days should expect restrictions. Travel outside those hours is not covered by the closures. Visitors who plan to hire a car for airport transfers can factor this window into their schedule.

Gulf News reported the closures, and Khaleej Times carried the RTA statement.