One of the biggest traffic law changes in Abu Dhabi is soon to be introduced, and it could be your food delivery speed that’s affected. New restrictions on delivery motorcycles have been introduced by Abu Dhabi Mobility on a number of high-speed roads in Abu Dhabi, starting from Friday May 15, 2026.
The move is part of a comprehensive safety drive to cut crashes involving motorcycles on highways characterized by high speed limits and loads of vehicles. Authorities say the move will enhance roadway safety, but residents and delivery providers are getting ready for longer deliveries and changes to their routes.
Which roads are now closed?
According to new regulation, delivery motorcycles will not be permitted on roads with speeds higher than 120 km/h. This includes several key highway corridors that are routinely traversed by riders to quickly travel from community to community.
The most serious limitation is to the route between Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Tunnel. Key sections of E11 & E10 will also close to delivery bikes, riding will be diverted to lower speed internal and service roads instead.
Why did Abu Dhabi Introduce the Ban?
Authorities claim the regulation is meant to minimize death on the road when motorcycles are riding at high speeds. Motorcycle collisions with delivery vehicles can lead to injuries because of the impression between bikes and heavier vehicles and high speeds.
Also, officials assume removing motorcycles from the major highways will help traffic flow in the area which will minimize the sudden lane changes and weaving behaviors associated with delivery traffic in and around the highway. Lower speed roads are expected to offer safer working conditions for the riders working under strict delivery schedules and high ambient temperatures in the summer season.
Will the delivery times be affected by the Ban?
The biggest impact, for residents, will probably be the delays in bringing food and groceries during peak hours. These travel routes may need to make a longer detour to pass through several traffic lights and at slower speeds between areas like Al Reem Island and Khalifa City.
Expert industry estimates are that delivery times may get five to 10 minutes longer on average in large truck-load cross country deliveries. For busy nights, during the rush hours, delays might become more apparent as thousands of riders adjust to the new traffic flow.
Delivery Apps Are Updating Their Systems
Many delivery apps are already upgrading their navigation to guide riders around from approved “bike-legal” routes, most notably Talabat, Deliveroo, and Noon Food.
Users will begin to see updated expected times to delivery within apps, in the next few days. Some platforms will also be expected to accommodate differences in delivery radius limits for restaurants in restricted highway areas.
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What should Residents do?
This regulation will begin with an increase in the ordering time for residents to bring food orders in about 10 days. Eating local restaurants could also perhaps prevent you from experiencing any delay on the highway at all.
The majority of delivery providers anticipate that there will be a brief adjustment duration until riders grow to be familiar with training road rules in the city and the more alternative routes to take.
FAQs
When will the motorcycle highway ban be enforced in Abu Dhabi?
The new restrictions will come into force from Friday May 15th, 2026.
For which roads are delivery motorcycles not allowed?
Deliveries will not be allowed on roads of 120 km/h and above, such as parts of Road No. E11, Road No. E10, and Sheikh Zayed road.
Why does Abu Dhabi forbid delivery bikes to be used off the highways?
This will help ensure the safety of riders, minimize crashes on highways and enhance traffic flow on high traffic volume roads.
Will delivery time increase?
Yes. Many deliveries will be expected to last an extra 5 – 10 minutes as other routes are longer.
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