Sheikh Zayed road is a major highway in Dubai. It also serves as a transport corridor. The road is part of E11 – the main UAE road which continues beyond Dubai to connect several emirates. The road runs through major business districts in Dubai as well as residential areas, shopping centres, hotels, exhibition venues, and landmarks. The road runs along the Dubai Metro Red Line on a large part of its route. This makes the corridor important both for drivers and for public transport users.
It is a major road for those traveling between Downtown Dubai, central Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Marina, as well as areas further south. RTA calls it one of the city’s most important economic and arterial corridors.
What is E11?
E11 is a highway designation that refers to the main east-west, north-south and south-south corridors in the UAE. The road is known as Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai. Road signs can therefore display E11 along with the name Sheikh Zayed Road.
The road does not only pass through one area. The road passes through several major areas of Dubai or allows direct access. This is why it’s often used to describe locations, offices and hotels. Knowing the E11 designation can be useful for navigation because route planners and road signs may use E11 instead of the full road names.
Where is the road?
This road connects major urban areas and runs through much of Dubai. It provides access to Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Dubai Marina as well as other important districts along the Dubai Corridor. The corridor also connects to several major roads serving different parts of the City. RTA has identified important destinations that are served by the corridor. These include Dubai World Trade Centre (DWC), DIFC, Museum of the Future Al Karama, Al Jafiliya, and Al Mankhool.
The time it takes to travel between two points is heavily dependent on the traffic, time of day and which exit you choose.
Major Areas along the Road
The E11 corridor runs through or near several well-known districts in Dubai.
World Trade Centre
The World Trade Centre is one of the most important business and event destinations that are connected by road.
The World Trade Center Metro Station is also located in the area and is part of Dubai Metro Red Line.
DIFC
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is close to the middle section of the road.
The area is serviced by the Emirates Towers station and Financial Centre red line stations. This allows public transport to be accessed for nearby offices and commercial buildings.
Downtown Dubai
E11 provides easy access to Downtown Dubai, one of the city’s most popular destinations.
The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station offers direct access to Downtown via the Red Line. RTA is expanding this station due to the growing demand from passengers.
Business Bay
Business Bay is located directly south of Downtown Dubai. It has its own Business Bay Metro Station along the Red Line.
The district is home to offices, residential towers and hotels, as well as commercial developments.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina and the surrounding communities are accessible from the southern end of this corridor.
The Red Line includes Dubai Internet City , Sobha Realty and other stations that serve the wider corridor towards the Marina and Dubai Marina
Dubai Metro Along the Road
The E11 corridor’s connection to Dubai Metro is one of its biggest benefits.
RTA reports that the Red Line runs parallel to Sheikh Zayed Road along its entire length.
It is a great alternative to driving during times of heavy traffic.
The following stations are located along the corridor:
- World Trade Centre
- Emirates Towers
- Financial Centre
- Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall
- Business Bay
- ONPASSIVE
- Equiti
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Internet City
- Al Fardan Exchange
- Sobha Realty
- DMCC
- Ibn Battuta
- Energy
- Danube
- Expo 2020
RTA lists these stations currently as being part of the Red Line Network.
Metro Station Table
| Metro Station | Code | Main Area |
| World Trade Centre | R22 | World Trade Centre |
| Emirates Towers | R23 | Emirates Towers/ DIFC |
| Financial Centre | R24 | DIFC / Downtown |
| Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall | R25 | Downtown Dubai |
| Business Bay | R26 | Business Bay |
| Mall of the Emirates | R32 | Al Barsha |
| Dubai Internet City | R34 | Dubai Internet City |
| Sobha Realty | R36 | Dubai Marina Area |
| DMCC | R37 | Jumeirah Lakes Towers |
| Ibn Battuta | R39 | Ibn Battuta / Jebel Ali |
| Expo 2020 | R76 | Expo City Area |
RTA has listed the stations that are currently on the Red Line. The exact walking distance between a station and a building may vary. Use the RTA Journey Planner to plan your final leg of the trip.
Public Transport Options
Sheikh Zayed road is more than just a private vehicle route. It is part of one the most important public transport corridors of Dubai. Dubai buses service the areas around Metro Stations and surrounding communities. The Metro Red Line is the main rail link.
RTA Journey Planner lets passengers compare routes by selecting Metro, bus or tram and comparing them based on the starting point and destination. It is especially useful if your destination isn’t directly next to a Metro station. Instead of taking a full taxi ride, you can use the Metro and bus service to complete your journey.
Important Road Connections
E11 is connected to several major roads of Dubai. The roads connect the main highway to different residential, industrial and commercial areas. Al Khail Road and Al Wasl Road are important connections along the corridor. Umm Suqeim Street is also a major route.
Dubai has many parallel roads that serve similar destinations. A missed exit can increase travel time significantly, especially in peak traffic. Drivers should therefore check the entire route before beginning their journey, rather than relying on only the road name.
Access to Downtown and Burj Khalifa
E11 is a great way to get to Downtown Dubai. Red Line: The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa are also accessible by road.
Visit Dubai recommends using Red Line to get to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station if you want Dubai Fountain. Metro connections are especially helpful during busy times when parking and traffic in Downtown can become a problem.
Dubai World Trade Centre Access
World Trade Centre is a major destination on the corridor. This location hosts major events, such as conferences and exhibitions throughout the entire year. Metro station nearby is an alternative to driving to the event site. Traffic can be a problem during large exhibitions. When an event is happening, public transport can be a good option.
RTA also improved traffic flow around the World Trade Centre. The World Trade Centre Roundabout has a newly opened second-level pedestrian bridge that connects traffic coming from E11 towards Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street, and in the direction of Al Karama or Deira.
Sheikh Zayed Road & Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina and the surrounding areas are accessible via the southern section of this corridor. Dubai Marina has its own Metro and tram system. Dubai Tram connects the Marina with the larger waterfront district. The Red Line provides stations all around the Marina. The correct exit is important for drivers approaching Dubai Marina. Several major roads and interchanges service the surrounding communities.
Metro is a great way to get around busy areas.
Peak Hours and Road Traffic
Before you use the road, it is important to be aware of traffic. The corridor is a major route for commuters, especially in the morning and evening. This is because it connects major employment districts with large residential areas. The travel time can change dramatically from one period of the day into another.
A route that appears short on the map can take longer in peak times. Allow extra time if you are running late for a meeting, flight or other appointment.
Recent 2026 road improvements
Dubai continues to upgrade its E11 corridor. RTA announced in August 2026 that a 2 kilometre widening project was completed near the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. The project added an extra lane to the traffic heading from Abu Dhabi towards the World Trade Centre Intersection. The project increased the number lanes on this section from six to seven.
RTA said that the added capacity could increase road capacity by 17%, and reduce peak-hour travel time by up to 10 %. This project is part of a wider traffic solution designed to increase capacity and connectivity along this corridor.
Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station Extension
The road corridor also links to an expansion of a major Metro Station. RTA is expanding Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, from 6,700 to 8,500 square meters. The project will include additional escalators, elevators, and improved pedestrian bridges. It will also have more fare gates, and larger passenger areas.
The expansion was designed to meet the increasing demand for passengers. RTA claims that the upgraded station can serve up to 20,000 passengers per day. This is especially important during New Year’s celebrations, major events and holidays when Downtown experiences high visitor numbers.
Driving on Road
Use the road signs with caution. E11 is a multi-lane highway with several major interchanges. You may need to exit before you reach your destination. Dubai road signs provide advance information. However, drivers should use navigation systems when travelling to unfamiliar locations.
Avoid sudden lane changes near exits. You should continue on safely if you miss an entrance and let your navigation system find another route.
Parking near Major Destinations
E11 is not a destination for parking. Parking is dependent on which building, shopping centre, hotel, office district, or attraction you’re visiting. Visitors to Downtown Dubai, for example, should stop on the main road and follow the signs to the Dubai Mall parking lots rather than stopping at the sign. Before traveling to the World Trade Centre, people attending exhibitions should read the instructions for parking at the venue. Follow the parking signs to your destination.
Taxi
Taxis are a convenient alternative for those who want to travel near the E11 corridor.
Taxis are useful when you have luggage or when your destination does not allow for easy access to the Metro.
The time it takes to get from A to B depends on the traffic.
Compare the estimated taxi trip with the Metro option for longer trips during busy times before you decide.
RTA Journey planner
RTA offers an online journey planner that will help you plan your trips in Dubai.
Enter your starting point and destination. Select a departure time. Then, choose from Metro, bus or tram transport. It can also offer options that require fewer interchanges. It is much more helpful than simply saying “take the Metro” because it takes into account your exact location as well as the final destination. RTA provides tools such as timetables and departure boards to help you find out the latest departure information.
Why Roads are Important to Dubai
Sheikh Zayed Road has great importance because it connects major commercial, residential, and tourist destinations via one of the most heavily used transportation corridors in the city. It facilitates movement between the central parts of Dubai and the southern areas of the emirate. It is also located along the Red Line, which gives commuters an option between public and private transport. The corridor’s importance goes beyond commuting. The road is important for business districts, tourism and exhibitions. It also provides access to landmarks.
The Best Way to Travel
It is impossible to choose the best mode of transport for every trip. If you are near a Red Line Station and want to avoid traffic, use the metro.
When you want to get from one place to another without having to use the Metro, a bus is your best option. When you need to transport luggage, multiple passengers, or are unable to reach your destination by public transportation.
You should drive if you want flexibility or if there is parking available. It depends on your destination, time and traffic on that particular day.
Take Away
Sheikh Zayed road is an important part of Dubai’s transport infrastructure, and one of the main routes between the major parts of the city. The road’s link to the E11 makes it a regional hub, and the Red Line is a good alternative for public transport along the entire corridor.
Visitors can access Downtown Dubai, Burj Al-Halifa and Dubai Mall. They can also reach DIFC, Business Bay Mall of the Emirates, DIFC, DIFC, DIFC Business Bay and the areas towards Dubai Marina. The combination of the road and Metro make the corridor particularly useful for commuters. It is best to confirm the exact route prior to travel. RTA offers current Metro maps, timetables and departure information, as well as a Journey Planner. Meanwhile, ongoing road improvements are affecting traffic flow around key sections.
Frequently asked questions
Does Sheikh Zayed Road correspond to E11?
Sheikh Zayed Road is known as E11 in Dubai. E11 is the major UAE highway which extends beyond Dubai.
Which Dubai Metro lines runs along the road?
The Red Line is parallel to the road along its entire length.
Which Metro Stations are on the Road?
The World Trade Centre is one of the most important stations. Other stations include the Emirates Towers Financial Centre, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Internet City.
Can I get to Burj Khalifa by E11?
Yes. Yes. You can either drive to Downtown Dubai, or take the Red Line Metro and exit at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station.
Does the road allow for public transport?
Yes. There is extensive Metro coverage along the corridor, and it has connections to Dubai buses.
Is the traffic on the road heavy?
Traffic can be heavy during rush hour and at major events. Conditions vary according to the day.
How do I find the best route to take?
Use the official RTA Journey planner. You can compare Metro, bus and tram options as well as marine options.
What road improvements projects are currently underway?
Yes. RTA has completed a 2-kilometre-widening near Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station by 2026, and continues to improve traffic around the corridor.
