Abu Dhabi Delivery Motorcycle Restrictions: New Highway Ban Aims to Reduce Fatal Accidents

The Abu Dhabi delivery motorcycle restrictions represent a proactive safety measure implemented by authorities to address a troubling rise in fatal accidents involving delivery riders. Effective from May 15, 2026, the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), under Abu Dhabi Mobility, has enforced a ban on delivery motorcycles using highways with speed limits of 120 km/h and above. This significant regulatory move aims to protect one of the most vulnerable road user groups while maintaining the efficiency of delivery services crucial to the emirate’s economy and daily life. The restrictions cover major roadways, including a key stretch of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street in Abu Dhabi city, reflecting a data-driven approach to enhance rider safety and reduce serious injuries and fatalities observed in recent years.

The ban targets all roads within the emirate that have posted speed limits of 120 km/h or higher, recognizing that such high-speed environments pose disproportionate risks to delivery motorcycle riders. Notably, the section of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street between Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Tunnel is included due to its heavy traffic and high-speed characteristics. The decision was informed by comprehensive traffic data and field studies conducted by the ITC, which highlighted that despite an overall 6% reduction in road fatalities between 2023 and 2025 across Abu Dhabi, delivery riders accounted for a disproportionately high number of severe accidents. Specifically, 72 serious incidents involving delivery motorcycles were recorded over this period, with high-speed highways, though constituting less than 5% of daily rider travel distance, accounting for 22% of these fatalities.

Dr. Abdullah Hamad Al Ghafli, Acting Director General of the Integrated Transport Centre, emphasized that safeguarding the lives of all road users remains paramount. The delivery sector is integral to Abu Dhabi’s economy and the daily convenience of residents, necessitating a balanced approach that ensures continuity of services while enhancing safety standards. Authorities are collaborating closely with delivery companies to implement operational adjustments that mitigate risks without significantly impacting service efficiency. These efforts reflect a broader commitment to fostering a safe, sustainable, and economically vibrant urban environment by addressing the unique challenges faced by delivery riders.

To complement the highway restrictions, the ITC is working with stakeholders to introduce several supportive measures. These include redistributing rider stations to optimize logistics, reducing individual trip distances to lower exposure to high-speed roads, and promoting environmentally friendly transport modes within residential areas. Traffic simulations indicate that alternative routing will minimally affect delivery times, with average journey increases estimated between four and seven minutes, an acceptable trade-off for enhanced safety.

Furthermore, dedicated rest areas have been established to provide riders with opportunities to recuperate and reduce heat stress risks, particularly important given Abu Dhabi’s climate. These initiatives form part of the “Delivery Riders Safety” programme, which aims to create a comprehensive safety framework encompassing infrastructure, education, and operational excellence to reduce accidents and protect riders.

The Abu Dhabi delivery motorcycle restrictions exemplify a data-informed, holistic approach to urban mobility management. By targeting high-risk environments and implementing supportive infrastructure and policies, the emirate addresses both immediate safety concerns and long-term sustainability. The initiative also underscores the importance of integrating vulnerable road users into transport planning, ensuring equitable and inclusive mobility solutions.

As delivery services continue to grow in importance, especially with the rise of e-commerce and digital economies, maintaining rider safety is critical for economic resilience and public welfare. Abu Dhabi’s measures serve as a model for other cities grappling with similar challenges.

Gulf Repost is a leading regional news and analysis platform dedicated to delivering accurate, timely, and insightful coverage across the Gulf region and the Middle East. Our reporting encompasses transport innovations, urban development, economic strategies, and social issues, providing audiences with comprehensive perspectives and trusted information. By highlighting impactful initiatives such as the Abu Dhabi delivery motorcycle restrictions, Gulf Repost connects readers to stories of resilience, innovation, and community wellbeing shaping the region’s future. Our commitment to journalistic integrity and thoughtful engagement empowers individuals, businesses, and policymakers to navigate the complexities of modern urban life. Gulf Repost remains your essential source for understanding the evolving landscape of mobility and safety in the Gulf.