The speed limit on Shaikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Road between Dubai-Al Ain Road and Jebel Ali-Lehbab Road was increased from 80km/h to 90 km/h on Saturday.

The decision was taken by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai and Dubai Police.

Engineer Maitha Bin Adai, CEO of RTA’s Traffic and Roads Agency, said, “The decision to raise the speed limit on this sector of Shaikh Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Road has been taken after extensive studies were done according to the Speed Management Manual in Dubai. The manual contains procedures, stipulations and flexible engineering standards governing the setting and assessing of speed limits on various roads of Dubai to bring them in line with the latest international practices.”

The speed limit signs will be changed to display 90km/h instead of 80 km/h, together with directional and cautionary signs.

Major General Advisor Mohammad Saif Al Zafein, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operation Affairs, Dubai Police, said, “Measures would be taken to adjust the speed cameras and set them at 110 km/h for the safety of road users. There is a continuous consultation and coordination between RTA and Dubai Police in taking decisions that realize the vision of Dubai and taking preventive measures to maintain the safety of road users.”

Engineer Adai said the speed limit is also judged by "a host of engineering factors" such as the designed speed of the road, actual speed observed by most motorists (the 85th percentile speed), urbanisation rate on both roadsides, pedestrian movement, and the availability of vital facilities.

Consideration is also given to the level of crashes experienced, and the traffic volumes of the road, Adai said.