Abu Dhabi bans delivery motorcycles from highways over 120km/h — delivery sector — effective May 15

Abu Dhabi Mobility, through the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC), has banned delivery motorcycles from highways with speed limits of 120km/h or above, effective May 15, 2026. The restrictions also apply to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street between Sheikh Zayed Bridge and Sheikh Zayed Tunnel.

The move follows a rise in serious accidents involving delivery riders. Between 2023 and 2025, authorities recorded 72 serious accidents involving delivery motorcycles. Studies found that highways with speed limits of 120km/h and above accounted for 22 per cent of all delivery rider deaths, despite representing less than five per cent of the total distance travelled daily by riders.

Delivery riders using roads with a speed limit of 100km/h will be required to stay in the right-hand lanes. The ITC is coordinating with delivery companies to introduce new operating measures, including redistributing rider stations, reducing trip distances, and expanding use of environmentally friendly transport options. Traffic simulations showed that using alternative routes would increase average journey times by between four and seven minutes.

The authority has established dedicated rest areas for riders to reduce the risk of heat stress. Officials said the measures are part of broader efforts under the "Delivery Riders Safety" programme to improve safety while ensuring delivery services continue to meet growing demand.