Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai: Location, E11, Metro, Areas and Visitor Guide

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Sheikh Zayed Road is one of the main roads in Dubai. It forms part of the UAE’s E11 highway and connects Dubai with Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE. The road passes near many well-known places in Dubai, including the Dubai World Trade Centre, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Marina. The Dubai Metro Red Line also runs along much of the road, giving residents and visitors another way to travel around the city.

Sheikh Zayed Road at a Glance

Sheikh Zayed Road serves people who travel to work, live in nearby areas, visit Dubai attractions or drive between Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Where Is Sheikh Zayed Road?

Sheikh Zayed Road runs through a large part of Dubai. It forms part of the E11 highway, which continues across several emirates.

You can find the road on Google Maps by searching for Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai or E11 Dubai. The road passes through or near several busy parts of the city, including Trade Centre, DIFC, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay.

The road also gives access to areas farther south, including Al Barsha, Dubai Internet City and Dubai Marina.

Is Sheikh Zayed Road the Same as E11?

The Dubai section of E11 is commonly known as Sheikh Zayed Road. E11 is a major UAE highway that crosses several emirates. The highway has different names in different areas. In Dubai, people commonly use the name Sheikh Zayed Road. So, if a map shows E11 while you are travelling on Sheikh Zayed Road, you are using the same main highway route.

Areas Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Many important Dubai areas sit beside or close to Sheikh Zayed Road. Each area has its own type of homes, offices, shops and attractions.

Trade Centre

Trade Centre sits near the northern section of Sheikh Zayed Road. Dubai World Trade Centre is one of the main landmarks in this area and hosts exhibitions, conferences and other events.

The area also sits close to DIFC, Downtown Dubai and several hotels and office buildings.

DIFC

The Dubai International Financial Centre, known as DIFC, sits close to Sheikh Zayed Road. It has offices, restaurants, hotels and financial companies.

Financial Centre Metro Station also serves this part of Dubai, making travel easier for people who work or visit the area.

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai sits close to Sheikh Zayed Road and includes Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

People can reach Downtown by car, taxi or Metro. The Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station provides access to this part of the city.

Business Bay

Business Bay sits south of Downtown Dubai. The area has apartment buildings, offices, hotels, restaurants and the Dubai Water Canal.

Its location gives residents and workers easy access to Sheikh Zayed Road and nearby parts of central Dubai.

Al Barsha

Al Barsha lies farther south along the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor. The area has homes, hotels, restaurants and shopping facilities.

Mall of the Emirates and its Metro station make this area popular with residents and visitors.

Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina sits farther south and connects with Sheikh Zayed Road through the city’s road network.

The area has apartments, hotels, restaurants, shops and waterfront attractions. Metro stations such as Sobha Realty and DMCC serve the wider Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers area.

Sheikh Zayed Road Metro Stations

The Dubai Metro Red Line runs along or close to Sheikh Zayed Road for much of its route.

Several Metro stations provide access to major places near the road. These include 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 and Ibn Battuta.

Station names can change because of naming-rights agreements, so check the current Dubai Metro map before travelling.

Useful Metro Stations

How to Travel on Sheikh Zayed Road by Metro

The Metro can save time when road traffic gets heavy.

Find the nearest Red Line station and use a valid Nol card to enter the Metro. Follow the signs at the station and leave the train at the stop closest to your destination.

You can also use taxis or buses after leaving the Metro if your final destination is away from the station.

Check the RTA timetable before travelling because Metro hours can change on public holidays and special occasions.

Dubai Metro Timings

The regular Dubai Metro station hours currently listed by RTA are:

These are general station hours. Special schedules may apply during public holidays, Ramadan and major events.

Major Landmarks Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Several famous Dubai landmarks sit along or close to Sheikh Zayed Road.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is located in Downtown Dubai, on Sheikh Zayed Road. The Red Line can be used to get to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, and then it can be walked towards Dubai Mall and the tower with the signs.

Dubai Mall

Burj Khalifa is located next to Dubai Mall. It provides amenities such as shops, restaurants and entertainment, and links with the Dubai Metro via the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station area.
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Museum of the Future

The location of the Museum of the Future is near Emirates Towers and Sheikh Zayed Road. This is the part of Dubai that can be reached by Emirates Towers Metro Station.

Dubai World Trade Centre

Sheikh Zayed Road is parallel to Dubai World Trade Centre. It hosts exhibitions throughout the year as well as conferences and business events all year round.

There is public transport at World Trade Centre Metro Station.

Mall of the Emirates

Al Barsha is the location of Mall of the Emirates, which is adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road. It is home to shops, restaurants, entertainment and a station on the Red Line Metro.

Ibn Battuta Mall

Ibn Battuta Mall is located further south along E11. Ibn Battuta Metro Station is an easy way to get to the mall and its surrounding areas.

Things to Do Around Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road is primarily a transport road but there are numerous activities around it.

Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall are visited in Downtown Dubai. They also have the opportunity to visit the Museum of the Future, attend an event at Dubai World Trade Centre and enjoy shopping at Dubai Mall.

There are restaurants and cafés at DIFC, as well as art spaces. Waterfront views, restaurants, hotels and leisure activities are available in Dubai Marina.

The best destination will vary according to what you wish to do, and the distance from the road.

Hotels Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road is a road along which many hotels are located.

Business travellers and those attending events at Dubai World Trade Centre will find their needs catered for by hotels around the Trade Centre and DIFC. Downtown Dubai hotels are located near Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa.

Al Barsha hotels are also in proximity to Mall of the Emirates and Metro. Hotels in Dubai Marina are more convenient for accessing the waterfront, beaches and restaurants.

Please verify the precise location of the hotel at booking time. A hotel could be referring to Sheikh Zayed Road but it could be some distance from a Metro station.

Living Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road residents can access via car, taxi or Metro to many areas around Dubai.

A number of high-rise apartment buildings are located in the area, particularly in the vicinity of Trade Centre, DIFC, Downtown Dubai and Business Bay. Al Barsha and Dubai Marina are also home to numerous homes which are positioned near the road.

Use of the Metro can make commuting more convenient. But, homeowners must also look at traffic, parking, road noise and travel time before selecting a home.

Apartments for Rent Near Sheikh Zayed Road

There are various types of apartments available near Sheikh Zayed Road, such as studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and larger homes.

High-rise city living near offices, in the Trade Centre or DIFC. Downtown and Business Bay place people close to shopping locations, restaurants and tourist sites.

Al Barsha provides greater housing options, whereas Dubai Marina provides waterfront residential options.

Rent rates vary depending on the building, apartment size, location, floor, view and furnishings. Before adding a rental price to a guide, determine the market value of the property in question and compare prices.

Nike Weddings near Sheikh Zayed Road.Nike Weddings near Sheikh Zayed Road.

Offices Near Sheikh Zayed Road

There are a number of financial companies and office buildings in DIFC. There are event venues at the Trade Centre, and many commercial towers in Downtown Dubai and Business Bay.

The Metro is able to help employees and visitors get to many of these destinations without the use of a car. There are other forms of public transport such as taxis and buses.

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Driving on Sheikh Zayed Road

Drivers should take care to select their lane early for the exit or junction when approaching one of them, following road signs.

Heavy traffic around busy places, major junctions, shopping malls, and business areas. Dubai is a city that constantly evolves, with ongoing improvements to its roads, so it’s essential for drivers to keep an eye on their routes before setting out.

In August 2026, RTA finished a 2-kilometre-widening project near Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station. The project connected to the road from Abu Dhabi to the World Trade Centre area, to provide a lane for traffic to travel on, with this section of the road being expanded from 6-lanes to 7-lanes.

In February 2026, RTA also launched a one-kilometre bridge linking Sheikh Zayed Road with Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street towards Al Karama and Deira.

Because of these projects, older maps and articles on the Internet may not represent all the latest road changes.

Sheikh Zayed Road Traffic

Traffic changes throughout the day. Travel may be delayed in the morning and evening in business areas, at major junctions and on busy exits.

RTA is still developing road projects that will enhance traffic flow. In 2025, a 700 metre widening project was completed for one section of Sheikh Zayed Road making it seven lanes wide, near Umm Al Sheif Street.

When it’s time to get to the airport for an appointment, an important meeting, or a hotel, make sure to look at the live traffic first.

Salik on Sheikh Zayed Road

Salik is the electronic road toll provider in Dubai. A driver with a Salik account can drive through a toll booth without stopping.

The variable toll system in place currently uses the following periods for weekday peak hours: 6 am until10 amm an4 pmpm until 8 pm. During these times of day, the toll is AED 6 per crossing.

The off-peak rate is AED 4, and crossings from 1:00 AM to 6:00 AM are not charged. The AED 4 rate is normally applied on Sundays unless during public holidays or special events.

Please refer to the latest Salik rules and conditions when travelling, ng as toll times and charges may be subject to change.

Parking Around Sheikh Zayed Road

Parking will vary according to location.

Private parking may be available for hotels and office buildings. Shopping malls also have their own parking lot, and public parking is governed by the parking regulations in Dubai.

Please do not block the highway or park in an area where parking is not permitted. Obey signage and park in marked spaces.

How to Reach Sheikh Zayed Road

From Dubai International Airport

The Dubai Metro runs from the airport to central Dubai, and you can leave the train at a stop near your destination.

There are also taxis and private cars that offer a direct service from the airport to Sheikh Zayed Road.

From Downtown Dubai

You can drive from Downtown to Sheikh Zayed Road through the city’s road network. The Red Line also links to several stations along the road from Downtown.

From Dubai Marina

Dubai Marina connects to Sheikh Zayed Road through the surrounding roads. The Red Line also serves the area through stations such as Sobha Realty and DMCC.

From Abu Dhabi

Drivers travelling from Abu Dhabi can follow E11 toward Dubai. After entering Dubai, the road section is commonly known as Sheikh Zayed Road.

Sheikh Zayed Road for Tourists

Tourists often use Sheikh Zayed Road to reach hotels, malls, business areas and attractions.

The Metro provides an easy option for visitors who do not want to drive. Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Museum of the Future, Dubai World Trade Centre and Mall of the Emirates all have convenient transport connections from the road corridor.

Visitors should check attraction opening hours and Metro schedules before making a trip.

Sheikh Zayed Road for Residents

Residents use Sheikh Zayed Road for daily travel to work, shopping areas and other parts of Dubai.

Living nearby can provide easy access to the Metro and major roads. However, residents should consider traffic, parking, rent, building facilities and road noise before choosing a property.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sheikh Zayed Road?

Sheikh Zayed Road is a major highway in Dubai. It forms part of the UAE’s E11 highway.

Is Sheikh Zayed Road the same as E11?

The Dubai section of E11 is commonly called Sheikh Zayed Road. E11 continues through other emirates under different road names.

Which Metro line runs along Sheikh Zayed Road?

The Dubai Metro Red Line runs along or close to Sheikh Zayed Road for much of its route.

Which Metro station is closest to Burj Khalifa?

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station provides Metro access to Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

What areas are near Sheikh Zayed Road?

Trade Centre, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Al Barsha and Dubai Marina are among the main areas near the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor.

Does Salik operate on Sheikh Zayed Road?

Salik operates on Dubai roads, including routes where drivers may pass Salik toll gates. The charge depends on the current toll rules and time of travel.

Is Sheikh Zayed Road busy?

Traffic can become heavy during busy travel periods, especially near major junctions, business areas, malls and events.

Can I live near Sheikh Zayed Road?

Yes. Several areas near the road have apartments for rent and sale. Options range from studios to larger apartments, depending on the area and building.

How can I reach Sheikh Zayed Road from Dubai Airport?

You can use the Dubai Metro, taxi or a private car. The best option depends on your final destination along the road.

What can I visit near Sheikh Zayed Road?

Popular places include Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Museum of the Future, Dubai World Trade Centre, Mall of the Emirates, and attractions around Dubai Marina.