As Dubai gears up for the 28th annual COP28 summit and National Day celebrations, residents and commuters are advised to plan ahead for a temporary closure of Sheikh Zayed Road.

The major artery will be inaccessible from Friday, December 1, to Sunday, December 3, between 7 am and 11 am, redirecting traffic headed towards Abu Dhabi from the Trade Centre Roundabout to Expo Road (exit 20).

This strategic closure aligns with the commencement of COP28 at Expo City, where global leaders will convene to address critical climate change issues.

The summit, spanning from November 30 to December 12, marks a crucial juncture, seven years post the Paris Agreement, with seven years remaining until 2030.

To facilitate smooth transportation during this period, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) recommends utilizing alternative routes such as Jumeirah Street, Al Khail Road, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Al Wasl Road, Sheikh Zayed bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Road, and Emirates Road.

Commuters are also encouraged to embrace public transport, with the Dubai Metro extending its operating hours from 5 am to 1 am (the following day) from November 30 to December 12.

As the city anticipates an influx of visitors to Expo City, home to both COP28 and various National Day festivities, the RTA’s adjustments aim to enhance the overall transportation experience. The temporary closure seeks to streamline traffic flow, ensuring efficient access to Expo City.

Expo City itself will be divided into two distinct zones: the Green Zone, accessible to the public, featuring the Sustainability Pavilion, Expo City Farm, Ghaf Food Park, Al Wasl Dome, and more; and the Blue Zone, catering to the summit’s official activities.

In light of these developments, residents are encouraged to stay informed about traffic updates, plan alternative routes, and consider the extended Dubai Metro hours to navigate the city seamlessly during this period of significant events and celebrations.

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Images: Feature Image: Instagram @visitdubai