Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai: Location, Metro, Areas and Complete Guide

Sheikh Zayed Rd is one of Dubai’s primary roads that tourists need to follow, and it is part of the E11 road. It traverses several well-known localities, such as Trade Centre, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Al Barsha, and Dubai Marina, and continues on to its continuation in Jebel Ali and Abu Dhabi.

The road links businesses, residential development blocks, shopping malls and hotels with main attractions. The Dubai Metro Red Line also passes through a number of districts of the road, and will provide other methods for transport within the city.

Sheikh Zayed Road Quick Facts

What Is Sheikh Zayed Road?

In Dubai, the E11 highway is known as Sheikh Zayed Road. It is a key north-south route, and links the southern Emirates to central Dubai.

The road runs through some of the busiest commercial and tourist centres in Dubai. Close to the road are the Dubai World Trade Centre, the Emirates Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Downtown Dubai and Business Bay.

The road then heads towards Al Quoz village area, Al Barsha, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Marina, Jebel Ali and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Where Is Sheikh Zayed Road Located?

Sheikh Zayed Road is located in the center and south of Dubai. It extends the E11 road up to Abu Dhabi, and has numerous exits to serve local communities and main roads.

It depends on your preferences and the part of the route you want to travel. The areas of central Dubai, closer to Trade Centre and DIFC, are a little nearer to the center than the areas further south, which include Al Barsha, Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali.

When visiting a specific location, search for the building, the attraction, or the district; do not only use “Sheikh Zayed Road.” This gives you a better route and exit direction.

Sheikh Zayed Road and E11

E11 is the highway number assigned to the main highway passing through Dubai that continues on across the UAE. Sheikh Zayed Road is known as the popular Islamic Emirate Prime Minister’s Road in Dubai.

The names can be listed on signs or navigation software. The E11 is the route that connects Dubai and Abu Dhabi to various places in the UAE.

Sheikh Zayed Road Map and Route

This long road in Dubai is known as Sheikh Zayed Road and is connected to many roads. It connects to Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Al Quoz, Al Barsha, Dubai Marina, and more.

The highway is equipped with some off-ramps and interchanges. Before driving, verify the address where you’re headed to see which exit you need.

Major Roads Connected to Sheikh Zayed Road

There are also some important roads and connections around the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor such as:

• Al Nakheel Head Office for the Fruit and Vegetable Company, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street.
• Sheikh Rashid Street
• 2nd December Street
• Al Khail Road
• Umm Suqeim Street
• Roads going into Downtown Dubai
• Roads that cross Business Bay.

These are the connections also being built between Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Changes to road layout may occur when building the road and during new transport development. Drivers should adhere to current signage and live navigation while travelling.

Areas Along Sheikh Zayed Road

Various key areas in Dubai are located on or adjacent to Sheikh Zayed Road. Every region will have a distinct personality and a distinct function, whether it be the office and financial region or the housing, shopping, and tourism area.

Trade Centre

Trade Centre is close to the northern part of Sheikh Zayed Road. This area of Dubai hosts Dubai World Trade Centre, hotels, offices, as well as event venues.

The Dubai Metro Red Line leads to the area from World Trade Centre Metro Station.

DIFC

Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is close to Financial Centre Metro Station and Sheikh Zayed Road. It is a primary real estate center of offices, restaurants, hotels, galleries, and residential buildings.

It is also very well-located being the centre of the district just a short distance from Trade Centre and downtown Dubai.

Downtown Dubai

Downtown Dubai is near Sheikh Zayed Road, and houses Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Hotels, restaurants, offices, and residential towers are also located in the area.

Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station is on the Red Line. There are multiple roads that connect to Downtown from Sheikh Zayed Road, including Tata Road, Sheet of Silk Road, and Dubai Street.

Business Bay

Business Bay is located south of Downtown Dubai, connected to Sheikh Zayed Road and other major roads. The district comprises offices, apartments, hotels, restaurants, and Dubai Water Canal.

Red Line access is offered at the Business Bay Metro Station area, where residents and businessmen live.

Al Quoz

Al Quoz is near Sheikh Zayed Road and blends industrial, commercial, creative, and residential uses. The warehouses, along with workshops and art spaces, are also a part of the area.

The area has a proximity to the central area of Dubai and the rest of the road network.

Al Barsha

Al Barsha is in the south of the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor. This area has residential areas, hotels, restaurants, and the Mall of the Emirates.

Mall of the Emirates Metro Station is a link to the Dubai Metro Red Line.

Dubai Internet City

Dubai Internet City lies along the southern part of the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor. The district has offices and business facilities used by technology, media and other companies.

Dubai Internet City Metro Station serves the area on the Red Line.

Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers

Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers are farther south and have direct road connections to Sheikh Zayed Road. Both areas contain high-rise homes, offices, hotels, restaurants and leisure facilities.

The Dubai Metro Red Line serves this part of Dubai, while the Dubai Tram provides local connections around Dubai Marina.

Jebel Ali

Jebel Ali is located in southern Dubai along the E11 corridor. The area has industrial, logistics, commercial and residential developments.

Sheikh Zayed Road continues south from Dubai towards Abu Dhabi, making this section important for longer road journeys.

Dubai Metro Stations Near Sheikh Zayed Road

The Dubai Metro Red Line serves many areas along and close to Sheikh Zayed Road. This makes the Metro useful for people travelling between central Dubai, Business Bay, Al Barsha, Dubai Internet City and areas farther south.

Some key stations along the corridor include:

Metro station names can change because of naming agreements. Check the latest RTA information before travelling if you need the current station name.

How to Reach Sheikh Zayed Road

You can reach Sheikh Zayed Road by car, Metro, bus or taxi. Your best option depends on your starting point and final destination.

By Car

Several major roads connect to Sheikh Zayed Road. Drivers should check the route before leaving because the highway has multiple lanes, exits and interchanges.

Live navigation can show the current traffic situation and help you choose the correct exit.

By Metro

The Dubai Metro Red Line serves many destinations along the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor. Choose the station closest to your destination and walk, take a taxi or use another local transport option for the final part of the journey.

The Metro is useful for destinations around Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Internet City.

By Bus

Dubai’s bus network connects many residential areas with Metro stations and other parts of the city. Bus routes depend on the area, so check the current route before travelling.

By Taxi

Taxis can take you directly to hotels, offices, residential towers, malls and attractions along Sheikh Zayed Road. They are also useful when your destination sits some distance from a Metro station.

Major Landmarks Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Several well-known Dubai landmarks sit along or close to Sheikh Zayed Road.

Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade Centre stands beside Sheikh Zayed Road and has a dedicated Metro station. The venue hosts exhibitions, conferences, meetings and other events throughout the year.

Emirates Towers

Emirates Towers stands beside Sheikh Zayed Road and the Emirates Towers Metro Station. The complex includes offices, hospitality facilities and retail options.

Museum of the Future

Museum of the Future is located on Sheikh Zayed Road near Emirates Towers. Visitors can reach it using Emirates Towers Metro Station or by road.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa stands in Downtown Dubai, close to Sheikh Zayed Road. Visitors can use Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station or travel by taxi or car.

Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is next to Burj Khalifa in Downtown Dubai. Its location makes it accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road by car, taxi and Metro.

Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates is located in Al Barsha along the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor. The mall has a Metro station on the Red Line.

Business Districts Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Sheikh Zayed Road passes close to several major business areas in Dubai.

DIFC is known for financial and professional services, while Trade Centre hosts major business events and exhibitions. Business Bay combines offices, homes, hotels and restaurants.

Dubai Internet City has many technology and media businesses, while Jebel Ali supports industrial, logistics and commercial activities.

The road also gives businesses access to Metro stations, hotels and other major parts of Dubai.

Living Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Several communities near Sheikh Zayed Road offer apartments for rent. Options range from studios and one-bedroom apartments to larger homes.

Rent varies according to the building, apartment size, furnishing, facilities, view and distance from transport. A property described as “near Sheikh Zayed Road” may actually sit inside a nearby community rather than directly beside the highway.

Before renting, check the exact building location and its distance from your workplace, school, Metro station and other places you visit regularly.

Benefits of Living Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Living near the road can offer:

• Easy access to major Dubai roads
• Several nearby Metro stations
• Shopping malls within easy reach
• Access to major business districts
• A wide choice of apartments
• Convenient travel between central and southern Dubai

Traffic and road noise can be higher close to the highway. If you prefer a quieter home, compare buildings farther inside nearby residential areas.

Apartments for Rent Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Apartments are available in several communities close to the road, including Business Bay, Downtown Dubai, DIFC, Al Barsha, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Common options include:

Rental prices can vary greatly between buildings. Always check current property listings for the latest rent before making a decision.

Hotels Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Hotels are available in several districts along the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor. Trade Centre, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay and Al Barsha all have accommodation options.

People visiting Dubai World Trade Centre may want a hotel close to Trade Centre, while tourists may prefer to stay near Downtown Dubai. Business travellers can also find hotels around DIFC and Business Bay.

Check the hotel’s location, Metro access and parking facilities before booking.

Shopping and Dining Near Sheikh Zayed Road

The road provides access to some of Dubai’s best-known shopping and dining areas.

Shopping

• Dubai Mall
• Mall of the Emirates
• Downtown Dubai retail areas
• DIFC shops
• Business Bay retail areas
• Shops and facilities inside major hotels

Dining

Restaurants and cafes are found throughout DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai Marina and nearby communities. Choices include casual restaurants, cafes, hotel restaurants and fine-dining venues.

Sheikh Zayed Road Traffic

Traffic changes throughout the day and differs from one section of the road to another. Areas around Trade Centre, DIFC and Downtown Dubai can become busy during peak travel periods.

RTA announced the completion of a 2-kilometre road widening project near Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station in August 2026. The project increased the section from six to seven lanes for traffic travelling from Abu Dhabi towards the World Trade Centre intersection.

RTA also announced a new 1-kilometre bridge near the World Trade Centre Roundabout to improve traffic movement between Sheikh Zayed Road and Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Street.

Because road works and traffic arrangements can change, drivers should follow current signs and use live navigation when travelling.

Sheikh Zayed Road Exits and Connections

Sheikh Zayed Road has many exits leading to different parts of Dubai. Your correct exit depends on where you want to go.

For Downtown Dubai, follow signs for Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Business Bay has its own road connections, while Al Barsha and Mall of the Emirates have access points farther south.

The highway also connects with areas such as Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, Dubai Internet City and Jebel Ali.

Avoid relying on an old list of exit numbers. Road layouts can change, so current road signs and navigation apps provide more useful information.

Parking Near Sheikh Zayed Road

Parking depends on the place you are visiting. Malls, hotels, offices and attractions may have their own parking areas, while public parking follows Dubai’s current parking rules.

Check parking information for your destination before travelling. If the destination is close to a Red Line station, the Metro can also reduce the need to drive and find parking.

What Is Near Sheikh Zayed Road?

Sheikh Zayed Road is close to many important destinations in Dubai.

Is Sheikh Zayed Road Suitable for Living?

Living near Sheikh Zayed Road gives residents easy access to major roads, Metro stations, shopping malls, workplaces and entertainment areas. Nearby communities offer different types of apartments and homes.

Your daily routine should guide your choice of area. Someone working in DIFC may want to live close to a Red Line station, while someone working in southern Dubai may prefer an area closer to Dubai Marina, JLT or Jebel Ali.

Noise and traffic can increase near the highway. People who prefer a quieter home can look at buildings farther inside nearby communities.

Is Sheikh Zayed Road Suitable for Business?

Sheikh Zayed Road connects several important commercial districts, including Trade Centre, DIFC, Business Bay and Dubai Internet City.

Businesses can also benefit from nearby Metro stations, hotels, major roads and other commercial areas. Before renting an office, check its exact location, parking, public transport access and distance from clients.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sheikh Zayed Road the same as E11?

Sheikh Zayed Road is the common name for the E11 highway section through Dubai. The wider E11 route continues across the UAE and connects Dubai with Abu Dhabi and other emirates.

Where is Sheikh Zayed Road?

Sheikh Zayed Road runs through central and southern Dubai. It passes close to areas such as Trade Centre, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Al Barsha, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Marina and Jebel Ali.

Which Metro line serves Sheikh Zayed Road?

The Dubai Metro Red Line serves many locations along and close to Sheikh Zayed Road. Stations on the line provide access to several major business, residential and tourist areas.

Which Metro station is closest to Burj Khalifa?

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

Which Metro station serves DIFC?

Financial Centre Metro Station serves the DIFC area and nearby parts of central Dubai.

Which Metro station serves Dubai World Trade Centre?

World Trade Centre Metro Station serves Dubai World Trade Centre and the surrounding Trade Centre area.

Does Sheikh Zayed Road connect to Abu Dhabi?

Yes. Sheikh Zayed Road forms part of the E11 route, which connects Dubai with Abu Dhabi and other parts of the UAE.

Can I find apartments near Sheikh Zayed Road?

Yes. Apartments are available in areas such as DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Al Barsha, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Which malls are near Sheikh Zayed Road?

Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are two major shopping destinations close to the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor. Other shops and retail centres are also located in nearby communities.

Where can I park near Sheikh Zayed Road?

Parking depends on your destination. Malls, hotels, offices and attractions may provide dedicated parking, while public parking follows Dubai’s current parking system.

What are the main landmarks near Sheikh Zayed Road?

Major landmarks include Dubai World Trade Centre, Emirates Towers, Museum of the Future, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.

Can tourists use Sheikh Zayed Road to reach Dubai attractions?

Yes. Several major attractions sit along or close to the road. Visitors can use the Metro, taxis or private cars depending on the location.

Which areas are close to Sheikh Zayed Road?

Trade Centre, DIFC, Downtown Dubai, Business Bay, Al Quoz, Al Barsha, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Lakes Towers are among the main areas on or close to the Sheikh Zayed Road corridor.