Workers' Bus Restrictions on Abu Dhabi-Al Ain Motorway (E22) Raise Concerns

Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Centre has banned worker buses from using the main Abu Dhabi-Al Ain highway (E22) for nearly 33 hours starting Monday afternoon. The restriction affects one of the UAE's busiest commuter routes but makes exceptions for logistics support vehicles and public cleaning companies.

The transport authority announced on X that the ban will run from 3:00 PM on December 1, 2025, until 11:59 PM on December 2, 2025. During this period, worker buses that typically carry thousands of employees between Abu Dhabi and Al Ain will need to find alternative routes.

The E22 highway serves as a critical link between Abu Dhabi city and Al Ain, handling heavy daily traffic from workers commuting between the two cities. Many companies rely on this route to transport their workforce, particularly in the construction, hospitality, and service sectors.

Abu Dhabi Mobility urged drivers to use alternative roads during the restriction period. But the authority didn't specify which alternative routes buses should take or explain the reason behind the temporary ban.

The timing suggests this could be related to infrastructure maintenance, special events, or security measures. The fact that logistics and cleaning vehicles can still use the highway indicates the restriction targets passenger transport rather than essential services.

For businesses that depend on worker transportation between these cities, the ban means longer commute times and potentially higher fuel costs as buses navigate less direct routes. Companies may need to adjust work schedules or provide earlier transportation to account for delays.

The restriction highlights how dependent the UAE's economy is on efficient worker transportation networks. When major routes face disruptions, it can ripple through various industries that rely on timely workforce movement.