Sheikh Zayed Road, controlled-access highway in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Sheikh Zayed Road is the main artery of Dubai and part of the E 11, the longest road in the United Arab Emirates, running from the Jebel Ali border with Abu Dhabi to the World Trade Centre roundabout. Its carriageway carries several lanes marked by painted lines and directional arrows, with a metal guardrail along the edge. Concrete overpasses on thick rectangular pillars cross it, and streetlights, palm trees and high-rises line the sides.

The route was first known as Defense Road before being renamed to honor Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan under a decision by the ruler of Dubai. It later became part of the E 11, the longest road in the Emirates, which connects Abu Dhabi to Ras Al Khaimah.

The name pays tribute to Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first president of the Emirates, whose memory is still present in daily conversations. Along certain stretches, the line of towers and palm trees forms a backdrop that many people photograph as a symbol of modern Dubai.

Walking along this road is not advised because fast-moving traffic occupies most of the space. Visitors can get a clear view from nearby pedestrian bridges or from the areas around the buildings that line the thoroughfare.

From ground level, the road looks like a simple traffic corridor, but the water in the foreground reflects the lights of the towers and streetlamps at night. Many drivers pass this stretch without noticing how the overpass pillars frame the view toward the high-rise buildings.