Commuters Battle Traffic Congestion in UAE

460 Hours Wasted Yearly: Beating Traffic Congestion in Dubai and Sharjah

Traffic jams between Dubai and Sharjah present a daily challenge for thousands of commuters. People spend hours in transit, which not only results in lost time but also significantly impacts their mental and physical health. The situation has become so severe that some have resorted to extreme measures to avoid peak traffic: leaving early in the morning or waiting in mosques, cafes, and gyms after work until congestion lessens.

The Extent of the Problem

The severity of the situation was underscored by a recent announcement revealing that a commuter between Dubai and Sharjah spends approximately 460 hours in traffic annually. This equates to 60 workdays, emphasizing the urgent need for transportation infrastructure development. The problem affects not only individual quality of life but also has economic repercussions as the lost time could be used more effectively.

Adnan Al Hammadi, a member of the Federal National Council (FNC) of the Emirates, stressed that the situation has reached a crisis point and effective solutions are needed. In response, the Ministry of Infrastructure announced it would conduct a detailed study and engage closely with local authorities to develop a comprehensive transportation plan.

Commuters' Strategies

Those who commute daily between Dubai and Sharjah are employing creative methods to reduce time spent in traffic. Some leave early in the morning to avoid the morning rush, while others wait after work until traffic eases.

Waiting in Mosques: An advertising professional who leaves Al Noaf in the morning to reach Media City by 8 often stops at a mosque to avoid afternoon congestion. "Sometimes it takes over two hours to get home. If the roads are too crowded, I stop at a mosque to perform the Asr prayer before continuing my journey. Sometimes I just sit and wait until traffic eases. I lose so much time every day," he explained.

Gym to Avoid Traffic: Another commuter living in Muhaisinah doesn’t head home immediately after work, opting instead to go to a nearby mosque followed by an hour at the gym. "If I leave around 9 PM, the roads are much clearer, and I can get home in about an hour. It’s frustrating not getting home earlier, but at least I'm not sitting in the car for two hours," he said.

Fatigue and Loss of Family Time: A woman commuting from Ras Al Khaimah leaves home at 5:30 AM to reach work by 8. During Ramadan, the situation worsens, and she often gets home around 6 PM, completely exhausted. "The unpredictability of traffic causes enormous stress. Some days there’s no apparent reason for the jams, yet I spend hours in it. It's very taxing, both physically and mentally," she shared.

Another commuter, living in Al Awir, also reported that long commutes leave little time for family. "Often, I get home after 6 PM, just in time for iftar. After that, I'm so tired I have no energy for anything else. It seriously affects my mental health, and I see no solution on the horizon," he noted.

Causes of the Traffic Crisis

One of the main causes is the explosive increase in the number of commuters between Dubai and Sharjah. According to Adnan Al Hammadi, 1.2 million cars enter Dubai daily, a significant rise from one and a half years ago when the number was 850,000. Additionally, Dubai's traffic authority issues 4,000 new licenses daily, further increasing the number of vehicles on the roads.

Seeking Solutions

Given the gravity of the situation, there is growing support for improving transportation infrastructure. The Ministry of Infrastructure announced it would conduct a detailed study and closely collaborate with local authorities to develop a comprehensive transportation plan. The goal is not only to reduce traffic congestion but also to improve the quality of life for commuters.

However, some commuters aren’t waiting for official solutions and are implementing their own strategies to cope. While these methods help reduce time spent in traffic, they do not address the root of the problem. The effects of the traffic crisis extend far beyond individual levels, having broader social and economic consequences as well.

Hopes for the Future

While the current situation presents significant challenges, the dedication of authorities and the community's creative solutions offer hope for change. Improving transportation infrastructure and developing more efficient transportation systems can significantly enhance commuters' quality of life and reduce lost time in the long run. Meanwhile, people must continue to adapt creatively to everyday challenges.