School Start Chaos: Double Travel Times

School Start Chaos: Double Travel Times in UAE

As the new school year approaches in the United Arab Emirates, significant changes can be observed in the country's transportation. In recent weeks, the noticeable increase in car traffic, especially on the main routes of Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, signals the preparation for schools reopening. Residents are returning from summer vacations, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) expects a record number of passengers. This seasonal return is already evident in urban transportation - and this is just the beginning.

Record Traffic at Dubai Airport

DXB is preparing to welcome more than 3.6 million passengers between August 13 and 25. This represents about 280,000 passengers a day, a massive number even for one of the world’s busiest airports. All this follows a record-breaking first half of 2025: 46 million passengers passed through Dubai Airport, while the city hosted 9.88 million international visitors for overnight stays - a 6% increase compared to the same period last year.

This growth is visible not only in tourism but also in transportation. During the summer, many residents left the country, making transportation significantly smoother. However, now that families are returning and preparations for the school year have begun, roads have become crowded again.

Double Travel Times

Many local residents have found that their daily commute has increased by 15-25 minutes, which could mean over two extra hours of driving per week. On the main routes between Sharjah-Dubai and Abu Dhabi-Dubai, more than an hour’s longer travel time is expected during morning and afternoon peak hours.

A resident commuting from Sharjah, for example, estimates that the commute to work will increase by at least an hour in the coming weeks. The Sharjah-Dubai section is notoriously problematic during peak times, but the current situation poses an even bigger challenge than usual.

Rearranging Schedules to Avoid Traffic Jams

Due to increased traffic, many are trying to adapt to the new situation. Many are moving their departure times forward or delaying them to avoid the worst jams. Some consciously seek activities along the way - such as shopping - to avoid long periods stuck in the car.

Based on experiences, changing the departure time by a few hours can make a noticeable difference. A resident in Dubai reported that by leaving for work later, they could avoid the worst traffic sections. This not only saves time but also significantly reduces stress.

Undisciplined Drivers Increase Accident Risks

Unfortunately, increased traffic doesn’t just mean longer travel times. Experiences show that there are many inattentive, hasty, or reckless drivers, further aggravating the situation. Sudden lane changes, ignoring following distances, and speeding are common, which not only are dangerous but also contribute significantly to traffic jams and minor accidents.

In some sections, minor collisions are already experienced daily, which, although not serious, further slow down traffic. Besides the disruptions caused by accidents, the sheer presence of cars has grown to the point that it generates traffic jams by itself.

The Role of Parents in Traffic Increase

Another major factor in traffic chaos is the hustle and bustle surrounding schools reopening. Alongside school buses, more and more parents are choosing to drive their children to school, further increasing the number of vehicles on the roads. Many opt for this solution for safety or convenience, especially during the first weeks of the school year when not all services operate at full capacity.

School starts generally occur at the beginning of September in the UAE, but international schools open at different times, further complicating the situation. Even at the end of August, a significant increase in morning traffic can be observed, with serious congestion forming around educational institutions.

What Can Drivers Do?

Given the current situation, it's worth heeding a few tips:

Leave earlier or later if possible - avoiding peak hours can greatly reduce travel time.

Use navigation apps that provide real-time traffic information.

Avoid sudden lane changes and observe speed limits - safe driving is in everyone’s interest.

Organize carpooling if traveling with colleagues or school parents.

Use public transport where possible - especially Dubai's metro and tram offer reliable and quick alternatives.

Summary

The UAE's transportation network always experiences heavier loads during this time of year, but coinciding school start and summer return in 2025 put even more strain on the roads. Further traffic increases are expected in the coming weeks, so drivers should adapt to the changed circumstances with patience and flexibility. Conscious planning and responsible driving are key to getting through this period safely and with minimal stress.

(Source of the article: Dubai International Airport (DXB) statement.)