Urgent Solutions Needed for Dubai–Sharjah Traffic

The Need for Urgent Solutions to Dubai–Sharjah Traffic Woes

Daily commuting between Dubai and Sharjah is becoming an increasingly daunting challenge for people. Traffic congestion, long waiting times, and stress have become everyday problems, which not only relate to time loss but also impact mental health.

Deeper Impacts of Traffic Congestion

A member of the Federal National Council (FNC) has once again highlighted the issue, noting that traffic jams not only affect time management but also inflict significant psychological burdens. "Traffic congestion leads to anxiety," he emphasized during a discussion. The issue has been raised before, but solutions remain somewhat vague.

The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure suggested stricter car ownership regulations to alleviate the situation. However, the issue is not solely about the number of cars. Approximately 4,000 new driving licenses are issued daily in Dubai, with driving schools conducting 36,000 hours of training each day. This figure is only increasing, further aggravating the traffic scenario.

Commuters' Wasted Time

Individuals can spend up to 460 hours a year stuck in traffic on the 15-kilometer stretch between Dubai and Sharjah. This equates to 57–60 working days – meaning almost a third of people's working time is consumed by commuting. And this is under normal traffic conditions. In the case of accidents or roadworks, this time can increase.

The issue is not only with main roads. Within residential areas, more drivers are seeking alternative routes, adding to the congestion. Parents driving their children to school can spend up to an hour on just a 6–10 kilometer journey because main roads are so crowded.

Has There Been a Change Over the Past Year?

A member of the national council had raised this issue last year as well and has received an opportunity to reframe the question this year. "It is a new precedent to be able to raise the same issue in a different form," he said. The objective was clear: to know when specific actions towards a resolution would begin.

Although economic growth and population surges are positive, traffic infrastructure development has not kept pace with these changes. The population is growing increasingly impatient and demanding urgent measures.

Possible Solutions

The community has come up with several suggestions:

Creating more alternative routes alongside main roads.

More flexible work schedules or expanded teleworking opportunities.

Improving public transport to encourage more people to switch from private car usage.

Stricter regulations on new vehicle registrations.

Conclusion

Traffic problems between Dubai and Sharjah are not just about transportation but also have social and economic repercussions. The wasted time, increased stress, and reduced efficiency all underscore the need for immediate measures.

Responsible authorities and the community must work together for long-lasting solutions. Meanwhile, it is essential for everyone to find their way to cope with stress – whether by listening to podcasts, enjoying soothing music, or simply adopting a more patient driving style.