UAE traffic congestion continues to frustrate motorists across the country, according to a recent survey of over 1,000 residents. Conducted by RoadSafety UAE in partnership with Al Wathba Insurance, the study revealed that 86% of drivers face traffic jams regularly.
Interestingly, the issue appears to be growing worse. About 80% of those surveyed said traffic had increased over the past year. This trend aligns with the UAE’s rising population, especially in major cities like Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Many drivers blame congestion on the rising number of vehicles, school and office start times, and a strong reliance on private cars. Some also pointed to careless driving, which often leads to accidents and further delays.
Moreover, respondents suggested several ideas to ease UAE traffic congestion. Many favored expanding the metro network, promoting working from home, and improving bus and train services. While building more roads was also a popular suggestion, experts caution that this might not offer a long-term fix.
Professor Marcus Enoch from Loughborough University believes that encouraging public transport use needs both incentives and deterrents. He explained that congestion charges or limited parking can discourage car use. At the same time, high-quality public transport should offer a reliable alternative.
Both Abu Dhabi and Dubai already use toll systems like Darb and Salik to reduce peak-hour traffic. Dubai recently introduced dynamic pricing for tolls, similar to Singapore’s system, where rates increase during high congestion periods.
Meanwhile, flexible working hours may help too. A government study suggested they could cut peak traffic by as much as 30%. Dubai and Abu Dhabi are also exploring flying taxis and cargo drones to reduce pressure on roads.
However, urban planners stress that better land use plays a big role. High-density, mixed-use developments can reduce the need for cars. Public transport then becomes a more practical and attractive choice for everyday travel.
Dr. Apostolos Kyriazis from Abu Dhabi University supports a shift toward soft mobility. He highlighted recent investments in shaded bike paths and pedestrian routes. These changes aim to make walking and cycling safer and more comfortable in the UAE climate.
In cities like Curitiba, Brazil, linking urban design to public transport routes has created more livable communities. UAE cities are moving in a similar direction. Dubai plans to expand its metro network to 96 stations by 2030, with a goal of becoming a “20-minute city.”
Ultimately, experts agree that reducing car dependence is key. Easing UAE traffic congestion will require a balanced strategy that combines improved infrastructure, better planning, and more sustainable transport options.
