Dubai: The relentless traffic congestion between Dubai and Sharjah has once again taken center stage as thousands of commuters endure daily gridlock, leading to long delays and rising frustration. Despite ongoing infrastructure upgrades, the bottlenecks persist, significantly affecting travel time and productivity.
The issue gained fresh traction after Federal National Council (FNC) member Dr. Adnan Al Hammadi highlighted its psychological toll on UAE residents. Speaking during an FNC session last week, Dr. Al Hammadi stressed that traffic congestion contributes to increased anxiety among commuters. “It leads to anxiety,” he told Khaleej Times.
In response, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei proposed stricter car ownership regulations as a potential solution. Dr. Al Hammadi, however, argued that while these measures might help regulate traffic, there is currently no specific legislation targeting congestion. “The proposed solutions help organise traffic, but there is no legislation addressing traffic congestion. The method of granting licences needs to be regulated,” he stated.
Rising Vehicle Numbers Worsen Traffic
Statistics presented by the FNC member further underscored the urgency of the situation. Authorities in Dubai issue an average of 4,000 driving licences daily, while driving schools log 36,000 training hours each day. This rapid increase in motorists, coupled with the emirate’s 10% rise in registered vehicles over the past two years—compared to a global average of 2-4%—has exacerbated congestion. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) estimates that Dubai sees 3.5 million vehicles on its roads during peak daytime hours.
Wasted Hours and Economic Impact
Dr. Al Hammadi highlighted the severe impact on employees who commute daily between Dubai and Sharjah, a distance of just 15 kilometers. He revealed that the average employee spends approximately 460 hours annually in traffic—equivalent to 57 to 60 workdays wasted on the road. “This represents nearly one-third of an employee’s working days,” he pointed out.
These figures are based on normal traffic conditions. Delays caused by road modifications, accidents, or diversions further increase travel time. Additionally, internal roads in residential areas are experiencing congestion as frustrated drivers seek alternative routes. “Many parents who drop off their children at schools located 6 to 10km away take over an hour due to congestion on the main roads they must use,” Dr. Al Hammadi added.
FNC Pushes for Swift Implementation of Solutions
This is not the first time Dr. Al Hammadi has raised concerns about traffic congestion. He praised the FNC for allowing him to reintroduce the issue in a new format, marking a rare precedent in council discussions. “They agreed that I could pose the question again this year differently. My main request in re-asking the question was to know exactly when work on the solutions would commence,” he emphasized.
While acknowledging the positive aspects of urban and economic expansion in the UAE, Dr. Al Hammadi stressed the need for urgent intervention. “We need to implement quick solutions to address the traffic.”
Public Calls for Multiple Solutions
The issue has sparked widespread discussion among residents, with many suggesting alternative measures such as:
- Expanding and allocating multiple routes for main roads and key entry points.
- Revising work hours to ease peak-time congestion.
- Encouraging remote work options to reduce daily commuter traffic.
With the congestion crisis showing no signs of abating, calls for immediate and effective solutions are growing louder. Commuters and policymakers alike hope that decisive action will soon be taken to improve daily travel between Dubai and Sharjah.