Connect with us

News

Dubai’s traffic woes: Motorists lose 460 hours annually to road jams

Published

on

Spread the love

Dubai’s vehicle growth rate has soared beyond 8 per cent, far exceeding the global average of 2 per cent, according to Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. Calling this surge “abnormal,” the minister stressed the urgent need for new policies and regulations to manage vehicle ownership and traffic congestion.

Every day, about one million people from other emirates travel to Dubai for work, causing heavy traffic on major highways, including the 12-lane Sheikh Zayed Road. Studies show that four out of five employees drive alone, adding to the congestion.

With so many cars on the road, traffic jams have become a daily struggle, making road travel longer and more stressful for everyone. Authorities are looking for solutions to improve public transport and reduce the number of solo drivers to help ease the burden on roads.

To tackle the issue, the Ministry has requested that it be included in the UAE Government’s Annual Meetings for better coordination with local authorities. A special task force, including representatives from the Ministry of Interior and local governments, is already studying the problem, with several proposals submitted to the Cabinet.

Traffic Crisis Worsening Day by Day

Al Hammadi highlighted alarming statistics

  • The total vehicle increase across Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, and Umm Al Quwain is 23%
  • 1.2 million cars enter Dubai daily, up from 850,000 just 18 months ago
  • Dubai issues 4,000 new driver’s licenses daily
  • Employees commuting between Dubai and Sharjah spend about 460 hours a year in traffic, equivalent to 60 working days

Proposed Solutions to Ease Traffic Congestion

The Ministry has outlined key measures to address the rising traffic crisis:

  • Expanding road corridors between Dubai and other emirates
  • Developing new highways to improve connectivity
  • Enhancing public transportation with new and improved transit options
  • Integrating mass transit systems to encourage more people to use public transport

Concerns Over Delayed Implementation

During a Federal National Council (FNC) session, Adnan Al Hammadi, an FNC member, raised concerns about increasing congestion between Dubai and Sharjah. He pointed out that over a year ago, the minister had assured him that traffic studies were complete and solutions would be implemented in 2024. However, with congestion worsening, Al Hammadi pressed for a clear update on the progress.

In response, Al Mazrouei confirmed that development work on key federal roads started in 2024 and is ongoing. However, Al Hammadi expressed frustration, stating that the same update was given over a year ago. “When will we see these solutions in real life?” he asked.

(Source: KT, independent.co)

With over 35 years of experience in journalism, copywriting, and PR, Michael Gomes is a seasoned media professional deeply rooted in the UAE’s print and digital landscape.

News

Rains in UAE: Free public parking extended in Sharjah amid unstable weather

Published

on

Spread the love

In response to ongoing unstable weather conditions, Sharjah City Municipality has announced an extension of its public parking fee exemption across the emirate. The decision, effective from Monday, March 23, will remain in place until further notice, offering temporary relief to residents and visitors.

The waiver applies to all standard public parking zones, including those that typically require payment on weekdays and official holidays. These areas are identifiable by blue informational signage installed throughout the city.

However, authorities clarified that smart parking yards are excluded from the exemption and will continue to operate under regular paid parking rules.

Officials have urged the public to stay informed through official communication channels, including the municipality’s social media platforms and helpline services, as weather conditions continue to evolve.

The move reflects Sharjah’s ongoing efforts to support public safety and convenience during periods of disruption, ensuring smoother mobility across the city.


Continue Reading

News

Look: How Dubai’s RTA works round the clock to keep roads safe amid unstable weather

Published

on

Spread the love

Behind every safe journey in Dubai, a massive coordinated effort is underway. Safety during rainy conditions remains a top priority, says the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).

The authority has been operating 24/7 on the ground during the recent spell of unstable weather, working to manage traffic flow, clear water accumulation and provide real-time alerts to motorists across the city.

RTA teams are closely monitoring conditions through a central command system in coordination with strategic partners, ensuring quick response times and minimal disruption on key roads.

Motorists have been urged to follow safety guidelines and drive cautiously during rainy conditions.

At the same time, Dubai Municipality has activated its full emergency response system, deploying more than 2,800 personnel, including engineers, supervisors and field workers, to tackle waterlogging and weather-related incidents.

The large-scale operation includes hundreds of pumps, tankers and heavy vehicles working continuously to drain flooded streets, particularly on major roads and previously affected areas. Ongoing maintenance of drainage networks is also being carried out to boost capacity and reduce water pooling.

Together, these efforts reflect a city-wide response aimed at ensuring residents remain safe and traffic continues to move smoothly despite challenging weather conditions.

Continue Reading

Companies

UAE urges companies to adopt flexible working arrangements amid adverse weather conditions

Published

on

Spread the love

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has called on private sector companies across the UAE to reinforce workplace safety measures and take preventive steps to protect employees during expected adverse weather conditions.

In a statement, the ministry emphasised that worker health and safety remain a top priority, particularly at outdoor worksites where operations may be affected during severe weather.

Flexible or remote work arrangement

Companies have been advised to implement necessary precautions, including introducing remote or flexible working arrangements where required. Employers were also urged to ensure the availability of personal protective equipment, safe transportation, and suitable workplace conditions.

The ministry commended businesses for their ongoing efforts to maintain safe working environments and raise awareness among employees regarding safety protocols during emergency weather situations. It also confirmed continued coordination with relevant authorities to issue guidance and instructions aimed at safeguarding workers nationwide.

Additionally, MoHRE highlighted that awareness campaigns are being conducted in collaboration with government entities and the private sector to strengthen occupational health and safety standards. Enforcement measures, it added, remain in place to address any violations.

Continue Reading

Popular

© Copyright 2025 HEADLINE. All rights reserved

https://headline.ae/