Major new highway project promises relief for commuters enduring marathon daily journeys, as officials cite rapid population and vehicle growth.
(DUBAI) – The UAE has launched a sweeping Dh170 billion transport infrastructure strategy, headlined by a new national highway, to address the severe congestion that costs residents hours each day and stifles productivity.
The ambitious plan, which aims to ease the flow of people and goods between emirates, comes in response to a traffic crisis fueled by the nation’s rapid expansion. With vehicle ownership surging at more than eight percent annually—four times the global average—federal and local roads have been pushed to their limit during peak hours.
For countless commuters, the announcement is a long-awaited intervention. Stories like that of Mohyeddin Yousef, a teacher who navigates a three-emirate journey each morning, are common. “I spend three to four hours in traffic every single day,” he said, describing the physical and emotional toll. “By the time I get to work, I’m already drained.”
The congestion has far-reaching effects, from delayed business meetings to eroded work-life balance. Sharjah resident Jamila Ahmed, who commutes to Dubai, said the “stressful and unpredictable” gridlock leaves her with little energy for her family. “It starts my day on a negative note,” she noted.
While the new highway is a cornerstone of the solution, residents are calling for complementary measures. These include stricter vehicle safety checks, improved driver education, and a crucial role for employers in offering flexible or remote work arrangements.
The infrastructure project marks a decisive move to future-proof the nation’s connectivity. By building new corridors and easing pressure on existing arteries like the E11 highway, the UAE aims to transform the daily commute from a source of strain into a facilitator of its continued growth and quality of life.
