Vehicle Growth and Traffic Challenges
Dubai’s vehicle growth rate has surged far beyond the global average, according to Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. This abnormal increase has led to severe traffic congestion, particularly between Dubai and Sharjah. Al Mazrouei emphasized the urgent need for updated policies and legislation to regulate vehicle ownership and ease the strain on road networks. He noted that the number of cars entering Dubai daily has significantly increased, exacerbating the congestion problem.
Proposed Solutions
To tackle these challenges, the Ministry has proposed several measures:
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Improving Road Corridors: Development work on key federal corridors began in 2024 and is ongoing.
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Enhancing Public Transport: Plans include better integration of mass transit systems across the UAE and introducing new modes of public transportation.
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Legislative Updates: The Ministry aims to implement stricter vehicle ownership regulations to curb the rising number of cars.
Concerns Raised by Federal National Council (FNC)
FNC member Adnan Al Hammadi highlighted the worsening traffic conditions despite earlier promises of solutions. He pointed out that federal employees waste significant time commuting, which impacts their productivity and quality of life. Many are forced to rent temporary housing near their workplaces due to long commutes. Al Hammadi urged swift action, stressing that legislative efforts should address urban development and vehicle growth alongside traffic regulation.
Broader Implications
The congestion issue reflects broader concerns about urban planning and sustainable mobility in the UAE. The Ministry’s proposals aim not only to ease traffic but also to align with national priorities like reducing carbon emissions and enhancing infrastructure efficiency.
