The UAE is intensifying efforts to combat mounting traffic congestion with a series of new mobility policies, smarter traffic systems, and expanded public transport options, Minister of Energy and Infrastructure Suhail Al Mazrouei announced on Wednesday.
Speaking at the UAE Government Annual Meetings in Abu Dhabi, Al Mazrouei said private-vehicle ownership has been growing by more than eight per cent annually—four times the global average of two per cent. The rise, driven by population and economic growth, has placed mounting pressure on the nation’s road networks.
He noted that overlapping school and work hours contribute significantly to peak-hour congestion, particularly on key corridors linking Dubai and the Northern Emirates. The issue has long frustrated daily commuters, many of whom spend several hours a day in traffic.
Earlier this year, the Federal National Council heard that employees commuting between Dubai and the Northern Emirates lose an average of 460 hours annually—equivalent to around 60 working days—stuck in traffic jams. Dr Adnan Al Hammadi, who raised the issue, described the situation as one that “leads to anxiety” among thousands of residents.
Addressing congestion, Al Mazrouei stressed, has become a central national priority. The ministry will work with local authorities to revise transport policies, regulate vehicle growth, and promote greater adoption of public and shared transport systems.
He said improving the efficiency and coverage of public transport networks remains key to reducing reliance on private vehicles. The ministry is also enhancing its traffic-management systems by leveraging artificial intelligence and data-driven tools to better monitor and predict congestion patterns.
A 24-hour integrated traffic-monitoring centre currently analyses road conditions and proposes targeted solutions across the federal network. These include optimizing signal timings, rerouting during accidents, and identifying infrastructure bottlenecks.
Beyond roads, the minister highlighted rail transport as a cornerstone of the UAE’s future mobility strategy. The Etihad Rail passenger network, part of the Dh50-billion UAE Railway Programme, is scheduled to launch by 2026.
“The network will strengthen connectivity between cities and communities, reduce traffic congestion, and meet passenger needs in accordance with the highest international standards,” Al Mazrouei said.
Officials believe that combining road upgrades, policy reform, smart mobility tools, and expanded rail and public transport systems will position the UAE to meet future transport demands as urbanization and economic activity continue to accelerate.
The initiative underscores the UAE’s long-term vision of achieving sustainable, efficient, and technologically advanced mobility that keeps pace with its dynamic growth.
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