A growing number of drivers in the UAE, particularly in Dubai and Sharjah, are grappling with worsening traffic congestion, according to a new study released by RoadSafetyUAE in partnership with Al Wathba National Insurance.
The survey found that 91% of Dubai motorists and 90% of Sharjah drivers experience traffic jams regularly, while the national average sits at 86%. An overwhelming 8 in 10 UAE residents said traffic conditions have deteriorated compared to last year, with Dubai once again topping the list at 85%.
The surge in traffic is closely tied to the UAE’s rapidly expanding population, which has jumped from 9.4 million in 2020 to over 11.3 million today. Dubai alone is nearing a record population of 4 million, bringing with it an inevitable spike in vehicles on the road.
“Road traffic congestion is of big relevance to everyone in the UAE, on a daily basis,” said Muralikrishnan Raman, chief financial officer of Al Wathba Insurance.
The impact of gridlock goes beyond inconvenience. In March 2025, Federal National Council member Dr. Adnan Al Hammadi raised concerns about the mental toll daily congestion takes on residents, particularly along the Dubai-Sharjah corridor.
RoadSafetyUAE founder Thomas Edelmann said the goal of the study was to give authorities a clearer picture of how the public perceives traffic and where improvements are needed. The survey found that peak congestion happens in the afternoons, followed by morning commutes and school runs.
Top reasons cited include an overwhelming number of cars, simultaneous school and office start times, and overreliance on private vehicles. Other contributing factors mentioned were poor driving habits, insufficient public transport options, and limited infrastructure for alternative travel modes.
To ease the burden, residents called for more flexible work-from-home options, expanded public transport systems, and upgraded road networks.