Dubai's Rapid Vehicle Growth Sparks Urgent Call for Traffic Solutions

Dubai’s vehicle growth rate has surged by more than 8 percent, significantly surpassing the global average of 2 percent, according to Suhail Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure.

This increase in vehicles is straining the road network, prompting the Ministry to call for updated policies and legislation to address the issue.

Al Mazrouei emphasized the abnormal growth of vehicle numbers, underlining the importance of including the issue in the UAE Government's Annual Meetings to enhance coordination with local authorities. The Ministry is also leading a task force, working closely with local governments and the Ministry of Interior to study the problem and develop comprehensive solutions.

Among the proposed measures are improvements to road corridors connecting Dubai with other emirates, the development of new roadways, and better integration of mass transit systems across the country. The Ministry also suggested introducing new public transportation modes to help alleviate road congestion.

Al Mazrouei's comments followed concerns raised by FNC member Adnan Al Hammadi, who questioned the lack of visible progress in tackling traffic congestion between Dubai and Sharjah.

Al Hammadi noted that, despite initial promises of engineering solutions by the second half of 2024, traffic continues to worsen. He stressed the need for tangible results, emphasizing that urban development and rising vehicle numbers were key contributors to congestion.

Al Hammadi also highlighted the staggering increase in cars entering Dubai daily, now reaching 1.2 million compared to 850,000 a year and a half ago. He expressed frustration with the slow pace of change, citing the significant time wasted in traffic, which affects workers commuting between Dubai and Sharjah.

The urgent call for effective solutions underscores the pressing need for a coordinated approach to ease congestion and improve transportation infrastructure in the region.

News Source: Khaleej Times