In 2024, motorists in Dubai spent an estimated 35 hours stuck in traffic, according to the Intex 2024 Global Traffic Scorecard. This marks a two-hour increase from the previous year and represents a 45% rise compared to 2022, driven by the city’s rapid population and vehicle growth. Dubai’s population has surged by over 134,000 in 2024 alone, reaching 3.8 million, with a cumulative increase of more than 378,000 residents since January 2021. This growth is largely attributed to the influx of foreign professionals, workers, and investors drawn by Dubai’s post-Covid economic boom.
Despite this increase, Dubai ranks 154th globally for traffic congestion, reflecting its superior traffic management compared to other major cities. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and government initiatives have been instrumental, including the Dubai Internal Roads Five-Year Plan (2025-2029), which allocates AED 3.7 billion to develop 634 km of roadways across 21 projects in 12 sectors. Additionally, companies adopting flexible work policies are projected to reduce peak-hour congestion by 30%. These measures aim to accommodate the city’s growth and maintain efficient transportation systems.
