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7/15/25, 9:31 AM UAE launches Dh750m Emirates Road expansion plan to cut congestion | The National
Abu Dhabi's population crossed 4 million for the first time last month, while Dubai is fast approaching
the same figure. A recent survey revealed that traffic jams continue to be the primary source of
frustration for motorists.

The research, based on the canvassing of 1,021 people in the country, found that 86 per cent of
motorists “typically experience traffic congestion”. Four fifths of respondents in the RoadSafety UAE
and Al Wathba Insurance study said they have noticed heavier traffic congestion year on year.

The UAE has introduced congestion charges as one means to ease traffic flow on the country's roads.
Dubai introduced its road toll system, Salik, in 2007, and the system has since been extended and
modified, notably through this year's introduction of dynamic pricing, with levies increasing at peak
times.

Abu Dhabi’s Darb road toll system, which was introduced four and a half years ago, charges at peak
hours in the morning and early evening. Many other measures could alleviate the UAE’s traffic woes.

Surveys last year by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority and the Dubai Government Human
Resources Department found flexible working hours and more working from home could cut peak-hour
traffic by as much as 30 per cent.

The government is also encouraging residents to swap their cars for public transport. The Blue Line
expansion of the Dubai Metro and ambitious plans for the Etihad Rail train network are central to the
strategy.

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