The Daily Commute: Navigating the Traffic Between Dubai and Sharjah
For thousands of commuters, the daily journey between Dubai and Sharjah is more than just a routine; it’s a test of patience and resilience. As traffic congestion continues to plague the roads during peak hours, many have found creative ways to cope with the challenges of their daily commutes. Some adjust their schedules, while others leave home before dawn or seek refuge in cafes, mosques, or gyms after work.
The Strain of Commuting
The issue of traffic congestion was recently brought to light by Federal National Council (FNC) member Adnan Al Hammadi, who revealed that employees commuting between the two emirates spend an astonishing 460 hours annually in traffic—equivalent to 60 working days. This staggering statistic highlights the significant toll that commuting takes on the lives of many residents.
In response to these concerns, Suhail Al Mazrouei, the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, announced plans for an in-depth study to address the traffic woes. The ministry aims to collaborate with local authorities to develop a comprehensive plan to alleviate the congestion that has become a daily struggle for so many.
Real Stories from the Road
To gain insight into the daily lives of those affected by the traffic situation, Khaleej Times reached out to several residents who commute between Sharjah and Dubai. Their experiences reveal the lengths to which they go to navigate the gridlock.
Waiting in a Mosque
Reem Al Qaidhi, an advertising professional, starts her day early, leaving her home in Al Noaf at 6:30 am to reach her office in Media City by 8 am. However, the return journey often turns into a lengthy ordeal. To avoid the worst of the traffic, Reem sometimes finds herself stopping at a mosque to pray Asr and wait for the congestion to ease.
“Sometimes, it takes me more than two hours to get home,” she shares. “I always check Google Maps to find the least congested route. If the roads are packed, I stop by a mosque to pray and wait for traffic to ease before continuing my drive.”
Reem admits that there are days when she simply sits in the mosque, watching the clock tick away precious hours. “I lose so much time daily,” she laments.
Hitting the Gym Before Heading Home
Zaheer Hussain, an Indian expat residing in Muhaisinah, has developed a strategy to cope with the traffic. “On regular days, I log out at 6 pm, but I don’t even think about leaving then,” he explains. Instead, he heads to a nearby mosque for Maghrib prayers and then hits the gym for an hour. By the time he leaves around 9 pm, the roads are much clearer, allowing him to reach home in about an hour.
While this routine helps him avoid the worst of the traffic, Zaheer finds it frustrating. “I would rather be home earlier, but this is the only way to avoid sitting in my car for two hours straight. Traffic between Dubai and Sharjah has worsened over the months,” he says.
Exhaustion from the Commute
Noura Al Mandous, a resident of Ras Al Khaimah, shares her own struggles with the commute. “Every day I leave home at 5:30 am and reach work around 8 am. During Ramadan, the congestion has become worse, and I often get home around 6 pm, completely exhausted.”
The unpredictability of traffic adds to her stress. “Some days, there’s no clear reason for the congestion, yet you still find yourself stuck for hours. It’s draining, both mentally and physically,” she admits.
The Toll on Family Life
Shamsa Darwish, who lives in Al Awir near the Sharjah border, often finds herself caught in traffic despite working in Dubai. “I reach home around 4 pm during Ramadan, and by the time I break my fast, I’m too tired to do anything else,” she explains.
Even outside of Ramadan, Shamsa feels that the long hours spent in traffic have taken a toll on her personal life. “I hardly get quality time with my family. It affects my mental well-being, and there’s no real solution in sight,” she reflects.
The Human Cost of Commuting
The stories of Reem, Zaheer, Noura, and Shamsa illustrate the profound impact that traffic congestion has on the lives of commuters between Dubai and Sharjah. As they navigate their daily routines, they are not just battling gridlock; they are also grappling with the emotional and physical toll that comes with it. The need for effective solutions has never been more urgent, as these residents seek to reclaim their time and improve their quality of life amidst the challenges of commuting.
