As the city pulses with rapid growth and development, a new report highlights a significant challenge for residents: Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams annually. With the population surging and vehicle numbers climbing, the time spent on the roads has increased notably in 2025.
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Contents
- 1 Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report: Dubai Motorists Lose 45 Hours in Traffic Jams
- 2 Why Dubai Motorists Lose 45 Hours in Traffic Jams: The Population Factor
- 3 Government Initiatives to Tackle Why Dubai Motorists Lose 45 Hours in Traffic Jams
- 4 Major Road Projects to Combat Traffic Congestion
- 5 Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report: A Global Perspective
- 6 Traffic Statistics by Emirate (2025)
- 7 The Role of RTA in Reducing Traffic
- 8 FAQs Regarding Traffic in Dubai (2025)
- 8.1 Q1: Why do Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams this year?
- 8.2 Q2: What is the government doing to help?
- 8.3 Q3: Is traffic worse in Dubai than in other global cities?
- 8.4 Q4: What does the Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report say about Abu Dhabi?
- 8.5 Q5: Will the new road projects reduce the hours lost?
- 9 Conclusion
Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report: Dubai Motorists Lose 45 Hours in Traffic Jams
The latest Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report has revealed startling statistics regarding commute times in the UAE. According to the data, Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams this year, which is a stark increase of 10 hours compared to the previous year.
This rise in congestion is not isolated to just one area but is a reflection of the vibrant economic activity and population influx the country is experiencing.
While Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams, residents in other emirates are also feeling the pinch, though to a lesser degree. The report indicates that drivers in Abu Dhabi lost approximately 29 hours, while those in Umm Al Quwain and Al Ain lost 28 and 17 hours, respectively.
Fujairah remained the least congested, with only eight hours lost. These figures from the Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report underscore the growing demand on the UAE’s infrastructure.
Why Dubai Motorists Lose 45 Hours in Traffic Jams: The Population Factor
One of the primary reasons Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams is the unprecedented population growth. Data from Worldometers indicates that the UAE’s population reached 11.48 million in November 2025, an increase of two million over the past five years.
As more people call this dynamic country home, the number of vehicles on the road naturally rises, contributing to the density that makes Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams.
This demographic shift has impacted travel speeds significantly. The Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report notes that peak speeds during morning and afternoon commutes in Dubai dropped to 29 mph in 2025, down from 32 mph in 2024 and 33 mph in 2023.
Furthermore, last-mile speeds into downtown during the morning rush slowed to just 21 mph. It is no surprise that Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams given these evolving conditions.
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Government Initiatives to Tackle Why Dubai Motorists Lose 45 Hours in Traffic Jams
Recognizing that Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams, the UAE government is taking decisive, billion-dirham actions. Suhail Al Mazrouei, UAE’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, recently announced a massive Dh170-billion package of national transport and road projects during the UAE Government Annual Meeting.
The goal is to ensure that in the future, the headline “Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams” becomes a thing of the past.
The strategic plan aims to enhance federal road efficiency by 73% by 2030. This includes expanding the number of lanes on key highways from 19 to 33 in each direction. By increasing capacity, the ministry hopes to drastically reduce the time Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams.
Major Road Projects to Combat Traffic Congestion
To address the reality that Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams, several specific infrastructure upgrades are underway:
- Etihad Road Expansion: This critical artery will see the addition of six lanes – three in each direction- boosting its capacity by 60% and bringing the total to 12 lanes.
- Emirates Road Upgrade: The plan includes widening Emirates Road to 10 lanes along its entire stretch. This is expected to increase capacity by 65% and reduce travel time by 45%, directly helping to lower the statistic that Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road: This major highway will also be widened to 10 lanes, enhancing its capacity by 45%.
- New Federal Highway: A study is being conducted to construct a fourth federal highway extending 120 kilometers. With 12 lanes and a capacity for 360,000 trips per day, this project is a game-changer for commuters tired of hearing that Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams.
Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report: A Global Perspective
The Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report places Dubai’s traffic challenges in a global context. While it is concerning that Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams, other major cities face even steeper delays. Istanbul, Turkey, topped the list for the second consecutive year, with traffic delays jumping 12% to 118 hours lost.
Other cities like Mexico City, Chicago, New York City, and London also ranked high in congestion. However, the UAE’s proactive approach sets it apart. Dubai has already invested Dh175 billion over the past two decades in transport infrastructure, delivering the Dubai Metro, Dubai Tram, and thousands of kilometers of roads. These investments have undoubtedly prevented the figure – Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams – from being much higher.
Also Read – New UAE Traffic Laws 2026: From Vehicle Bans to Fare Hikes – What You Must Know
Traffic Statistics by Emirate (2025)
Here is a breakdown of the time lost in traffic across different Emirates, according to the Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report.
| Emirate | Hours Lost in Traffic (2025) | Trend vs Previous Years |
| Dubai | 45 Hours | Increased by 10 hours |
| Abu Dhabi | 29 Hours | Moderate Increase |
| Umm Al Quwain | 28 Hours | Stable |
| Al Ain | 17 Hours | Slight Increase |
| Fujairah | 8 Hours | Low Congestion |
The Role of RTA in Reducing Traffic
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) plays a crucial role in mitigating the extent to which Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams. A study by McKinsey & Company highlighted that RTA’s projects have reduced fuel and time costs by an estimated Dh319 billion. Without these 1,050 bridges, tunnels, and 560 kilometers of cycling tracks, the headline might read that Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams – or even double that amount.
As the Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report suggests, continuous investment is key. The current drop in peak commute speeds is a signal that the new Dh170-billion investment is timely and essential.
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FAQs Regarding Traffic in Dubai (2025)
Q1: Why do Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams this year?
The primary drivers are the rapid population growth (reaching 11.48 million in the UAE) and the subsequent increase in the number of vehicles. The Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report highlights this correlation.
Q2: What is the government doing to help?
The Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure has launched a Dh170-billion plan to expand major roads like Etihad Road and Emirates Road to reduce the time Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams.
Q3: Is traffic worse in Dubai than in other global cities?
While Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams, cities like Istanbul and London experience delays exceeding 100 hours. However, the increase in Dubai traffic is being taken seriously by authorities.
Q4: What does the Inrix 2025 Global Traffic Report say about Abu Dhabi?
The report states that while Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams, Abu Dhabi residents lost about 29 hours, showing better traffic flow in the capital.
Q5: Will the new road projects reduce the hours lost?
Yes, projects like the expansion of Emirates Road are projected to reduce travel time by 45%, directly addressing the issue where Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams.
Conclusion
The fact that Dubai motorists lose 45 hours in traffic jams is a call to action that has been heard loud and clear by the UAE leadership. With ambitious projects set for 2030, the road ahead looks promising. As we wait for these expansions to take shape, stay tuned to CarRentalServiceDubai.com for the best tips on navigating the city and choosing the right vehicle for your commute.
Also Read – New UAE Traffic Laws 2026: From Vehicle Bans to Fare Hikes – What You Must Know
