The city’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) hopes to improve traffic flow efficiency by 20 to 30 per cent
Dynamic road tolls in Dubai have reduced traffic volumes on Sheikh Zayed Road by 9 per cent, authorities revealed on Wednesday. Salik introduced dynamic toll pricing on January 31 this year, with motorists paying Dh6 during morning and evening peak hours and Dh4 during off-peak hours on weekdays. New variable parking tariffs were also implemented in April, with premium public parking spots now costing Dh6 per hour during peak times.
These initiatives are part of the “sustainable, long-term solutions” Dubai is implementing to address rising traffic density. The priority is to improve traffic flow efficiency by 20 to 30 per cent.
According to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), multiple measures have been implemented to support this goal. These include flexible working hours, remote work policies, dynamic road and parking tariffs, and broader restrictions on heavy vehicle movement.
The RTA shared these updates during a workshop attended by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. Themed ‘Connecting Bridges,’ the workshop focused on six key areas: reducing trip frequency and duration; expanding access to emerging transport modes; deploying intelligent and proactive road systems; raising public awareness around congestion and travel expectations; and encouraging joint planning and development initiatives.
Addressing the workshop, Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, outlined the main factors contributing to traffic congestion in Dubai. He cited the emirate’s rapid urban growth compared to other global cities. “Over the past decade, Dubai’s population has grown at an average annual rate of over 6 per cent, significantly outpacing the global average of 1.1 per cent. By 2040, the city’s daytime population is expected to reach 8 million. At the same time, tourist numbers rose to more than 18 million in 2024, marking a 9 per cent increase from the previous year.”
Vehicle ownership in Dubai has also surged, with 2.5 million registered cars in 2024 — representing half of all vehicles registered across the UAE.
“Additional factors contributing to traffic density include diverse driving behaviours shaped by the city’s multicultural population, limited trip planning, and a general lack of awareness around peak travel hours. These elements collectively place added pressure on key traffic corridors,” Al Tayer said.
Despite rising traffic volumes, Dubai continues to outperform several global cities including Singapore, London, Sydney, and Montreal in average travel time, he added.
Traffic-free future
Over the next three years, the RTA will deliver more than 30 strategic road and transport projects, with a total investment exceeding Dh40 billion. This includes the Dubai Metro Blue Line, which will serve nine key districts and is projected to reduce traffic density in those areas by up to 20 per cent.
Al Tayer emphasized that addressing traffic and mobility challenges requires stronger collaboration between the public and private sectors, along with better alignment of planning across all government and non-government entities.
He also underscored the importance of implementing flexible working hours, remote work, staggered school schedules, and distance learning to ease congestion.
Affordable housing
Rashed Mohamed, Chief Real Estate Officer at Wasl Group, stressed the importance of developing affordable housing closer to employment hubs to reduce long commutes and alleviate traffic.
The workshop brought together participants from 50 government and private-sector entities — including property developers, senior officials, heads of government departments, international consultants, global experts, and engineers.
ماخذ: خلیج ٹائم
Published: 30 Apr 2025
